Expert: Jamie Yocono - 6/21/2009

Question
i have read your prevoius answer regarding kitchen booths and plan to buy the Jim Tolson book you recomended. However, the question I can't get answered is about the degree of slant on the back of the seat. I realize (from going to countless restuauants that there are many versions. Our booth back will not be tall, but about 34" from the floor. i prefer a deep seat(18") because I think it's more comfy. And I prefer one with more of a slant (again more comfy) We are hoping to build the booth at the slant we want it, then just make the cushions at a consistent  shape rather than have the cushion dictate the slant. Hope you can help. Thanks

Answer
Sally,

You're right about a slanted seat back being more comfy. That said, there really isn't a hard and fast rule about the proper angle. In fact, many chair makers use a jig to determine that angle. But I'm sure you don't want to go that route, you just want an answer!

OK, generally a 3-5 degree angle will work the best when making a chair. But in the case of a booth, of which I have built several, there are a couple of ways you can form that angle. Yes, you can actually tilt the back to that angle. Or, for the sake of simplification when building the booth, you can build the booth with a 90 degree angle and then use a tapered cushion. I've done both.  It really depends on what you want, and if you can find an upholsterer who can make a tapered cushion.

So that's it - make the booth back at roughly 95 degrees and you'll be comfortable. Any more of an angle than that and it might feel awkward when eating, as you'll be tipped a little too far back for comfort.

Hope this helps, write back if you have more questions.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com