Introduction: How to Build a Stool Out of 2x4's
Welcome, this is a small tutorial on how to create a stool out of 2x4's.
Step 1: Materials List
Step 2: Picking Out the Best 2x4's
For this project I will be using 2x4's for the entire structure of the stool. The reasoning behind choosing to make a stool is because I find it to be the most comfortable form for playing the guitar, for me of course to each their own. Nine boards will be used for this project, of course if you plan to use a different design or sketch your own more will be needed depending on what you choose.
Step 3: Preparing the 2x4's
Once my 2x4's were picked out it was necessary to have them run through the table saw to spruce up their edges as well for the overall design. *As for a tip it's good to point out you don't want to make the same mistake as me if you're new to the whole furniture scene. Make sure your boards aren't cut too narrow.
Tip: I highly recommend giving the 2x4s a nice sanding- if necessary. Even ran through a planer once, if you have access to one and your boards looking a little rough.
Step 4: Proportioned 5˚ Cuts
Now that you have picked out your 2x4's it's time to cut the ends. Not only do you want to do this so they can be equal to each other so when placed on the floor they're evenly distributed but also so they can have the nice angled shape ---> l \. I simply went to the miter saw and changed the degree setting to 5, I wanted a subtle angle but not too much. I repeated this process for all four legs on both sides parallel of each other.
Step 5: Adding Pocket Holes
After making sure everything has been cut and proportioned the next step is to make the pocket holes which help attach the legs to the seat while maintaining a clean look. I only added two to each leg for the seat due to 2 being enough for the security.
Step 6: Making the Seat
Too be honest my seat is made up of previously glued 2x4's I found in the good to use wood pile, haha. I then took those 2 glued together 2x4's and cut them to about 2 ft. around I estimated it considering I was putting more thought as to if I would be able to sit on it as opposed to aesthetic purposes.I then glued the 2 I cut off and joined them together using the biscuit joiner for max security, and let it sit overnight after applying wood glue. As you can see from the picture I used multiple clamps to keep it from sliding as it was drying.
Step 7: Make Supports + Adding Them
The next step is to make supports for the legs, which I placed between the space of each leg. These were actually the original legs which as you can tell were too thin, so I decided to save them for the supports. I cut them at the same length there was in-between each space, adding two on the side views and one in the middle front and back view. Now using a clamp which helps keep the support in place- I take two 2-1/2" x 9 screws and drill one on each side. I repeat this step for each support being added.
Step 8: Rounded Edges
This is a completely optional step, I received feedback from my peers on the overall look of the stool and they all suggested sanding down the edges of the seat. So I did, and I really like the outcome.
Step 9: Attaching the Legs
I clamped the seat to the table and used a ruler to make the marks where the legs would go. Using the pocket holes made in the leg I used 2-1/2 in. nails to join the seat and the legs. I used a ruler and tape to mark the even spacing between the legs. Using a clamp I clamped the seat to the table and screwed the legs on. Repeated for every leg.
Step 10: Add Paint or Keep It Natural
Now that everything is pieced together I decided I'm going to paint it later. I haven't made my decision yet, for now, I enjoy the natural look. Other than that everything looks good and you now have a handy stool.
