How to Make a Rustic Hickory Chair

A rustic chair is a chair made from materials that are as close to their raw form as possible, often with a dark appearance and earth-like quality. Rustic furniture is often used outdoors, on patios, and in cabins, but can fit in anywhere a dark, outdoorsy look is required. You can make you own rustic chair from hickory branches and logs using basic carpentry tools and locally-harvested materials. Once created, a rustic hickory chair will last years and add a nice atmosphere to a hunting cabin or lodge.

Step 1

Slice a 1-inch thick piece of wood from the top of a wide hickory log or tree trunk using a table saw. This will serve as the chair’s seat, so be sure to make the cut smooth and straight, and to choose a log or tree trunk that is wide enough to sit on.

Step 2

Select a hickory log or branch that is between 2 and 4 inches in diameter; this will be turned into the chair’s legs. Saw the log or branch so that you have four identical pieces. Sand or chisel one end of each chair leg into a small, rounded peg-shape.

Step 3

Create four holes in the seat of the chair using a boring tool or drill. Each hole you create should be located where you want the chair’s legs, so that they are evenly spaced and the seat will be sturdy. Drill each hole so that it’s depth is half of the thickness of the seat.

Step 4

Put a dollop of glue or epoxy in each chair leg hole. Wedge each chair leg into the hole, then pound each leg in place with a rubber mallet. Drill a wood screw through the top of the seat down into each leg to help hold them in place, then allow the glue or epoxy to dry before placing any weight on the chair.

Step 5

Select a hickory branch that will be cut in two and used to form the back support posts of the chair. Cut the branch with a wood saw so that you have two equal pieces. Chisel and sand the ends so that they form pegs similar to the ones you created with the legs. Drill a hole on each side of the chair’s seat, then glue and wedge the branches into the holes to for the back support frame.

Step 6

Wrap a piece of leather around the two back support branches and pull it taunt, then stitch the leather’s ends together and trim the excess material. This will serve as the chair’s backing so that you can lean back while sitting.

Step 7

Sand the chair using a hand or power sander to remove splinters and rough edges. Be sure to feel the chair carefully for any wayward splinters that could cause discomfort when sitting.

Step 8

Seal the chair with wood sealant or waterproof paint to protect it from damage and mold.