Picture a perfect summer’s day: You’re at your summer house by the lake. The sun is shining with no clouds in sight. The relative humidity is low, and the crisp breeze feels like a reprieve from the warmth that the earth emits.
Now, imagine yourself in the cheerful company of friends and family. You’re wearing your favorite summer outfit by the bar, waiting for that frozen drink you’ve been eyeing on the menu.
The only thing that bugs you is that you have to stand in line while waiting for the bartender to get to your order. Wouldn’t an outdoor bar stool come in handy right now?
Before things become even more dramatic, sit with that thought. How many times have you experienced just standing on your porch, by your pool, or in your backyard?
You want to get comfortable, but the best you have is a worn-out foldable chair. It’s not even high enough for your bar!
Oh, the injustice!
Yes, proper seating can be bought, but it comes at a steep price. Those that don’t are wrecked after a few uses, and they most certainly aren’t strong enough to carry the weight of your frustrations.
So, how about making your own outdoor bar stool? Yep. You read that right. And at the cost of around $20 each, you can make as many as you need!
So, before you begrudgingly add that 100+ dollar barstool to your online shopping cart, think of the possibilities!
Thinking of revamping your kitchen’s breakfast island? Been wanting to cut costs down for that home bar you’re building? Maximize your budget by making your own bar stools according to the aesthetic you’re going for.
We promise you; it’s easier than you think!
We’re about to teach you how to make simple and sleek DIY outdoor bar stools that are so easy to make it’s almost criminal!
Its simplicity is a plus since you can coat them in any paint or finish and match them to any décor theme you desire.
Let’s begin, shall we?
The Materials
- Lumber (makes one stool)
- Three 2”x3” by 8ft
- One 1”x8” by 3ft
- 2 ½” trim head screws (as many as needed)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Wood filler
- Sanding block
- Hand-held drill
- Woodcutter
- Pre-stain wood conditioner (optional)
- Wood finish or paint color of your choice
- Polyurethane (if you opt for a wood stain finish)
- Primer coat (if you opt for a paint finish)
- Paintbrush
- Safety gear (glasses, hearing protection, gloves, face mask)
The Steps
Step #1: Cutting
For your seat – using your 1”x8” by 3ft lumber – measure and cut two 17” pieces. Then, with your three 2”x3” by 8ft lumber, measure and cut four 14” pieces and four 11 ½” pieces.
For your legs, the height will vary according to your need. Make sure your legs are 13” shorter than your bar’s full height. As an example, refer to the following:
- For a 37” bar height, you will need to cut 24” legs
- For a 42” bar height, you will need to cut 29” legs
- For a 47” bar height, you will need to cut 34” legs
You get the picture!
After you’ve determined the height, you will need to cut four legs and add them to your lumber pile. Once done, you should have 14 ready-to-assemble pieces.
Step #2: Assembling
With your 14” and 11 ½” pieces, arrange them into two equal rectangles. For emphasis, the 14” as the longer sides and the 11 ½” as the shorter sides.
Next, pre-drill holes into each of them using your hand-held drill. Then, secure each rectangle with your 2 ½” trim head screws.
Once done, you should now have two 17” x 11 ½” rectangles.
Take one of these rectangles and lay them flat on their side — they are now ready for the legs!
Place your four-bar stool legs around each edge of your rectangle, specifically the 17” sides.
Starting with one leg at a time, pre-drill four holes into each leg and screw them in place. Once done, flip the assembled stool on its side.
Take your second 17” x 11 ½” rectangle and slide it between the four legs, making sure that it’s 14 ½” away from the first rectangle.
Then, pre-drill four holes into each one and screw them in place — just like you did the first time. Before moving on, make sure you have secured each leg to stabilize your stool.
Once done, flip the whole thing over so that it’s standing to its full height.
Now, take your two pre-cut 1”x8” pieces and place them flush across the top. Secure each one with as many screws as you need.
Do a pre-victory dance — you’re almost done!
Step #3: Smoothing
With your wood filler, plug all the holes made by your screws. Make sure you pack the filler into each hole to avoid bubbles and cracks.
Let them sit until everything is completely dry.
Then, take your sanding block, put in some elbow grease, and make sure your stool is as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
Take extra care around the sharp top edges, so they’ll be more rounded and comfortable to sit on.
Step #4: Finishing
Before applying the wood finish of your choice, make sure to apply some pre-stain wood conditioner all over your bar stool for a smoother, more even finish.
Let that dry and proceed with the wood stain you want. Once your stain is dry, apply some polyurethane as a final coat for long-lasting protection.
If you want to opt for a full-on paint job, feel free to do so! Just make sure you apply a primer coat first.
And there you have it — an easy-to-make DIY outdoor bar stool fit for any design and taste. We told you it was going to be a walk in the park!Now, give yourself a pat on the back and some well-deserved victory shots by the bar on your new bar stool. You deserve it!
