Plans to Build a Barstool with Arms

DIY Barstool with Arms: Learn How to Build One with Detailed Plans

This is a great piece of seating that can be used indoors or outdoors… The plans to build a barstool with arms are very simple to construct using straight off-the-shelf lumber! The barstool features arms and a back, and several can easily be built in a weekend!

Materials:

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

Lumber:

Materials are listed to build ONE barstool

• 2 – 1×3 at 8′
• 4 – 2×2 at 8′ (or 2 – 2×4 at 8′ ripped in half)

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×2 at 16-1/2″ – Upper Back Leg
• 2 – 2×2 at 29-1/2″ – Lower Back Leg
• 4 – 2×2 at 16″ – Back Stretchers
• 2 – 2×2 at 34-1/2″ – Front Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 19″ – Front Stretchers
• 2 – 2×2 at 18-1/2″ – Side Stretchers
• 2 – 2×2 at 22″ – Arms
• 1 – 2×2 at 16″ – Seat Stretcher
• 1 – 2×2 at 18-1/2″ – Lower Stretcher
• 3 – 1×3 at 10-5/16″ – Back Slats
• 7 – 1×3 at 21-1/2″ – Seat Slats

Step One

Cut the pieces for the back legs. Cut a 5° bevel in the lower edge of the upper back leg pieces. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in the upper edge of the lower leg. Assemble the legs as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the back stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the back legs as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Orient all of the pieces so that the pocket holes face down, except for the stretcher located under the seat (the third one down) so they won’t have to be filled!

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the front legs and the front stretchers. Cut a 5° bevel in the top of each leg. Drill pocket holes in each end of the stretcher pieces. Secure to the legs as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. The pocket holes in the lower stretcher piece will face down.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the side stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the back legs and upper front stretcher using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the arms and cut a 5° bevel in each end. The back end of the arms will line up with the second back stretcher. Secure the arms to the front and back legs as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ countersunk screws.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the seat stretcher and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the side stretchers as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the lower stretcher and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the lower front and back stretchers as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the back slats. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the slats to the back frame as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The front face of the slats will be flush with the front face of the stretchers.

Step Nine

Cut the pieces for the seat slats. The two outer slats will have a 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ notch cut out of one end so that it will fit around the upper back leg. The slats will be placed approximately 1/4″ apart. Secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Finish as desired.

If the barstools are going to be used outdoors, they should be constructed out of cedar or pressure treated pine (which can be painted after it dries). Have any questions about the plans to build a barstool with arms? Contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-05-07 08:00:28.