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Play Table Stools

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Make your kids their very own stools! This DIY project is free and contains step by step instructions so you can build stools from wood boards!

With school starting here in the next few days, I've been posting quite a few back-to-school project.

But what to sit at?  Now we have a few kids chairs, but I wanted to add plans for a stool as well.  Because I certainly could not let you spend $70 on buying one.  Or two or four.  
You can build this whole room.  That's Grace's Hailey Bed, the Clara Play Table and the Craft Paper Roll Holder.  
This stool is so great because it's just the right height for kids, is super sturdy, but light weight enough for them to pack around.  She's digging in the fridge with it right now.  Hold on a sec . . .
Now this is where a good idea just went all bad.  Don't do this.
Well, you can if you want too.  You can do anything you want.  That's the great thing about DIY.
Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 2x2 @ 6 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 3/4" Plywood measuring at least 13" x 13" or a 13" diameter wood round (this is the stool top)

Common Materials
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
paint
paint brush
Cut List

4 - 2x2 @ 13 1/2" (Ends double beveled at 10 degrees/10 degrees with ends parallel)
4 - 1x2 @ 5" (Short point to short point, both ends at 10 degrees off square, ends are NOT parallel)
2 - 1x2 @ 7 3/8" (Short point to short point, ends are NOT parallel, both ends cut at 10 degrees off square)
2 - 1x2 @ 8 7/8" (Long Point to long point, ends are not parallel, both ends cut at 10 degrees off square)
1 - 3/4" Plywood cut into 13" diameter round

Cutting Instructions

You will need a double bevel mitersaw to make these cuts.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set
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!

Instructions

Step 1

You'll want to mark all legs so you can clearly tell what point is the inside corner.

Step 2

Pocket holes are the way to go on this stool. I used a Kreg Jig and attached the top aprons as shown above, flush to the outside top corner.

NOTE: You will want to drill one pocket hole (not shown) in each apron center to attach the top.  See step 5.

Step 3

Now carefully measure and add the first row or stretchers.

Step 4

And then the second and final row.

Step 5

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.
Project Type
Side and End Table Plans
Stools
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 08/16/2011 - 08:48

This is adorable. I don't have any children, but still, so cute! I have to ask Ana, you have been posting a lot lately. How do you have the time for this when you and the RAM have undertaken such a huge project, the Momplex? You continue to amaze.

onehandymom

Tue, 08/16/2011 - 10:30

Hahaha Before I even saw your comment on the wheel pic I said, "Oh no! No! No! No!" LOL I can only imagine what my three year old would attempt on a stool with wheels. He's a bit of a daredevil, and I've already got enough grey hairs (and I'm only 24). Nice idea though - *I* wouldn't mind a stool with wheels ;)

bcubed

Wed, 08/17/2011 - 08:51

This stool is absolutely adorable! I really need a couple of them just a tad taller (for adults, maybe 16 - 18" height). Would be great for a stool to keep at the barn for quick place to sit. Hang it up on a hook on the wall. Ana, if you have time, could you let us know what would be the cut angle if one wanted to make this stool for bar height? Id think at the 10 deg angle, the base of the stool at the increased height would be too wide. (I also happen to like the little wheels on the stool.. lol)... Thanks tons Ana, for all your hard work...

bcubed

Thu, 08/18/2011 - 13:06

I feel SOOO stupid. I've seen that plan before. When you first posted it. I cant believe I forgot it was there. Thanks Ana, for reminding me. Like you dont have better things to do.. LOL!! Your a peach!! ;)

paula butler (not verified)

Mon, 08/29/2011 - 20:32

This is amazing stuff!!

gvandy

Tue, 03/17/2015 - 05:59

Do you have any helpful tips on getting even cuts? i made one and had trouble getting all the legs on the ground at once i realize this is user error, but I'm not sure how to improve!!

morris1

Wed, 12/29/2021 - 17:55

Overall great plan, relatively straightforward and attractive stool. I upped my game and made from solid maple, for even more appeal than framing lumber.

Two things that probably should be addressed in the plan:

1. How to keep the workpieces clamped correctly while driving pocket screws into the stretchers. Ten-degree angles in two dimensions is not easy to hold by hand. Ordinarily with pocket holes, they come in pairs, so you can use a Kreg pocket hole clamp to position the pieces for the joint. With just one pocket hole on each side of each stretcher, one has to get creative or take a chance on less-than-perfect results. I had to cut 10-degree shims to place under the stretchers and also on the outside of either leg to clamp the two legs and stretcher together to stabilize while driving screws. I used a long bar clamp around the two legs. This works very well. Would be great to add some technique like this (or an alternative) to the plan.

2. When driving the last two pocket screws in the 5" top stretchers, there may not be enough space to position a drill or driver, so a right angle attachment to the drill might be needed.

With some added clarity on these points, others may find it a lot easier to build from this plan.