PROJECTS: ROK-BAK CHAIR
makezine.com/19/rokbak
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR MAN
The Rok-Bak can be built in
2 configurations. One is just a
nice comfortable chair. The other
has bottom edges shaped like
shallow Vs, and can be rocked back
(hence the name) into more of a
reclining position.
Either configuration can be
complemented by a headrest and
footstool, but in Rok-Bak mode,
you’ll definitely want to make both,
for even more comfort.
1
2
3
1 You
2 Headrest
3 Patio-chair cushions
4 Footstool
5 Chair frame
If you’re really ambitious, you can
upholster your own cushions (as I did with expert
help from my brother
Phil), as well as the
headrest and footstool,
for a perfectly matched
set. The upholstery
techniques are similar
for most any fabric.
You can cut the chair
parts with a jigsaw and a
circular saw. Fabric work
can be limited to cutting
with good scissors and making 1 long seam — with either
a sewing machine or fabric bonding tape — then stapling in place.
You’ll also need additional hardware
and staples. You should decide at the
outset which configuration you like: basic
or Rok-Bak. Keep in mind that the Rok-Bak is
quite usable rocked forward. Once you cut the
large bottom cutout, you can’t change the chair back to
4
5
the basic configuration. However, you
can later convert basic to Rok-Bak.
Since the A side of the plywood (the good
side) faces outward on the chair and stool, the C
side, with its knots and other imperfections, will be
almost completely hidden.
Illustration by Damien Scogin
90 Make: Volume 19 90
