Build the Freeman Bar Stool

An Easy to Build Chair-Style Bar Stool

The easy to build Freeman bar stool is an excellent weekend project. In fact, several can be built over the course of a couple of weekends, and the plan is perfect for any skill level. The bar stool can be finished in a cohesive color (paint or stain), or contrasting colors can be used to compliment any decor!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 2″ brad nails (<– affiliate link!)
• Edge banding, optional
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies

Lumber:

• 3 – 2×2 at 8′
• 1 – 2×6 at 8′
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×6 at 43-1/4″ – Back Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 29-1/4″ – Front Legs
• 6 – 2×2 at 16-1/2″ – Front and Back Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 10-5/16″ x 16-1/2″ – Back Panel
• 4 – 2×2 at 19-3/8″ – Side Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 19-1/2″ x 20-7/8″

Notes About the Project:

• Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood seat (the edges can also be filled many other ways!)
• Sand all of the pieces before assembly
• Finished properly, these would be great outdoors!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the back legs to length. Draw the legs on the boards, then cut out the legs with the angle for the back using a jigsaw or bandsaw.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the front and back stretchers, as well as the pieces for the front legs. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material, and drill pocket holes in each end of the stretcher pieces. Secure the stretchers as shown in the drawings using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Note that the upper back stretchers will follow the angle of the back.

 

Step Three

Cut the piece for the back panel. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material, and drill pocket holes in all four edges of the back panel. Secure the back panel to the upper stretchers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the side stretchers. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material, and drill pocket holes in each end of the stretcher pieces. Secure the stretchers as shown in the drawings using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the seat. Secure the seat to the frame using glue and 2″ brad nails.

Finish as desired.

Have questions about the plans to build a Freeman bar stool? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2022-09-27 08:00:37.