Make Your Own Bar stools

Making simple wooden bar stools without a back is not a complicated task. First you will need your materials: wood, wood glue, clamps, screws, sliding bevel, protractor, pencil, saw, tape measure, plane, dowelling, sandpaper, small metal L-brackets for at least 2 legs per chair, stain and or clear finish and safety glasses.

When you have the materials that you will be working with you will measure the height of the bar, table or counter top these chairs will be at. It is recommended that a foot, 30cm, be left between the surface of the table and the seat of the chair. To accomplish this you will need to subtract 9 - 13in, 22 - 33cm, from the height of the surface of the table, take that total, subtract the height of the wood you are using for the seat, that total will be the length of your stool legs.

Then you will take the wood for the legs, measure and cut them to the correct length. Take a strip of wood the length of your seat and glue two legs to it this will give you a U-shape. You will need two of these leg assembles per chair. 

The next step is to glue your leg assembles to the seat of your stool, once dry you will then put in the stretchers. Stretchers are the bars of wood between the legs towards the bottom of the stool and used as a foot rest and added stability. When you add the stretchers you want to do two opposite sides and when they are dry put the other two stretchers on. Doing it this way allows the wood to settle, giving the best support and stability. 

If you think your stools may need to support a little more weight every now and then you can take the small L-brackets and attach them to your stool, one side on the bottom of the seat and the other on the leg. You can do two legs or all four this way, but is important to make sure your wood screws are not longer than the width of the wood. No one would want to sit on the tip of a screw or scrape their leg on a screw that hangs out of the leg. If you want to add some color to the wood you can add stain and a clear finish for protection.

what are bar stools

Bar stools are higher than regular stools. You will typically find them in bars, cafes, and restaurants. They have become very popular additions to home kitchens and bars. They are both practical and decorative providing function and design in one product. Bar stools are very diverse, they can be fully customised to create a unique product to suit your tastes and requirements.

You can choose whether you would like the chair to swivel or not. You can have the swivel with or without the ability to adjust height. 
It depends on the height as to whether you will require a footrest. Typically low stools do not need one; however you may wish to include it for design purposes. The base can simply be using the legs of the chair, or the column can gradually widen into the base.
The height will determine where the bar stools can be used and what function they will have. An adjustable stool will allow you more flexibility.
The seat is the key to the overall image and design of the chair. It is what creates the uniqueness of the bar stool. You have the flexibility to choose the contour, shape, and size. 

There are a number of options when it comes to deciding on what type of materials you wish to use. Depending on where and what you are using the bar stools for will determine the best material to use.

Wooden bar stools are typically used indoors, they create a more natural and traditional look. Wood is used because it is durable and easy to clean and restore if required.
Metal is commonly used for contemporary and modern designs. Metal is typically used for outdoors as it is a heavy duty material that can resist the weather and withstand damage. You also have the option of aluminium and stainless steel if you require lighter indoor bar stools.
Upholstered bar stools are a great way to add personality and style. You can use upholstery to match any colour scheme or design theme. You have the choice of leather, linen, suede, and vinyl. Upholstered bar stools however can be rather difficult to clean.
Plastic bar stools are very durable and can be a cheaper alternative. They can provide a classic modern feel to the room. You can customise the colour with a wide range of colour options. Plastic is also the easiest material to clean.