Fine Woodworking's Bar Stool with Upholstered Seat Plan

Build a beautifully crafted stool with this printed plan. Designed by Christian Becksvoort using a full-scale drawing, this simple cherry stool has all the elements of simplicity and comfort: square tapered legs, round rungs, arched rails, and a curved, upholstered seat. The 29-inch height makes it perfect for high kitchen counters or tall workbenches.

Comfortable, handsome, and quick to build. The legs are tapered on their inside faces and the corners eased with a router for a more rounded look. The seat rails are attached to the legs with angled mortise-and-tenon joints. Becksvoort turns the rungs in their characteristic cigar shape on the lathe, but you could shape them by hand instead.

Two-stage assembly. Follow the step-by-step process of gluing up the front and back as separate units before setting them aside to cure. Then trace the curve of the seat onto the legs and seat rail of the front and back units. Cut the scooped seat and dry-fit, and trim. After attaching screw block inside the seat rails, do the final assembly, including a wobble check of the legs.

A seat fit for a king. The curved seat is a lamination of five sheets of 1/8-inch plywood. When the lamination is cured, it is attach it to the base. It can be removed and sent out to be upholstered, in this case, in black leather or upholster it yourself in the material of your choice.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Size: 14 in. wide x 17 in. long x 29 in. tall

PRINTED PLAN INCLUDES: Extensive full-size and scale drawings Complete cutlist Step-by-step companion article "