A work space is incomplete without a good shop stool, and there’s no need to spend a lot of money. I’ll show you a fairly simple and inexpensive way to make your own. This version of a stool is nothing fancy, but ideal for your typical workshop setting.
Materials:
- 2 Pine Studs 2x4x10′
- 32 Galvanized Screws 2 1/2″
- 1 Tube Wood Glue
- Paint or Stain and Brush (optional)
Tools:
- Saw
- Clamps
- Drill/Bits
- Screwdriver
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Sandpaper
Protection:
- Gloves
- Breather Mask
- Eye Protection
You have choices when it comes to the wood. For nicer furniture, you would use Oak, Maple or Cherry. Since this is for my work table in the basement, I pick standard construction pine 2×4 studs. It’s cheap and durable. The wood for this project should cost around $9. I begin with 2 studs 10′ in length. Cut 4 pieces at 29 7/8″ length (about 2 1/2′) from the first 10′ stud. Then cut 10 pieces at 11 7/8″ (about 1′) from the second 10′ stud. I use a miter saw for nice straight cuts, but you can use any saw. Just keep the blade steady so the cuts are straight as possible.
Apply wood glue to one end of each of the four 2 1/2′ pieces. Place the smaller 1′ piece on the top as shown.
Pre-drill the holes, then screw in the galvanized screws by hand. I use bricks to keep the wood even.
Glue each end of a 1′ piece and clamp to the top of the legs as shown. Pre-drill and countersink the screws, just as you did for the legs. Continue with the next 1′ piece. These are the seat slats.
Now is a good time to customize your stool by engraving your message on a slat. Perhaps it’s a birthday gift or a reminder to yourself when it was made. Mine appears on the third slat from the front at the bottom of the stool. Many engraving tools are available.
The slat I engraved is set on the bench’s bottom with the other two, then I pre-drill and countersink the next set of screws.
There’s just enough room to lay another 1′ piece on its side to form a small backrest. Note how I’ve clamped down the glued piece and screwed it securely.
Next, I use the legs as a guide to measure a piece for securing the legs at the bottom. It’s 6″ long, and my miter saw makes the straight cut. Repeat this step and make an additional 6″ piece.
After gluing each end of both 6″ pieces cut, secure them to the legs with clamps and pre-drill your holes to counter-sink the screws. These support pieces can be about 4″ from the bottom.
Now we add another 1′ slat to complete the seating surface for a finished look. Again, apply your wood glue, secure it with the clamps, pre-drill and countersink the screws.
Next I sand the stool with medium 120 grit paper.
Although I’m leaving mine unpainted, you can apply paint or stain for a little color and added protection. Our shop stool is finished.
I hope you have some fun making yours. Feel free to write me with any questions.
