Build X Back Counter Height Stools

Easy to Build Counter Stools

These stools are definitely going on the “to build” list just in case (wink, wink)! The DIY furniture plans to build X Back Counter Height Stools are inspired by Grandin Road and feature a seat that can be upholstered or not. The stools are standard kitchen counter height but easy to customize by adjusting the height of the legs. A pair of these fabulous stools can easily be built over a weekend!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2″ brad nails
• Edge banding (<– affiliate link!)
• Wood glue
• Pocket hole plugs (<– affiliate link!)
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (stain & sealer or primer & paint)

Lumber:

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

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×4 at 44-1/2″ – Back Legs
• 3 – 1×3 at 18″ – Upper Back Stretchers & Apron
• 1 – 1×2 at 18″ – Lower Back Stretcher
• 2 – 2×2 at 25-1/4″ – Front Legs
• 1 – 1×3 at 18″ – Front Stretcher
• 1 – 1×2 at 18″ – Lower Front Stretcher
• 2 – 1×3 at 16-1/2″ – Side Aprons
• 2 – 1×2 at 16-1/2″ – Side Stretchers
• 1 – 1×3 at 21-1/16″ – X Bracing
• 2 – 1×3 at 9-9/16″ – X Bracing
• 2 – scrap pieces of 1×2 for frame bracing
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 19-1/2″ x 21″ – Seat

Notes about the project:

Materials are listed to build ONE stool. Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood seat prior to assembly.

Step One

Cut the pieces for the back legs from the 2×4 (see drawing).

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the upper back stretchers, back apron and lower back stretcher. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure the upper back stretchers to the upper back of the legs (flush with the front faces of the legs) using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Secure the apron and lower stretcher, as shown, using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws locating them 1/4″ back from the outside face of the legs.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the front legs, the front apron and the front stretcher. Drill pocket holes in each end of the apron and the stretcher, securing to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws, and locating them 1/4″ back from the outside face of the legs.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the side aprons and the side stretchers. Drill pocket holes in each end of the apron and the stretcher, securing to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws, and locating them 1/4″ back from the outside face of the legs.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the X and drill pocket holes as shown. Secure the longer X piece to the upper back stretchers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws, then secure the shorter X pieces. Slightly trimming the angles may be necessary.

Step Six

Cut two pieces of 1×2 with 45° beveled ends to secure to the front and side aprons. This will keep the frame of the stool square. The braces can be secured with 3/4″ screws or brad nails and glue.

Step Seven

Cut the piece for the seat, and cut the notches using a jigsaw or a handsaw. Secure the seat to the frame using glue and 2″ brad nails.

To adjust the height for 24″ stools (seat height), subtract 2″ from the height of the legs. To adjust the height for dining chairs (18″ seat height), subtract 8″ from the height of the legs.

Have questions about the DIY furniture plans to build X Back Counter Height Stools? Leave a comment below!

Build a Table to Go with these Fabulous Stools:

• Storage Counter Height Table
• Tatum Trestle Counter Table

Originally posted 2018-12-16 08:00:13.