How to Make a Backless Yoga Chair for Iyengar Yoga (Budget-Friendly DIY!)

Black backless metal folding chair on a yoga mat in a room with wooden floors. Background shows books and decor items near the wall. Calm setting.

Why Make Your Own Yoga Chair?

Yoga chairs can be super expensive, often costing $70 or more each! Instead of buying, I followed a DIY YouTube tutorial and transformed ordinary folding chairs into backless yoga chairs, just like the ones used in Iyengar yoga. With a little effort, you can make your own for a fraction of the price!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a DIY Yoga Chair:

What You’ll Need

Here’s a list of materials and tools required for this project (with affiliate links):

Folding chairs: I used chairs similar to these. They’re sturdy and come in white, orange, blue, or black.
Gloves: Leather work gloves for safety. Here is a great option on Amazon.
Pliers or vice grips: Amazon has options here and here.
Large screwdriver: A super-sturdy one is essential for prying off the chair back.
File or Dremel: My husband used a Dremel with a metal-sanding attachment (huge time saver!), but a metal file works too.
Athletic tape or spray paint: I used athletic tape for grip and durability. If you prefer spray paint, be prepared for longer drying time (especially in humid climates!).

Step 1: Remove the Chair Back

Put on your gloves to protect your hands.
Use your pliers or vice grips to grab the lower edge of the chair back.
Pull the chair back away and back from the tube on both sides. This will help you make room to wedge a screwdriver in (in the next step)

Gloved hand using pliers to remove the back of a black metal chair on wooden floor. Close-up shows chair's gloss and tool in action.

💪 This takes some strength! If it's stuck, wiggle it side to side to loosen the welds.

Step 2: Pry Off the Back

Wedge your screwdriver between the metal tube and the chair back.
Rock the screwdriver back and forth until you start to see separation.
Keep wiggling your screwdriver around the edges. You’ll hear loud “POPS” as the welds break.

Gloved hand using a screwdriver to pry off the back of a black metal chair indoors. Light wood floor background. Red screwdriver handle with visible text. — Keep rocking back and forth until you release the welds!

Close-up of cracked black metal chair back on wood floor. Reflective surface shows greenish patterns. Vacuum hose in background.

💡 Pro Tip: Have a vacuum handy because the paint chips will go everywhere!

Close-up of a black chair with partially removed back. The material is ripped along the edges, revealing metal underneath. Wooden floor in background. — keep going all the way around!

Black folding chair with back rest partially removed on wooden floor,. Screwdriver and pliers on seat, suggesting repair in progress. — Almost there! A few more spots to separate. We used both the screwdriver and the pliers at this stage.

Step 3: Sand Down Sharp Edges

Once the back is removed, you’ll notice sharp metal spots where the chair was welded.
Use a metal file or Dremel to smooth out these areas.

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING:

If using a Dremel, tie back long hair to avoid accidents!
Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from sparks.
Always work outside to avoid inhaling metal dust (a mask is helpful too!).

Hands holding a black metal folding chair being sanded with a rotary tool outdoors. Background has stone tiles and pebbles. — (my husband did this part...SO many sparks!!)

Step 4: Wrap the Back Tube

Once smooth, wrap the athletic tape around the back tube for a comfortable grip.
Stretch the tape slightly as you wrap to ensure a smooth application.

💡 Tip: It can be tricky to wrap around corners—get a helper if needed (my husband was such a huge help on this project!).

Hands wrapping black tape around a black chair frame on a wooden floor. The scene suggests focus and precision. No visible text.

black backless yoga chair on a wooden floor.

Final Results & Storage

Once done, your DIY yoga chairs will be studio-ready! They stack neatly and provide stability and comfort for Iyengar yoga.

4 yoga chairs stacked against a wall in a yoga studio

Voilà! My yoga chairs are ready for use! 🎉

Have Questions? Let’s Chat!

Let me know if you have any questions about the process! Have you made your own yoga chair? Drop a comment below! 🧘‍♀️💖

FAQs

1. Is it safe to remove the chair back myself? Yes! Just make sure to wear gloves and use proper tools. Take your time prying off the back to avoid injury.

2. Can I use any type of folding chair? It’s best to use sturdy steel chairs with removable backs. Avoid flimsy or plastic chairs.

3. Why use athletic tape instead of paint? Athletic tape provides a better grip and is faster to apply. Paint works too but takes longer to dry.

4. How do I prevent scratching my floor with the chair legs? You can add rubber feet to the bottom of the chair legs for extra protection. My chairs came with rubber feet at the bottom. Don't use felt feet, or you will slide too much in your yoga practice.

5. Where can I buy the materials? Most tools and supplies are available on Amazon, Lowe's, or your local hardware store. Check the links above for recommendations!