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Simple Modern Bar Stool

A small, sturdy bar stool with front legs splayed 5° for stability — basic lumber and screws-from-underneath assembly, no jigs required.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Seat	1	3/4" × 11 1/4" × 11 1/2"	1x12	☐
Short aprons	2	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 11 1/2"	1x4	☐
Longer aprons	2	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 13"	1x4	☐
Back legs	2	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 30"	2x2	☐
Front legs Both ends cut 5° off square, parallel to each other.	2	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 30 1/8"	2x2	☐
Diagonal leg brace, long Longest point measurement, one end cut at 5° off square.	1	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 12 5/8"	2x2	☐
Diagonal leg brace, short Longest point measurement, one end cut at 5° off square.	1	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 10 1/8"	2x2	☐
Leg supports	2	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 13"	2x2	☐

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

1. Attach the seat aprons
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 1x12 board, 12 in, 1x4 board, 4.5 ft, Wood screws, 2-1/2", Wood glue
Attach the short seat aprons to the seat with 2-1/2" screws and glue.
2. Attach the longer aprons
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 1x4 board, 4.5 ft, Wood screws, 2-1/2", Wood glue
Attach the longer aprons to both the seat and the shorter aprons with screws and glue, boxing the underside of the seat.
3. Build the leg assemblies
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw. Materials: 2x2 board, 8 ft, Wood screws, 2-1/2", Wood glue
Build two matching leg assemblies from the front legs, back legs, diagonal braces, and leg supports, using 2-1/2" screws and glue at every joint. Keep the assemblies as close to identical as you can — any mismatch will make the stool rock.
4. Assemble and finish
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander
Assemble the seat and both leg assemblies, screwing up from underneath the seat so no screw holes show on top. Sand every edge and finish as desired.