How to Make a Barstool

by DIYMANcreations

15K1114

Intro: How to Make a Barstool

Here's an easy tutorial on how to make a bar stool. The materials listed below are for one stool. Depending on how many you want to make, they should cost around $10 to build each one.

If you need help on this project, check out my video.

STEP 1: Cut a 2x10 to 15 Inches Long

Use a circular shaped object to trace a curved edge on all 4 sides.

Trim the edges with a jig saw.

Sand the seat as needed. (80 grit - 220 grit)

STEP 2: Cut the 2x3s

Make an 8 degree angled cut on the end.

measure 28 inches down from each edge and make another 8 degree angled cut in the same direction.

Make the other 3 legs the same way.

If you don't have a miter saw:

Measure 1/4' down on one of the long sides.

Draw a line from the corner of the board to your mark. (should be an angled cut)

Measure 28" on each long side and make another angled mark on the board, then cut it out.

Need help? Watch the video:

STEP 3: Make 2 Pocket Holes on the Top of Each Leg

Lay the legs out the same direction they will attach to the seat, then make 2 pocket holes on the top inside of each leg.

STEP 4: Attach the Legs

Make a line 3/4" from the short sides and 1" from the long sides.

Attach the legs with wood glue and pocket screws.

Make sure the pocket screws are facing the inside and the legs are angled outward.

STEP 5: Cut the Bracing Out

Take a measurement between the legs against the seat (the long sides)

Cut four 2x3s to fit. Mine were 10.5 inches.

Drill one 3/8 inch hole in the center of one of the skinny sides of 2 of these.

STEP 6: Attach the Bracing Between the Legs

Use one screw and wood glue to attach the bracing to the seat.

Center the bracing between the legs.

STEP 7: Strengthen the Bracing

Drill one 3/8 inch hole about 1/2 inch deep right in the center of each of the legs (2 inches down from the seat).

Put one screw in each hole.

Apply wood glue to the tip of the dowel rod and insert it in the hole to cover the screw.

Trim the dowel rod, then sand it down.

Do this for each of the four legs.

Need help? Watch the video:

STEP 8: Add Some Bracing

Make a line on the inside of each of the legs 10" up and parallel with the floor.

Attach the two 2x3s cut earlier flush with the bottom of the 10" line using the method shown earlier.

Use two holes, screws and dowel plugs on each side of the bracket.

STEP 9: Add One More Brace

Take a measurement between the center of the two braces.

Cut one 2x3 to that length. Mine is 8"

Use a 3/8" drill bit,screws, and dowel rod (as before) to mount the board centered between the two previously placed braces.

Need help? Watch the video:

STEP 10: Here's a Pic of Your Unfinished Barstool

STEP 11: Stain, Paint, and Seal As Desired!

I used a Espresso colored stain and polyurethane on the seat.

I painted the legs with a satin white oil based paint.

Enjoy your new barstool!

Watch the video!

9 Comments

lfowler4 2 years ago

Are the back two legs not straight boards. The video and instructions say to cut all 4 legs at 8 degrees but it looks like the back two legs are not coy at angles. Are all 4 legs cut with angles?

DIYMANcreations 2 years ago

It’s talking about the top and bottom of the board, not the length of the board

retiredphnman 4 years ago

Nice!. Just perfect timing, because I was thinking of how I was going to make some for my sons' new house.

tdwain1 4 years ago

Great - thanks!

tdwain1 4 years ago

Nice! Do you have instructions/plans for the matching table?

jessyratfink 4 years ago

Nice and simple! Like the look of these :)

DIYMANcreations 4 years ago

Thank you! Sometimes the simplest things are the best!