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How To Make A Wooden Bar Stool In 7 Simple Steps
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How To Make A Wooden Bar Stool In 7 Simple Steps

Wooden bar stools are a timeless classic when you want to entertain relatives and guests over a round of drinks. Made from natural materials, these stools add warmth and elegance to your counter and come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit your taste.

However, great options can be hard to find since these are not essential home furnishings. Many of those available in the market can be pretty expensive, especially if you want to get an entire set. You may love the look of wooden bar stools, but you also don't want to spend a fortune buying them.

Why not make your own then? If you're looking to add a touch of rustic charm to your home bar or kitchen counter, then building wooden bar stools by yourself or with the help of your family can be the perfect DIY project to try. Not only will these add a personal touch to your space, but they’d also be a great way to save money and get creative with your woodworking skills. With just a few basic tools and some inexpensive materials, you can create a beautiful wooden bar stool that will be the envy of all your friends. In this article, we'll show you exactly how to make one from scratch.


1. Get the necessary materials and tools.

The first thing you need to do is gather your materials. You'll need some wood for the legs and seat of the stool, as well as screws or nails to hold everything together. You also need some pieces of sandpaper and the paint or finish of your choice. Adding a sealant is also a good decision in the long run. You can find all of these items at your local hardware store for a reasonable price. You also need several basic tools for construction like a measuring tape, a saw, a few brushes, and a hammer or drill. Once you have your materials, it's time to start your preparations!

2. Figure out the design and appropriate dimensions.

When you want to make your own bar stool, you most probably have a design already in mind. Before you can execute this, though, measure out the dimensions of your stool based on the height of your counter or bar top. You don’t want your stool to look out of place because it’s too short to reach the counter or too high that it goes above the surface. Aside from the height of the accompanying furnishings, also consider factors like comfort, style, and functionality when making this decision. Don't be afraid to get creative with the design. After all, this is your custom-made bar stool we're talking about.

3. Cut up the wood into the different components that you need.

Start by dividing your wood into the correct lengths and shapes for each part of the stool. Everything should be according to the measurements, dimensions, and design you have determined beforehand. You can purchase pre-cut pieces from your local hardware store, but it’s better when you cut them yourself if you have the tools or equipment. This way, you can customize the lengths without settling with what’s available for sale in the shop, especially if the sizes are fixed and they don’t allow for resize requests. Using a saw, cut out four, equal shafts for the legs and a wide, flat block for the seat. You can even add several wooden pieces if you want to include a backrest, arms, and footrest to your stool. It’s also advisable to prepare crossbars to connect the legs. If you’re feeling more ambitious and you want to aim for solid wood construction, carve out the wooden joints you need for assembly.

4. Sand down the wooden pieces until they’re smooth.

Sanding is an essential part of any woodworking project as it helps remove rough spots and splinters from the wood. If you skip this step, you'll risk injuring yourself or anyone who sits on your bar stool, which isn't pleasant or safe. With this said, you must sand each piece until every single one of them is smooth and even. Sanding all the sides and edges of the wood will give it a professional look and feel. It'll eliminate any fragments that could make the stool uncomfortable or even dangerous to sit on. Start by using medium-grit sandpaper, then transition to fine-grit sandpaper when the surface smoothens as you go along. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain for best results.

5. Put the parts together to form the stool.

Once all the pieces are cut and sanded, it's time to assemble the stool. Bring out your toolbox and connect all the components with screws, nails, or wooden joinery according to the design and construction methods you've chosen. Attach the legs to the seat, as well as other additional parts like the backrest, footrest, and arms if there are any. For added stability, place crossbars between the stool’s legs at about halfway up from the ground. These would make the stool more balanced and less likely to fall over or wobble with the slightest movements. Once you’ve put the pieces together, you must ensure that all joints are secure and sturdy. Tighten screws, push on dowels, and hammer down nails a few more times for extra measure.

6. Sand and coat your stool with either paint or finish.

If you want to personalize your stool even further, consider staining or painting it in a shade that matches your preference and would look good in your space. To get started, take some time to consider the color scheme of the surrounding area. Do you want your stool to blend in with the room and other furniture or stand out as a statement piece? When you've weighed your options and decided on the right hue, gather your materials and sand the stool again in case rough patches emerge after assembly. Sanding down the surface of the stool is important for achieving an even stain or paint application. Wipe away any dust particles or wood shavings with a damp cloth before brushing on your chosen product. If you’ve picked paint, you should cover the entire stool with primer first to hide away the wooden texture and allow the paint to adhere better. This is unnecessary when you’ve selected a natural finish since concealing the wood would defeat the purpose. When it comes to applying your stain or paint, make sure to do so in thin and even layers. Wait for the product to dry before adding another coat. Keep repeating the process until you’ve got the shade and amount of coverage you desire.

7. Apply sealer all around the stool to protect the wood.

Choose a high-quality sealer that suits your project and follow the instructions on its packaging. If you intend to use your bar stool as indoor furniture, go with a water-based product as it dries fast and doesn’t emit a strong or pungent smell. For an outdoor stool, an oil-based sealer is better suited as it provides more protection against the elements. Generally speaking, most types of sealer can be applied using either a brush or spray. When you're going for full coverage, make sure to apply at least two coats of sealer over the entire wooden surface, allowing each one to dry fully before adding another layer. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles or drips as they appear.


Making your own wooden bar stool may seem daunting at first but with these simple steps it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. You would even improve your crafting skills and get a furniture piece that would perfectly match your home since you’re the one who made it.

Not everyone has the talent to construct furniture, though, so if you find the process too difficult and overwhelming or you just don’t have the time, then it’s better if you consider buying wooden bar stools from a trusted shop like Hunt Country Furniture. You can even commission artisans to custom-make your stools for you.

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