Folding Camp Stools

Difficulty

Starter Projects

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

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

Adult sized dimensions as shown above

Preparation

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

Common Materials

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

primer

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)

Tools

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

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

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

Step 3

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

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.

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

Stools

Room

Outdoor

Style

Cottage Style Furniture Plans

Comments

zarizi (not verified)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 05:53

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

RichardMaretti

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 16:32

hi all

This is Babulerman.

Seven-Photogra… (not verified)

Mon, 04/09/2012 - 10:19

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!!

Guinn (not verified)

Sat, 07/07/2012 - 14:37

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

Guest AW (not verified)

Thu, 10/04/2012 - 19:49

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?

Sehmket

Sun, 11/03/2013 - 15:43

Issues with seat?

I was working on this stool this weekend... I got the wooden parts completed without a problem, but I'm having some real issues with the seat. I first made it according to measurements, but it seems to be way too big... I tried pinning it smaller, and when I sat on it to figure it out, the pin broke, and I ended up crashing through and breaking the stool :(

Has anyone made this, and have any tips on how the seat goes together?

skyzen

Sat, 11/09/2013 - 15:55