How to Craft Your Own Bar Stools

In the 1970s and 1980s, bar stools were typically found in basement recreation rooms and rec-room bars. However, today, they are often placed in the heart of the home – the kitchen. What caused this change in their placement? Though still called 'bar stools,' these chairs are now ideal for the elevated counters of kitchen islands, a feature that has become highly popular in many modern homes.

While you may still picture the traditional, unattractive bar stools with basic wooden legs and unappealing polyester cushions, modern versions are far more stylish. Today's bar stools can be crafted from metal, wood, bamboo, rattan, wicker, or wrought iron [source: Bar Stools Plus]. They can be minimalist, without backs or cushions, or feature luxurious cushions, sturdy backs, armrests, and some even swivel! The possibilities are vast, and the project can be as simple (a wooden seat without a back) or as complex (an intricate design with a back, armrests, and swivel features) as you desire.

Building a basic bar stool, as outlined in this article, can be accomplished with some wood and a few simple tools you likely already own. This project should take just an afternoon to finish. More intricate designs, such as those with detailed carvings, will require as much time as you’re willing to dedicate to the project. The time commitment is entirely up to you, but keep in mind you’ll probably want to make more than one—at least two, if not four or more.

Whether you’ve built a new rec-room bar or have a kitchen island at bar stool height, crafting your own bar stool is a manageable DIY task if you approach it with time and patience. To get started, head to the next page to gather your materials.

Bar Stool Building Supplies

The materials required to make your bar stool will depend on the design you have in mind. This page covers the process of building a simple wooden bar stool, along with the tools and materials you'll need for that project. If you decide to work with metal or another material, your supplies – and the level of difficulty – will change accordingly.

If you’re crafting a basic wooden bar stool without a back, you’ll likely need most, if not all, of the following materials, depending on your specific design:

[source: Phillips]

The amount of wood you’ll require depends on the bar stool height and the number of stools you want to make. Generally, it’s suggested to leave about a foot (30 cm) between the seat height and the counter height [source: Pankaj]. Measure your bar, island, or table height and subtract 9 to 13 inches (22 to 33 cm) to determine your stool’s height. Don’t rush into cutting the legs just yet—there are other factors to consider. Continue reading to learn the process of building your bar stool.

Building Bar Stools

Now that you’ve gathered all your materials, including wood and supplies, and have measured the height of your bar or counter, it’s time to start, right? Not quite. Even after subtracting those 12 inches (30 cm), you may still need to adjust. Don’t forget to subtract the thickness of the wood for the seat itself, and if you plan on adding a thick, cozy cushion, include its height as well. The last thing you want is a stool that’s too tall and cuts into your legs at the counter. Actually, there’s something worse—getting wood particles in your eyes. So, before grabbing any tools or cutting, make sure to wear eye protection.

To construct a bar stool, you’ll start by creating the legs and then attaching them to the seat. Once you’ve measured and cut the wood for the legs, you’re ready to proceed. Just remember: measure twice, cut once!

Work on one pair of legs at a time. Begin by forming a U-shape with a pair of legs and a piece of wood that matches the desired width of your seat [source: DIY Network]. Use wood glue to join these pieces together. Since you’ll need two of these per seat (for a total of four legs), it might be helpful to set up an assembly line if you’re making several stools. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area since wood glue fumes can be potent.

Once your U-shaped leg assemblies are dry, you can attach them to the seat. Next, add stretchers—wood bars between the legs, positioned closer to the bottoms. These add stability to your seat and also provide a place for your feet to rest rather than dangle. For best results, glue the stretchers on two opposite sides first, allow them to dry, then measure, cut, and attach the remaining stretchers on the other sides [source: DIY Network]. This ensures that the wood settles properly, giving your stool strong support and stability.

These are the basic steps, but if you want to give your stools some extra flair, consider adding decorative elements, applying a stain or finish, or even covering the seat with fabric.