Farmhouse Counter Stools

farmhouse counter stools
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Build your own farmhouse style counter stools with free plans by Ana-White.com  These gorgeous stools feature clean, simple lines that bring a wood accent to your kitchen without competing.  Surprisingly comfortable with a well placed footrest and wide seat, yet still very sturdy, we can't wait to see how your stools turn out!

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We just finished up a giant kitchen island with seating on three sides -

modern cabin kitchen

We love all the seating, but now I need six stools.

I looked and looked for affordable counter stools with a simple design, but with needing so many - I couldn't find any options for less than $400. 

I also was having trouble finding a truly simple stool - since you can see through the island, with all stools visible at the same time, I wanted the stools to be as clean lined as possible. Any ornate details or fussiness could create a busy look.

Unable to find exactly what I wanted, I decided to DIY my kitchen stools.

So here's the verdict:

1. Sturdiness - We splayed the legs out so it's very difficult to get these stools to rock one way or the other.  My husband did quite a bit of testing and approved them for sturdiness (this is following a couple of prototypes that were not sturdy enough)

2. Comfort - I was very worried about comfort with the flat seat, so I found a way to decrease the load on the seat by as much as half!  How?  These stools are designed with a higher footrest - yes, footrest! - a little higher up and wide enough for both feet to take the weight off your bum and share it on the footrest.  It's also nice to be able to put your feet up.  We all have been surprised at how comfortable these humble stools are despite no saddle seat or cushion.

3. Style - If these stools had any more fuss to them, can you imagine how busy under our island would look?  We have gotten many compliments on the stools even without a finish on them yet.

4. Moveability - Stools are always being moved, moved to sit in, moved back out of the way - especially in this tiny cabin where being able to tuck the stools away frees up so much space.  I purposely designed these stools with no supports directly under the seat, so your hands can easily grasp the seat and move it.  We also add glides under the legs to protect the floor and help the stools slide better.

How We Built The Stools

So the first four stools, my husband and I built together, and this is definitely the way to go.  Two people makes for quick work.

But the last two stools, I put together myself, and had to come up with some marking and clamping techniques to make it possible to build with just two hands.  You can watch me build this stool in our Farmhouse Counter Stools Video

Dimensions
farmhouse counter height stool dimensions
Suitable for counter height dining

Preparation

Shopping List

Shopping List per Stool

  • 2x10 @ 16" long
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long (I used 2x2 furring strips)
  • 12 - 3" long self tapping wood screws with star bit
  • wood glue

NOTE: There will be about half a 2x2 leftover, so if you are making multiple stools you may be able to purchase less 2x2s

Cut List

Cut List Per ONE Stool

  • 1 - 2x10 @ 15-3/4"
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 22-5/8" both ends cut at a double bevel - 5 degrees angle and 5 degrees bevel - ends ARE parallel, longest point to shortest point measurement
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 15-3/8" - both ends cut at a 5 degree angle (not a double bevel), ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 9-1/2" - both ends cut at a 5 degree angle (not a double bevel), ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement
Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Mark the location of the legs on the underside of the stool, with the legs rotate so they are splayed out, and the short point of the leg top is on the inside corner.

Attach legs with glue and a screw from the top of the stool.

Step 2

On the inside of the leg, measure upward 7-1/2" and mark.

Attach the longer 2x2 support with one screw per end.

Step 3

Measure up 4" on the inside of the leg and attach the remaining support pieces.

Step 4

I recommend leveling feet to help adjust your stools for level if slightly out of square, and also protect your floors.  These ones are about 50 cents a piece.

Project Type
Room

Comments

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!