The World's Oldest, Simplest Chair Design
…and perhaps the world's first piece of flatpack, space-saving furniture
This type of chair was a build project for America's Boy Scouts since the 1930s, though they didn't design it. It's been referred to as a Camping Chair, a Bog Chair, an X-Chair, a Stargazer Chair, a Viking Chair, an African Chair—no one can agree on where the design first came from or what it ought be called.
Whatever stylistic departures are taken by builders, they're all the same at the core: Two boards joined by slotting a very long tenon through a simple mortise.
I love these chairs. You can keep them simple or carve them with elaborate patterns. I made mine out of a piece of 2"x 8" I had.
I left mine simple, I like how it has turned grey. I did however add a very important detail to the chair. I drilled out a two inch diameter hole, approximately 1/4 inch deep into the back board.
This is where the bottle opener fit ins.
Ahhhh - Now to just sit back , reach for your favorite beverage, and let worries fade away.
If you haven't already, try building one of these chairs. They're easy to make, great fun to build, and can pack away behind the back seat of your truck or in the trunk of your car. They're perfect for watching that outdoor game.
I got the bottle opener from Rockler woodworking and hardware.
As always - Thanks for following
Be safe and be creative
Best
Steve
