Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
Flip out furniture!
A CLEVER PROJECT TO PUT YOU IN A SPIN
Is it a table? Is it a chair? This clever project will have you in a spin
When is a table not a table? When it’s a chair! This angular design pulls double duty, one way it’s a funky looking chair then just flip it over to transform it into a striking table. Built using economical plywood sheets, the natural grain and colour of the timber gives your home that Scandi look that’s so hot right now.
Gather your supplies
• 2400 x 1200 x 25mm plywood (2)
• 6mm dia. x 1.8m Tasmanian oak dowel (1)
You’ll also need Circular saw; jigsaw; PVA glue; 50mm screws; drill; hammer; flush-cut saw; pine-coloured wood putty; router fitted with a 12.7mm rounding-over bit; sander and sandpaper; clear varnish; painting equipment
Here’s how
STEP 1 Mark out and cut all components to size. Use a circular saw to make the straight cuts and a jigsaw to finish the cuts in the corners. Refer to armrest and chair front diagrams for their
dimensions. Cut 1 edge of the seat and 2 long edges of the backrest on a 12° angle.
STEP 2 On back edge of armrest, mark out for screw positions. Place 2 screws 40mm from each side, 1 in the centre and 12mm from the edge. Spread glue on short edge of back and butt into armrest. Predrill and screw together using 50mm screws.
STEP 3 Mark out for screw holes on the front edges of the armrest, which are 20mm from each side and 12mm from the edge. Spread glue on a pair of ends on the chair front and screw together.
STEP 4 Glue and screw second armrest to back and front. Make the positions of the screws the same as for the first armrest.
STEP 5 Spread glue along angled edge of seat. Butt into seat back then predrill and screw together. Repeat to create second seat assembly.
STEP 6 Place seat assembly inside the chair so the seat sits on the chair front and the seat back meets the bottom of the cut-out in the armrest. Screw together with the 2 screws 40mm from each side and another in the centre. Repeat to attach second seat assembly. Leave for
24 hours for glue to dry.
STEP 7 Remove screws and drill out holes using a 6mm drill bit to a depth of about 60mm. Squirt glue into holes then tap in a length of dowel, leaving it slightly proud of the surface. Leave to dry then make flush with surface using a flush-cut saw.
STEP 8 Fill any gaps where components join using pine-coloured wood putty. Leave to dry.
STEP 9 Use router to round all outside corners and the front edge of the seat.
STEP 10 Sand entire chair to smooth timber and remove cutting marks. Remove dust, then apply 3 coats of water-based clear finish. Let dry and sand lightly after each of the first 2 coats.
THERE’S ONLY 90° BETWEEN A TABLE AND A CHAIR