Bar Stools for the Island

Pin It I just spent eight hours in the garage today building four island bar stools.  Did I mention the temperature outside was 100?  That means it must have been 178 in the garage.  Maybe if I had been on an island bar stool instead of building bar stools for an island...oh nevermind!

Anyway, I needed to build them to replace the ones that were falling apart that I had already removed.  The ones I replaced were great...at first.  Like with most reasonably priced (my budget) furniture - it never lasts long.  However, I found the furniture items I had built in the past were very sturdy and could stand up to my children...BONUS!  I decided to build my own bar stools.

Here is the picture of all the cut pieces:

Cut List (per chair):

6 - 11"  2"x2" (cross braces for legs)

4 - 22 1/2"  2"x2" (legs)

4 - 11" 2"x4" (upper cross braces for legs, under seat)

3 - 16"  2"x6" (seat - screwed together with Kreg)

 Here is a picture of one of the two sides with three slats.  I used a scrap piece of the 2"x2" to space them.  Obviously, I used the Kreg system, but you don't need to use it.  I found that trying to use the Kreg on the other two sides was impossible due to the size of the drill (didn't fit in the 11" square).  So, I used the nail gun to put together the other two sides to these.

You can take this time to fill those Kreg holes on the interior of the stool.  Since I was staining and didn't think anyone would look inside the stool, I didn't bother.  However, down the road I may add a paint technique on the legs to make it look old and rustic, so I might add wood filler down the road if I change it.

If you don't use two screws on the little slats, they will move when people put their feet on them.  I used the clamp to hold them in place while I screwed everything together so it was where it needed to be.

When you complete the two sides with the three slats, you will hold those up (opposite from each other).  You will need to make your plan for this part based on if you are using nails or Kreg for these two slat piece sides.

Extra structure and a place to drill in the seat.  I used left over pieces of 2"x4" on 45 degree cuts.

Added a countersunk hole for the screw.

Seat of three 2"x6" were joined together with the Kreg screws.

I secured the seat to the stool with 2 1/2" screws.

 I added plastic feet at the bottoms of the stools and sanded them forEVER!  I went thru one 60 grit sand paper per chair to make sure they were smooooth and ready for the stain.

 Ta da!

I'll add the satin poly tomorrow.  Photos will be added when I have them complete.

Here is finally the pics of the poly on the stools:

Thank you so much for checking out my new blog and my latest project.  If you have questions or suggestions, please comment or send a message.  I would love to hear from you.

Karen

More to come!  Next weeks post will be the new breakfast room table.  I'm also thinking of building window seats, but I am trying to determine the layout first.