Hello! I’m Ana, a mother and homemaker from Alaska.
Skeching
100’s of FREE plans!!
You can make ANYTHING!
stick
img
sticks
img

Give Back

Brag Posts and Plans

Getting Started

Tools & Tips for Newbies

Folding Camp Stools

January 16, 2012 |
5 Comments
posted by Ana White
PDF versionPDF version

Make your own folding stools from wood boards! Free DIY plans to build folding camp stools.

Folding Camp Stools

Handmade from this plan >>

Projects built from this plan. Thank you for submitting brag posts, it's appreciated by all!

About Project

Author Notes: 

Thank you for understanding when we decided to take this winter indoors on the Momplex.

We are having a very fluffy winter up here in Alaska.
Wishing we had one more roof built!  
Thank you to those of you thinking of us and our extreme weather up here in Alaska.  We live in Interior Alaska, so are not in need of rescue, but we are grateful not to be fighting a roofless Momplex this very snowy winter!  It got to be a full time job just shoveling the snow to get to the point of working.
I can't believe it's mid January.  Are we really weeks away from spring and sunshine, and snow melting, and maybe, work overalls and a hammer?  I can't wait.  We truly miss working up on the hill!
Today, I have special spring treat to share with you. I know we are still a long way from break up - as we call it in Alaska - but these folding stools are like the first flowers sprouting in spring!  Special thanks to Jaime for sharing her plans with us today!
Like our folding beach chairs, Jaime took a couple of 1x2 boards and made this folding chair.
$5 in lumber and some fabric, and you can have this folding stool!  Wouldn't they make a terrific gift?
Special thanks to Jaime for sharing her stool with us and giving us all an opportunity to build for ourselves.  
And for all of use to enjoy using or gifting!
The plans follow.  Also must read Jaime's post including fabric seat tutorial - yep - the slings are removable and washable/changeable - and step by step photos.

Dimensions

Dimensions: 
Folding Camp Stools
Dimensions: 
Adult sized dimensions as shown above

Materials and Tools

Shopping List: 

2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 5/16" dowel, 2 feet long
Fabric for sling (see last step)
Bolts: 2 - 1/4" x 2" long
Nuts: 2 - 1/4"
Washers: 6 - 1/4"
Assemble frames with either 2" screws or 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and glue

wood glue
wood filler
primer
Tools: 
measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
drill
circular saw
countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List: 

4 - 1x2 @ 24" (legs)
2 - 1x2 @ 15" (top sides)
2 - 1x2 @ 12.25" (outer stretcher top and bottom supports)
2 - 1x2 @ 10.5" (inner stretcher top and bottom supports)
1 - 5/16" dowel @ 13.5" (outer side fabric insert)
1 - 5/16" dowel @ 11.25" (inner side fabric insert)

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

Folding Camp Stools

Build the first frame as shown in diagram. You can use 1 1/4" pocket hole screws or 2" countersunk screws. Use glue. Top board overhangs 1/2" on each end.

TIP: It's easier to drill the 1/4" holes before assembling :)

Step 2

Folding Camp Stools

The second frame is exactly the same as the first, just a little wider. Build as shown in diagram.

Step 3

Folding Camp Stools

Now assemble the two frames by laying the smaller frame inside the larger and lining up the predrilled 1/4" holes. Insert a bolt, with a washer at the start, between frames, and end with nut through the predrilled holes. This will create a folding frame for you.

Next, you will need to make the sling, and then install with wood dowels.

Step 4

Folding Camp Stools

When your sling is inserted properly in the seat, the dowels are hidden underneath. The seat sling also keeps the folding stool open when opened.

Step 5

Sling Tutorial

Jaime provides a step by step tutorial on the sling, so please stop over and read through her post before building the frames.
Thank you Jaime!

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions: 
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

May I Suggest a Finish?

Vintage Distressed Pink using Minwax Stain
Walnut Minwax Express Color on Cedar
Medium Warm Stain

Stools, Outdoor, Starter Projects, Under $20, Cottage

5 Comments

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

So great

Wow.. I like the chair. It so simple but my hands is not good enough to build thing like this. Just buy from supermarket.. HUhu

posted by zarizi (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-01-16 08:53
clips

hi all

This is Babulerman.

posted by RichardMaretti | on Mon, 2012-01-16 19:32

This is wonderful! I'm

This is wonderful! I'm thinking that these would be perfect additional seating in our small living room for those unexpected guests... & even for a little one's birthday party, they would be perfect! Thanks so much!!

posted by Seven-Photography.com (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-04-09 12:19

camp stool

Very nice. I have looked for this site for some time but for some reason couldn't find it! Now I can finish the stool I am currently making, then make three more from your plans. Thank you so much.

Guinn

posted by Guinn (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-07-07 16:37

camp stool

I think two of these stools would work for a wood & canvas canoe rest, either as a interum rest from car top to water-edge, or when doing some touch-up / refinishing work. canvas seat would cradle the canoe, but not damage paint or varnish finish. Comment?

posted by Guest AW (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-10-04 21:49

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

Recent comments

Search

Social

Let's Connect

Tweets

  •  

User login

Not Much >>

What's going on up here in Alaska.

Momplex Cam >>

Momplex Cam >>

We are DIYing our moms a Duplex in Alaska! Check out our progress so far as we owner build a home, step by step. Read the Momplex blog here.

Most Viewed Plans

New here? Check out our most popular free, step by step furniture plans.

Laundry Basket Dresser
Farmhouse Table
How to Build a Loft Bed
Flip Down Wall Art Desk
Ten Dollar Ledges
Simple Outdoor Dining Table
Sausha’s Washer/Dryer Pedestals
Farmhouse Queen Plans
Reclaimed-Wood Headboard, Queen Size
$10 Cedar Raised Garden Beds
Storage Sofa
Storage Daybed