TRUE FOB™ Training: Dining Chair Construction Standards

1. Corner Block Installation

• Corner blocks must be ribbed and securely attached to the frame.
• Use screws and glue for all corner blocks — no staples allowed.
• Attach at least two screws per face of the block.
• Grain direction must run perpendicular to the frame rails for added strength.
• Seat box must have fluted grooves to accept ribbed corner blocks.
• Corner block wood grain must run horizontally across the block for strength.

2. Chair Stretchers

• Stretchers must be inserted into fully glued mortise and tenon joints.
• Stretchers must be properly squared and flush with the frame.
• Only fully seated and secured joints are acceptable.
• Side stretchers are required on all dining chairs (unless specifically authorized otherwise).

3. Mortise and Tenon Construction

• Mortise and tenon joints must be properly sized with tight tolerance.
• Glue must be applied fully within the mortise.
• Tenons should be inserted completely — no exposed gaps allowed.
• Mortise and tenon joints must be unfinished (no paint, no stain) to ensure proper glue adhesion.
• If a leg has multiple mortise and tenon joints, the joints must be offset to protect strength.

4. Chair Assembly and Hardware

• All bolts must meet the specified diameter and length.
• Offset washers must be used where applicable.
• Bolts must be fully tightened and tested to ensure structural integrity.
• Leg bolts must be 8mm diameter and all the same length.
• Backrest bolts must be 7mm diameter (different from leg bolts).

5. Dining Chair Assembly Checklist

• ✅ Seat box has flutes & corner blocks have ribs
• ✅ Corner block wood grain is horizontal
• ✅ Corner blocks installed with correct grain direction
• ✅ Screws and glue used — no staples
• ✅ Stretchers fully glued and seated in mortise and tenon joints
• ✅ Side stretchers included
• ✅ Mortise and tenon joints unfinished and offset
• ✅ All joints tight and flush
• ✅ Hardware installed correctly (bolt size and placement verified)
• ✅ Leg bolts are 8mm and same length
• ✅ Backrest bolts are 7mm and different size
• ✅ Chair passes physical stability and wobble test