Assembling and Finishing Farmhouse Dining Chairs

Step 1: Assemble the Main Frame

The back-leg/backrest assembly bolts to the seat frame, forming the chair's main structure.

Watch this step (2:18)

Parts in this step: (A) back legs and backrest assembly, (B) seat frame

You'll need: Cordless Drill/Driver, Allen Key, machine screw

1. 1.1 Position the Frame
   • Set a sturdy trash can or similar stand at your work surface to cradle the chair during assembly.
   • Place the back legs and backrest assembly (A) upside-down or angled so the seat-frame mounting points are accessible.
   • Rest the seat frame (B) against the assembly (A), aligning the pre-drilled bolt holes on both.
2. 1.2 Attach Back to Seat Frame
   • Insert four machine screws through the seat frame (B) into the threaded holes on the back legs and backrest assembly (A).
   • Drive each machine screw with the modified Allen key bit in your drill; do not use glue on these machine-screw joints.
   • Tighten all four screws snug; do not over-torque, as the Parawood can strip.
   • Check the seat frame sits flush and square against the back assembly.

• Tip: Use the modified Allen key in a drill to save time, especially when assembling multiple chairs.

Before you move on: Check the seat frame is flush and square against the back assembly, leaving no gaps.

Step 2: Attach Front Legs and Cross Braces

Both front legs are attached and all four cross braces are glued and screwed for full rigidity.

Watch this step (2:57)

Parts in this step: (A) back legs and backrest assembly, (B) seat frame, (C) front leg, (D) side cross brace, (E) front/back cross brace

You'll need: Cordless Drill/Driver, Allen Key, Screwdriver, Wood Glue, machine screw, wood screw

1. 2.1 Attach Front Legs
   • Align a front leg (C) at each seat frame (B) front corner using the pre-drilled holes.
   • Drive machine screws through the seat frame into each front leg with the Allen key bit.
   • Repeat for the second front leg.
2. 2.2 Install Side Cross Braces
   • Apply generous wood glue (H) into each side cross brace (D) end pocket.
   • Fit side cross brace (D) between front leg (C) and matching back leg on assembly (A).
   • Secure each end with a wood screw through the pre-drilled hole.
   • Wipe glue squeeze-out immediately with a damp rag; dried glue blocks stain.
   • Repeat for the second side cross brace.
3. 2.3 Install Front and Back Cross Braces
   • Fill both front/back cross brace (E) end pockets with wood glue (H).
   • Press the brace into the sockets between the two front legs (C) or two back legs on assembly (A).
   • Drive a wood screw into each end to lock the brace.
   • Repeat for the remaining front/back cross brace.
   • Wipe all glue squeeze-out before it sets.

• Tip: Glue every cross-brace joint, the small wood screws alone will work loose over time, and the kit instructions do not call for glue.
• Tip: Install side cross braces (D) first, then front and back braces (E) for easy pocket access.
• Heads up: Never skip the glue; chairs assembled without it loosen within months of regular use.

Before you move on: Press the seat frame down on a flat surface; there should be zero wobble or racking.

Step 3: Attach the Arms

Both armrests are attached to the chair frame (armed chairs only); armless chairs skip this step.

Watch this step (4:05)

Parts in this step: (A) back legs and backrest assembly, (C) front leg, (G) armrest

You'll need: Cordless Drill/Driver, Allen Key, Screwdriver, Wood Glue, wood screw, machine screw, dowel

1. 3.1 Attach Arm to Backrest
   • Apply wood glue (H) to the armrest dowel hole on the assembly (A) back leg.
   • Insert the armrest (G) rear dowel into the back leg hole for alignment.
   • Drive a wood screw through the back leg into the armrest.
   • Wipe any glue squeeze-out.
2. 3.2 Attach Arm to Front Leg
   • Apply wood glue (H) to the front leg (C) top dowel.
   • Press the armrest (G) front onto the glued front leg dowel.
   • Secure the armrest to the front leg with two machine screws from underneath or through the pre-drilled holes.
   • Repeat Steps 3.1 and 3.2 for the second armrest.

• Tip: Glue the front-leg dowel as well as driving the two machine screws: the glue makes the joint last.

Before you move on: Press down and wiggle each armrest; it should feel solid with no play.

Step 4: Finishing Process Overview

Chair frames are primed and painted white, seat tops stained to match the table, and a protective topcoat seals the stained surfaces.

Watch this step (4:33)

Parts in this step: (F) seat top

You'll need: Paint Sprayer, Primer, Paint, Wood Stain, Top Coat

1. 4.1 Finishing Process Overview
   • Do not attach the seat top (F) to the frame yet; finish each piece separately for clean colour separation.
   • In a well-ventilated area, spray one coat of primer on each chair frame and let dry per the primer's label.
   • Apply white latex paint over the primed frames using a paint sprayer for the smoothest finish; apply additional coats as needed for full coverage.
   • Before staining the visible seat (F) top, test the stain colour (Minwax Special Walnut 224) on the underside; Parawood accepts stain differently than other species.
   • Once satisfied, stain the top face of each seat (F), let dry, then brush on 3 to 4 thin coats of Minwax Polycrylic, drying each per the label.

Key measurements

• 3–4 coats of Polycrylic topcoat on seat tops

• Tip: Parawood is a different species than red oak or pine; the stain colour looks different, so always test first.
• Tip: Test on the six seat undersides to dial in the stain match before the visible tops.
• Heads up: Do not stain over dried glue squeeze-out; the stain will not penetrate and leaves a visible blotch.

Before you move on: Compare the stained seat to your existing table or reference piece under the same lighting before the topcoat.