This project is by Wes from Woodworking With Wes. This DIY project is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to add a personal touch to your home decor.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you step by step through the process of building a stylish and functional wooden stool. Whether you’re a novice or looking to refine your woodworking skills, this project is perfect for you!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Tools
Before you start, it’s crucial to gather all necessary materials and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Black walnut wood (3/4 inch thick)
- Kreg Jig for drilling pocket holes
- Pocket screws
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Saw (table saw recommended)
- Router
- Sander (orbital sander recommended)
- Wood plugs (maple recommended)
- Watco Satin Wax for finishing
Once you have gathered the materials and tools, you’re ready to start building your stool!
Step 2: Build the Legs
First, we will start by constructing the legs of the stool. The legs will have two widths: one side will be two inches wide, while the other will be an inch and a quarter wide. The angles will be cut at 10 degrees.
Begin by milling the black walnut down to the desired thickness of three-quarters of an inch. Cut the pieces to the required lengths for the legs. Each leg will consist of two main parts, which will be assembled later.
Step 3: Drilling Pocket Holes
Using the Kreg Jig, drill pocket holes for the legs. This jig is essential for creating strong joints that are hidden from view.
Clamp your wood securely to your workbench to stabilize it while drilling. Start with the top and bottom stretchers, which will connect the legs and provide stability.
After drilling the holes, dry assemble the legs to ensure everything fits properly before gluing and screwing them together. This step will prevent any misalignment during the final assembly.
Step 4: Measuring and Positioning the Stretcher
For accurate placement of the bottom stretcher, measure the distance from the bottom of the leg to the bottom of the stretcher. It should be six and seven-eighths inches. Using this measurement, mark the position on the new leg piece.
This method of measuring ensures that each leg will have the same distance from the stretcher, creating a uniform look.
Step 5: Cutting the Legs at 10 Degrees
With the legs assembled, it’s time to cut them to the correct angles. Set your table saw to a 10-degree angle and adjust the fence to the appropriate height.
Make sure to cut both the top and bottom of each leg to achieve the desired 10-degree angle. This will allow the stool to stand evenly on the ground.
Step 6: Preparing for Assembly
After cutting, drill holes at the appropriate positions to secure the legs together. Use a jig to mark the center of each leg for drilling. Ensure that the spacing is consistent across all four legs.
Once the holes are drilled, you can start assembling the legs. Apply wood glue to the joints, clamp them, and then insert the screws through the pocket holes.
Step 7: Adding Decorative Elements
To enhance the aesthetic of the stool, you can add decorative maple plugs in the holes. These will contrast beautifully with the dark walnut and add a unique touch to your stool.
Apply glue to the plugs and gently tap them into place. Be careful to ensure they are flush with the surface of the wood.
Step 8: Sanding the Stool
Once the assembly is complete, it’s time to sand the stool. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 80 grit) to smooth out any rough edges and transitions.
Gradually move to finer grits, finishing with 150 grit for a smooth surface. This process will ensure that your stool is not only functional but also pleasant to touch.
Step 9: Routing the Edges
Use a router with a quarter-inch round-over bit to smooth the inside edges of your stool. This step will help eliminate any sharp corners and provide a more finished look.
Step 10: Attaching the Seat
The final step is to attach the seat to your completed leg structure. Use a solid maple top and secure it with glue and screws through a cleat.
Ensure the seat is centered and secure it with inch-and-a-quarter screws. Once attached, your stool will be stable and ready for use!
Step 11: Finishing Touches
To protect your stool and enhance the wood’s natural color, apply a finish. Watco Satin Wax is an excellent choice for this project. Apply it generously to all surfaces.
Remember to properly dispose of any rags used during this process, as they can be a fire hazard when soaked with wax.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully built a beautiful wooden stool that can serve multiple purposes in your home or workshop. This project not only enhances your woodworking skills but also results in a functional piece of furniture that you can proudly display.