How to build a bar stool

This step by step diy article is about how to build a bar stool out of wood. If you want to add character to your kitchen, while spending an insignificant amount of money, you should consider building a stool chair. There are many designs and shapes you could choose from, therefore you should assess your needs from the very beginning. In this article we show you how to make a bar stool out of wood, in just a few hours, provided you follow the step by step instructions and pay attention to our tips.

Buy quality lumber, in order to build a durable chair and to keep the expenditures under control. Cedar or redwood are excellent choices, as both of these materials are resistant and easy to work with. Nevertheless, making sure all the boards are perfectly straight and in a perfect condition before buying them. From our own experience, we recommend you to work with good judgement and attention, in order to prevent costly mistakes.

On the other hand, there are several aspects you should take into account before starting the actual construction. Therefore, align the boards at both ends and drill pilot holes in the wooden components before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Ensure the corners are right-angled after each step, by using a carpentry square. Moreover, don’t forget to plumb the sides of the stool, as well to make sure the seat will be horizontal. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Materials

2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 30″, 2 pieces – 30 1/2″ LEGS
4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10″ APRONS
2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 12″, 2 pieces – 10″ SUPPORTS
3/4” plywood or 1×16 lumber – 14″x14″ SEAT
1 1/4” wood screws – SCREWS
Wood glue

2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 2’x2′
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits
Router, 1/4” round bit
Pocket hole jig

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Smooth the exterior edges of the components, by using a router with a 1/4” bit

Bar height chair plans

Make a bar stool out of wood

Building a stool

Building a bar stool is a straight forward project if you use the right plans, materials and woodworking techniques. You could adjust the size of the stool to fit you needs, but we recommend you to use the same methods to assemble the chair.

Smart Tip: When building the seat of teh bar stool, you could choose from several materials, such as 1×16 lumber, plywood or MDF. Each of these choices has its own pros and cons, therefore you have to select the solution that suits your needs and tastes.

Building the sides of the stool

The first step of the project is to build the sides of the stool. Therefore, cut the 2×2 lumber at the right size and assemble the components together with pocket screws and glue. As you can see in the image, you have to cut the ends of the 30 1/8” front legs at about 5º, in order to obtain the nice shape.

Use a jig top drill the pocket holes, before inserting the 1 1/4” screws. Work on a level surface, making sure the corners are square.

Installing the aprons

The nest step of the woodworking project is to build the aprons from 2×2 lumber and to install them into place. Sand the cut edges with sandpaper and drill pocket holes at both ends. Add glue to the aprons, as to enhance the bond of the joints.

Installing the front support

In order to make the bar stool more rigid, we recommend you to fit a wooden support between the front legs and secure it with several pocket screw. You could adjust the height of the support, according to your needs, but make sure it doesn’t affect the appearance of the stool.

Level the support thoroughly before driving in the screws at both ends. Add glue to make the joints rigid. Remove the excess glue, before it hardens.

Installing the seat of the stool

You could build the seat from 1×16 wooden boards, from plywood or even from MDF. Irrespective of your choice, make sure you make the cuts with a very fine blade, otherwise you might tear the edges of the components. Use a carpentry square to obtain right angled corners.

How to build a stool

Lastly, take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with a good wood filler and let it harden properly for at least several hours. Sand the surface with 120 grit sandpaper.

Thank you for reading our article about how to build a bar stool and we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. Don’t forget to share our articles with your friends, using the social media widgets.

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