This project was built and designed by Josh Wright. It’s a budget-friendly woodworking project that turns a single 2×4 into a sturdy, comfortable bar stool—perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a simple build with practical results.
Josh’s process highlights how far a single board can go with a little creativity and solid joinery. The final stool is strong, cleanly finished, and makes a great addition to any workshop, patio, or kitchen.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Josh’s channel:
Getting Started with a Single 2×4
The project begins with a standard construction-grade 2×4. Josh emphasizes that great woodworking doesn’t always require expensive materials—what matters is precision and planning.
The first step is cutting the wood into manageable lengths. Using a miter saw, Josh cuts the legs at a slight angle to improve stability and give the stool a sleek stance.
Prepping the Stool Legs
To ensure consistency, each leg is cut using the same reference marks, flipping the board to keep the angles aligned. This technique creates a symmetrical base while making the most of the available wood.
The original rounded edges of the 2×4 are removed by ripping the board on a table saw. This results in four uniform leg pieces that are easier to join and give the stool a cleaner appearance.
Adding the Cross Brace
Stability is key to any seating project, and that’s where the cross brace comes in. Josh cuts a horizontal support to fit between the legs, using angled cuts to match the leg layout.
He then adds half-lap joints at the ends of the brace, which lock into the legs and prevent twisting. This technique doesn’t require any hardware and helps keep the stool solid under weight.
Building the Seat from Leftover Wood
With the base complete, attention turns to the seat. The remaining part of the 2×4 is cut into three equal-length pieces, which are glued together side-by-side.
Clamps are used to hold the boards tight while the glue cures, ensuring a strong and stable seat. Once dry, Josh uses a hand plane and a cabinet scraper to level the top surface.
Optional Seat Shaping
Though the glued-up seat could remain square, Josh takes it a step further by cutting a circular shape with a jigsaw. This not only improves the comfort of the stool but also gives it a more finished, professional look.
Sanding the edge smooth helps maintain the round shape, and a slight chamfer softens the perimeter without changing the profile too drastically.
Seat Joinery and Final Assembly
To connect the seat to the base, Josh carefully chisels shallow mortises for the legs to sit into. These recesses lock the legs in place and improve overall strength without visible screws or brackets.
Once the legs are glued and seated into the mortises, clamps are used to hold the structure tight while the glue sets. Alignment is checked from all angles to make sure the stool sits level.
Sanding and Finishing
After glue-up, the entire stool is sanded thoroughly. Josh uses a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth every surface and rounds over the edges for comfort.
The finish of choice is a simple coat of polyurethane. It enhances the grain, adds a light sheen, and protects the stool from spills and everyday wear—making it usable indoors or out.
A Great Project for Any Skill Level
This stool is a perfect example of how minimal materials and tools can still lead to great results. It’s easy to adapt the height or width to suit a kitchen island, workshop, or outdoor bar area.
The project is also great practice for techniques like cutting angled legs, making half-lap joints, and leveling a panel. For beginners, it’s a confidence booster. For seasoned woodworkers, it’s a fun weekend build.
Why It’s Worth Building
With a cost of around $3 for the lumber, this project is both affordable and rewarding. It’s also a clever way to repurpose a single board into something that’s not only useful but also built to last.
Josh’s thoughtful process and clear explanations make this a go-to project for anyone getting started with woodworking. It’s fast, fun, and leaves you with a finished product you’ll actually use.
Support Josh by visiting his Etsy Store.