It’s hard to predict how someone will react to a chair. I know, not something that most people would worry about. But given all the interest and, um, ego, that I have invested in the subject I pay close attention when folks meet a new chair. How does the chair look and how does it fit. Both questions are tricky.

The first ladderback looks kind of wonky. The wood has beautiful figure but because the grain is not perfectly straight, the sticks are a bit crooked. Plenty of ladderbacks look that way, but this one is definitely on the rustic side. Straight backs are also common, but I find the straight back a bit uncomfortable though it works fine as a dining room chair. The paper cord seat (not common in traditional ladderbacks, but there’s no hickory bark out here) is clearly my first attempt. It’s a bit loose but at least it’s comfortable. None of that matters to cousin Brenda. She liked the look immediately and decided that she wanted it about a minute after I showed her the picture.

I really like the second ladderback, the short Jenny Chair. It has the same grain and crooked sticks as the first chair but, I find it good looking and comfortable. Turns out that I might be the only person who finds it comfortable. I’ve watched a few friends sit down in that chair expectantly and then express mild disappointment. On the other hand I’ve been surprised that several folks have commented on how comfortable they find the first ladderback.

… which is why this chair is very similar to the first ladderback. Fortunately I still had wood from the maple log that LJ and Cameron gave me. This time I was more diligent about bending the back slats and had no breakage. Practice with the paper cord also paid off; this one looks a bit more accomplished.

Bigleaf maple, Danish paper cord, Osmo wax oil.