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A splayed-leg wood stool whose seat threads up and down on a length of all-thread — spin the seat to change the height. Industrial looks, clever mechanism.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base block | 1 | 3/4" × 6" × 6" | 3/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Legs Both ends 15°, parallel (long point to short point). | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 15 1/2" | 2x2 | ☐ |
| Cross supports Both ends 15°, NOT parallel (long point to long point). Notched for the all-thread. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 8 3/8" | 2x2 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x2 board, 8 ft (Pine) Legs and cross supports. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 3/4" plywood, 6" x 6" Base block. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 2x12 or 1x12 for seat round Or buy a ready-made plywood stool round. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 3/4" all-thread rod, 16" Cut to length with a jigsaw/hacksaw if you can't find 16". | 1 each | ☐ |
| 3/4" floor flange Match the all-thread; use pipe-thread tape to secure. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Bolts and washers to match all-thread | 2 each | ☐ |
| Pocket-hole screws, 2-1/2" | 20 each | ☐ |
| Screws or lag bolts, 3" Attach cross supports to legs; heads will be visible. | 8 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 2 oz | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 2x2 board, 8 ft, 3/4" plywood, 6" x 6", Pocket-hole screws, 2-1/2", Wood glue
The best way to attach the legs to the base block is 1-1/2" pocket holes from underneath with 2-1/2" pocket screws and glue. Confirm the outside-to-outside measurement of the legs matches the plan so the splay is right.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set. Materials: 2x2 board, 8 ft
This is the harder part. Notch the cross supports with a table saw or circular saw so the all-thread can pass through the center of the base. It's some work, but it's the right balance of effort and a clean result.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Screws or lag bolts, 3"
Attach the cross supports to the legs with 3" screws or lag bolts. Do NOT fasten the two cross supports to each other — the all-thread has to pass through the center between them.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Jigsaw, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 2x12 or 1x12 for seat round, 3/4" all-thread rod, 16", 3/4" floor flange, Bolts and washers to match all-thread
Cut the seat round from a 2x12 or 1x12 with a jigsaw (or use a bought plywood round), attach the floor flange to its center, and thread the all-thread into the flange with pipe-thread tape for grip. Thread the assembly into the base with nuts and washers.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Bolts and washers to match all-thread
Turn the seat to raise or lower it. Once you've set the height, make sure the nuts are still tight so the seat can't slowly unwind under weight. Sand and finish the wood.