Making Gerrit Rietveld's Steltman Chair

Inspired by a photo, I set out to build a Gerrit Rietveld Steltman Chair. Apparently, it was Rietveld's last chair design. (See links at the end for more information about both the designer and the chair.) Most of my dimensions are close to the original chair. However, I chose to add about 2 inches to the height, and I raised the seat by the same amount. 

This first photo shows the planned dimensions and sequence of construction (A through I) as well as what really happened along the way. 

I chose cedar 2  x  4's -- which were really 1 1/2  x  3 3/4.  After a kind friend with access to a table saw took 1/8 off of both sides, my boards ended up to be 1 9/16  x  3 5/16. Construction began with cutting 5 segments to build the 16 x 16 seat.

Next came the opportunity to use my new biscuit joiner! 

 

Construction continued with a combination of biscuit joints, pocket screws and glue.

                      

   

Boiled linseed oil brings out the natural color and designs in the cedar.

Here's the finished project, polished with carnauba wax. It's fun to view the chair with the "floating seat" from different angles.

Brief, engaging article about Rietveld's life and work

Click here to learn more about the origin and history of the Steltman Chair.

Click here to learn more details about Rietveld.

Three minute video on Rietveld with photos & movie clips from the designer's life.

Brief video about Rietveld's chair designs ("floating elements")