Build a Simple 30 inch Barstool

March 26, 2023 Cher-Ann 3 Chairs & Seating, Plans,

An Easy to Build Barstool with an Upholstered Seat

I recently built a new desk for sewing. It is a tall desk and is inspired by Pottery Barn’s Portland Desk. The plans are featured at The Design Confidential. Yes, that is actually a photo of my desk…

Anyway, I’m a tall girl and the desk is the perfect height for me but the barstools I already have are not tall enough. Today, I’ll share free plans to build a simple 30 inch barstool. The height can easily be adjusted without a lot of effort (yay, easy math!) – just maintain the lower stretcher distance when lengthening the legs, and the finished height includes the foam cushion!

Materials:

2″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
2-1/2″ screws (<– affiliate link!)
3″ upholstery foam
Upholstery batting
Upholstery fabric

Lumber:

Scrap of 3/4″ plywood for seat (at least 12″ x 20″)
2 – 2×2 at 8′

Cut List:

4 – 2×2 at 25-1/2″ – Legs
4 – 2×2 at 14-1/2″ – Stretchers
4 – 2×2 at 7-1/2″ – Side Stretchers
1 – 3/4″ plywood at 11-1/2″ x 18-1/2″ – Seat

Pro tip: Sanding the pieces before assembly makes finishing so much easier!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the frame stretchers. Drill pocket holes in each end of the stretcher pieces. Attach to the legs as shown using glue and 2″ pocket hole screws.