In this post we'll show how to build a double chair bench for your toddler. This project is super fun to build and can be completed in a weekend. Our 2 year old son loves having his own bench and to share it with his friends. And soon to be little sibling 🙂
Double chair size comparison
As you can see, the toddler or kids version of the double chair is quite a bit smaller. My wife Britt says it is the cutest piece of furniture we own. If you would like plans to the larger version shown in the photo below, you can find the Double Chair plans here. The other version I've built has a center storage area. Here is the website post and video for the DIY double chair with storage project.
In-depth video tutorial
This is an 18 minute detailed video that will walk you through every step of building this toddler double chair. Don't worry if you are a beginner woodworker. This project is totally doable!
Toddler Patio Chair Plans – Instant Download
I created detailed toddler patio furniture plans to help walk you through the process step by step. This has been a very popular project for parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles to build for their favorite little ones 🙂
Tools needed
- Miter saw
- Orbital sander
- Drill
- Jigsaw
- Clamps
- Speed square and carpenters square
Wood and supplies
I recommend buying pine boards for this project and using a good deck stain or paint. I've built many double chair projects over the last 10 years and they've held up great as long as you use a good quality stain and maintain them when necessary. I love cedar wood, but the cost these days is ridiculous!
Total wood cost when project was built: $50.92
Qty: 4 – 2x4x8 boards $4.15 / board
Qty: 4 – 1x4x8 boards $8.58 / board
Other supplies
Deck screws
120/220 grit sandpaper
Wood glue
Drill bit
Stain/Paint
Safety glasses / Hearing protection / Dust mask
Steps to build a Patio Chair for Toddlers
Cut out the front notch using a jigsaw. You can purchase the toddler patio furniture plans here if interested!
Assemble legs
Here is the left side assembly for the legs. The notch will point toward the front of the chair. 2 1/2 inch long screws are used to assemble the 2×4 boards to each other.
The left and right leg assemblies should match up after making them. The rear leg has a parallel angle at each end.
Connect front support board
Connect the front support board using wood screws from the back side of the notch.
Rear support board
The rear support board is built out of a 2×4 board. When flipped upside down, it will rest flat on the lower side of the lower cross support.
Backrest supports
Connect the backrest supports using 2 1/2 inch screws. Round over the top edge with a jigsaw.
Seat slats
The seat slats for the toddler double chair bench are made out of 1×4 boards. Three slats are used for the seat and three slats are used for the backrest.
Build armrests and center table
The armrests and top of the center table are made out of 1×4 boards.
Test it out!
I took the chair up to the kitchen to have our son Jack test it out. He approved, so I moved onto the next step.
Add stain or finish
Add a stain or finish of your choice. I brushed on 2-3 thin coats of a semi transparent deck stain. The specific stain I used is called Olympic Maximum in Cedar Natural Tone.
Enjoy!
It's time to gift the special little toddler of yours with their brand new chair! Jack loves his. He and Grandma tested it for an evening around the fire.
Get the plans
If you'd like the plans for this project you can download the Toddler double chair project plans here. Have fun with the build!