Simple Furniture Designs
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easy wood stool
Link to Google 3D Warehouse 
#42 Child’s wood stool made easy
Sunday, July 24, 2011
I’m not sure this is the simplest child’s wood stool in the world, but it must be close to it. There’re a lot of variations to this 12” high stool using different stock lumber; this is probably the easiest and most straight forward to make using 1x4’s for the seat and skirts and 2x2 legs. And it’s strong using the overlapping joint for the leg connections.
Step #1: Cut all pieces. Again, all stock materials as noted. One 8’ x 1x4 and one 4’ x 2x2 should do the job. The
closest stock metric size should also work. Ease/round over (by sanding or routing) all exposed edges now while they are easy to handle. You can also use recycle/random width stock for the seat, but adjust the side skirt length to match.
Step #2: Drill pilot holes for the nails to prevent splitting. I used 1 1/2” wire brads, but 3d or 4d finish nails are good. I also used #6 square drive wood trim screws to attach the side skirts because it was easier for me to hold the leg assemblies with clamps, but be sure to drill clearance holes for the screws -- not pilot holes. If you want to make the stool with a clear finish and exposed screws, be neater in the layout and countersinking. And erase your pencil marks.
Step #3: Make the two leg assemblies. Check for square before the glue sets so you can still make adjustments. Let them dry a while so you wont upset the square when you attach the side skirts.
Step #4: Attach the side skirts. Be careful when you nail to support the legs to absorb the hammering. That’s why I
used screws -- your choice. Quickly check for level and square before the glue sets. Adding weight to the frame while it dries may also help it rest level.
Step #5: Now glue and nail on the seat planks using 1/4” spacers. I clamped a 3/4” board to a side skirt as the
overhang spacer. You can feel the 1/4” side overlap with your fingers. Nailing works well here since you are going
straight down with the frame supported by the table/work bench.
Step #6: Set the nails and fill the holes for finishing with a child friendly finish.
Assembly notes:
Another version:
This one has a hand hold and uses 1x3 seat planks. The side skirt is slightly smaller, too.
