Build a Ladderback Chair
Instructor: Craig Stevens
September 11 - October 30, 2025 6pm - 9pm (8 Thursday evenings)
The ladderback chair is a style of chair whose basic design has been popular for many generations. Using both machines and hand tools, students in our ladderback chair class will learn essential chair building skills, including layout strategies, angled mortise and tenon joinery, pattern routing, and working with curves. They also learn how to determine pleasing grain patterns when cutting curves and weave a comfortable seat using Shaker cotton tape.
Craig designed our ladderback chair many years ago as a commissioned set and has made a number of them since. It’s a highly satisfying project that serves as an excellent introduction to chairmaking. Students will gain valuable skills in the class that can easily be applied to future chair-making projects. Each student will make their own ladderback chair.
Students will also learn how to weave a Shaker tape seat. Students will apply an oil finish at home to ensure their chairs are dry for the weaving session on the last evening. Instruction for applying the finish as well recommended brands to use will be given. Students may choose the shaker tape color for their chairs, which is included in the class fee.
Cost includes all materials, shaker cotton tape and weaving supplies for the seats.