How to Build a Backless Bar Stool

Cut 4-by-4-inch lumber with a saw into four legs approximately equal to the height you want the seat to be.

Draw a circle of whatever diameter you desire for the stool's seat on a sheet of 1/2-inch plywood. You will cut this out to serve as the base of the seat. Seats typically measure around 15 inches across, but you may want it larger or smaller depending on your own size and comfort.

Divide 2-by-2-inch lumber into four pieces to form a square frame that will fit evenly within the circle for the seat, 1 inch from the outer edges of the circle. To get an accurate measurement, subtract the width of the legs from each board, as these pieces will form the support boards that will stretch between the legs. Lay them aside after cutting them.

Cut out the circle with a saw. Lay out three 2-by-6-inch boards flat, so that they measure 18 inches across, and place the circle on top. Depending on the size of the circle you drew, it may or may not cover all the boards. Use a pencil and trace around the circle. Cut out the circle from these boards as well.

Screw the legs into place approximately 1 diagonal inch from the circle’s edge, from the top of the circle and using 3-inch screws.

Fix the support boards you cut earlier into place between the legs using 4-inch screws. At this point, the basic structure of a stool should be visible, with four vertical legs and a thin seat.

Line the top of the stool with strong wood glue and lay the circular board cutouts on top of it, clamping them together until fixed. Screw them into the plywood base using countersunk 3-inch screws.

Spray a strong adhesive to the top of the boards and the side of the stool seat and apply a wood laminate along the outside of the stool. Use a handheld power router to trim any access from the top and bottom and apply the laminate to the top. Trim any access with a router.