These simple stools were built and designed by Gunflint Designs, and they’re perfect for any space that needs a little seating.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Wood for legs and seats (walnut recommended)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Epoxy (for filling knots)
- Tongue oil (for finishing)
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Drill/Driver
- Plug cutter
- Jointer
- Clamp
Step 1: Cutting the Legs
To start off, I cut the rough spots out of my lumber and planed it down to size. Then, I began shaping the legs. I cut an angle into a scrap piece to visualize the end result and to help set up my tools.
If you want to build this stool at home, I’ll leave a link in the description to a basic diagram. The key angle to remember is 7 degrees. Setting my compound miter saw to this angle, I cut one end off each leg piece.
Step 2: Cutting the Cross Supports
Next, I moved on to the cross supports that will hold the legs together. I matched the fence angle on my jointer to the same 7-degree angle. This step isn’t necessary, but I prefer the look of the horizontal components being parallel to the ground.
After cutting the supports to length, I noticed one of the pieces had a funky knot. Instead of hiding it, I showcased it by filling it with epoxy. This adds character to the stool!
Step 3: Joining the Pieces
Once all components are cut to size, the joinery is straightforward. I clamped the pieces down to my workbench and pre-drilled pilot holes. Then, I added glue and drove in some screws for a strong connection.
This process was repeated for each pair of legs, connecting them with both the top and bottom supports until I had four sets of legs.
Step 4: Adding the Seats
After constructing the legs, I glued together some chunky tops to make the seats. I cut them to size and added bevels on the underside for a more comfortable look. Initially, I used a 7-degree angle but later adjusted it to 14 degrees for better aesthetics.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
After sanding everything down, I applied a healthy coat of tongue oil for a nice finish. The tops were mounted to the legs by drilling through the supports into the seat. These holes are centered with the grain to accommodate wood movement.
Step 6: Comfort Upgrade
Initially, the walnut top was too uncomfortable, causing my legs to hurt against the sharp corners. After a few weeks of discomfort, I replaced it with a cushioned bar stool top. This upgrade made a significant difference in comfort.
Final Thoughts
While I’ve provided a basic diagram for the stool, you really just need to remember that all angles should be cut at 7 degrees. Adjust the leg length and height to suit your needs.
For more detailed plans and links to the materials, check out this link.