DIY Plans to Build a McKenzie Bar Stool

A Bar Stool Plan Suitable for All Skill Levels

Looking for some new barstools? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you! Our DIY plans for the McKenzie Bar Stool are absolutely fantastic! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these plans are perfect for everyone. With a sleek flat seat and stylish X bracing detail on the sides, this bar stool will definitely impress your friends and family. So why wait? Show off your amazing skills while having a great time with your loved ones!

Materials:

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

Lumber:

Lumber listed is to build ONE bar stool

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

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 23-1/2″ – Legs
• 8 – 1×2 at 11-1/4″ – Stretchers
• 2 – 1×2 at 9-5/16″ – X Bracing
• 2 – 1×2 at 7-7/16″ – X Bracing
• 2 – 1×2 at 17-15/16″ – X Bracing
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15-1/4″ x 15-1/4″ – Seat

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs. There will be an angle cut on two adjoining faces at the lower end of each leg. The angles will face to the inside when the bar stool frame is assembled. Cut the angles using a jigsaw or a tapering jig on a table saw.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the stretchers. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure the stretchers to the legs (as indicated in the drawings) using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the X bracing. Cut the angles as indicated in the drawings – the angles can also be cut by making a mark at the measurement indicated and drawing a diagonal line from the corner of the board to the mark. Drill pocket holes in the shorter pieces as indicated. Assemble the bracing using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Insert the X braces in the opening on each side of the bar stool frame. Secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails through the bracing into the legs or stretchers.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the seat. The seat will overhang the frame by 1/2″ on all sides. Secure the seat to the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Finish as desired.

The height of the bar stool is also easy to customize to counter-height by adjusting the length of the legs. The side detail and stretchers will remain in the same position!

The barstools would be fabulous in the kitchen or at a home bar plus the DIY bar stool plans are really easy so several can be built in a weekend! Leave a comment below or contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com if there are any questions about how to build a McKenzie Bar Stool!

Originally posted 2014-10-09 08:00:48.