How to Build a Basic Wood Barstool

Cutting

• 1

  Cut a 1 1/2-inch length of 1-by-12-inch lumber. This is the stool top.

• 2

  Cut two 1-by-4-inch boards measuring 11 1/2 inches long; these are the short aprons for the seat.

• 3

  Cut two long aprons for the seat from 1-by-4-inch lumber measuring 13-inches long. Label these aprons so that you do not get them mixed up with the short aprons.

• 4

  Cut four lengths of 2-by-2-inch lumber to measure 30 inches long. These are the long pieces for the legs of the stool.

• 5

  Cut four lengths of 2-by-2-inch lumber to measure 10-inches long. These are the short pieces for the legs.

• 6

  Cut two 13-inch long lengths of 2-by-2-inch lumber. These are the stretchers for the legs of the stool.

Assembly

• 7

  Place the seat flat in front of you on a level surface. Place one of the short seat aprons up on its side against the edge of the top piece. Arrange the second short apron in the same way on the side parallel to it. Attach the aprons to the top using wood glue and 2 1/2-inch wood screws.

• 8

  Place the long aprons against the bare edges of the seat piece. Arrange them so their ends are flush with the ends of the short aprons. Attach them to the short aprons and seat using wood glue and screws. Set the seat aside for later use.

• 9

  Place two of the long leg pieces and two of the short leg pieces in front of you on a flat surface. Place the long pieces down flat and arrange them so they are parallel with each other and 10 inches apart. Slide the two short pieces in-between and arrange them, forming a rectangle. Attach the pieces together using a dab of glue and one wood screw at each corner.

• 10

  Repeat step 3 to make a second leg for the stool. Set both legs up on one of their short sides and arrange them in line with each other and about 13 inches apart.

• 11

  Place the seat on top of the legs and slide it down so that the top, short piece of the legs is even with the seat top. Attach the legs to the seat using wood screws.

• 12

  Place one of the stretcher boards across the front of the stool, in-between the two legs. Adjust the board until it is halfway up the legs of the stool then glue and screw in place. Repeat with the second stretcher on the back of the stool.

Finishing

• 13

  Use 120-grit sandpaper to sand the stool. This should smooth out all rough edges and corners.

• 14

  Apply an even coat of wood primer to the bench using a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry completely.

• 15

  Paint the bench a desired color, covering up all the primer.