Western Red Cedar Chair — Built to Sit, Built to Last

A Few Chairs In

This isn’t my first chair. I’ve been building them for a few years now — for friends, family, and folks around town. I sell them locally on Facebook, and every one’s been built by hand, right here in the shop.

With this one, I wanted something that would last. I used the best cedar I could get my hands on — clean grain, solid boards. I wasn’t trying to cut corners. I wanted great value, and I wanted this chair to be the best around.

When I started, I didn’t have many tools. Just the basics. But the quality’s always been steady. I’m faster now, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way — little things that make the build smoother, the finish cleaner, and the chair feel just right.

Materials & Tools

I used western red cedar for these chairs. It’s rot-resistant, takes stain beautifully, and smells incredible in the shop. It’s the kind of wood that makes you want to keep building.

I work with a mix of power tools and hand tools. I start with a rough outline — kind of like a writer sketching a first draft — and slowly shape each piece until it fits like a puzzle. It’s not high-tech. I made my own templates and trace them by hand. Just a pencil, a square, and a measuring tape. That’s all I need.

The Build Process

I start with straight cuts using my table saw and miter saw — they’re reliable and get the job done clean. For curves and shaping, I switch to the band saw and power sander. It has a good rhythm once you get into it.

I use coated outdoor deck screws — they don’t split the wood and won’t rust over time. It’s worth using the best when you want something to last.

The cedar I buy is finish-ready, but I still sand each piece smooth. I’m careful not to overdo it — sanding too much can clog the wood’s pores and make the stain go on blotchy. It’s a balance between smooth and breathable.

I filmed this build from start to finish — one chair, two hours, a personal best. It felt good to document the process. This is a journey I’ve started and want to keep going. It’s rewarding work, and I’m proud of how this one turned out.

Reflections

Building chairs over the years has taught me to trust the process. Each step matters — from the first cut to the final sanding. I’ve learned to move through the build with intention, making sure everything flows from one station to the next. No backtracking. No patch jobs. Just steady progress, stage by stage.

There’s something special about turning raw wood into something useful and beautiful. A chair that might sit on a deck for decades, part of someone’s quiet moments and daily rest. That’s the kind of work I want to keep doing.

Call to Action

You can watch the full build here and see how it came together.

If you’d like one of these chairs, reach out here. I build each one by hand, and I’d be glad to make one for you.

I’ll be starting a cedar sauna build soon — there’s a waitlist open for anyone interested. It’s going to be something special. click here to sign up.