Wooden stools come in various types, each designed for different purposes, styles, and levels of complexity in construction. In the following paragraphs, I’ll discuss and illustrate common wooden stool designs and their construction.
Description: At bars, kitchen counters, and high-top tables, people use taller stools. They often feature a simple, minimalist design with a round, square, or sometimes a more ergonomic seat.
Construction: The stool usually consists of a wooden seat attached to four legs (sometimes with a footrest). The legs can be straight or slightly tapered, and the seat is often flat, although contoured options exist. I assemble the stool by attaching the legs with screws, dowels, or mortise-and-tenon joints.
2. Backed Stools
Description: These stools have a backrest, making them more comfortable for extended seating. People commonly use dining counters or breakfast bars instead of traditional dining tables. They come in various designs, from simple and traditional to modern with sleek lines.
Description: Smaller stools, with heights typically lower than standard ones, are used for resting your feet. They often serve a decorative purpose and can be found in living rooms, bedrooms, or near chairs.
Construction: These stools can range from simple to elaborate. They usually have four wooden legs with a flat or padded seat. The construction is relatively straightforward, involving wooden legs and a seat that might be upholstered or left as a simple wooden surface. The legs are often attached using dowels, screws, or corner blocks.
Description: This type of stool combines functionality with storage.The seat can be lifted to reveal an empty interior, which is beneficial in living rooms or entryways where extra storage is desirable.
Construction: These stools often feature a solid wooden frame with a hinged top. The seat can be either flat or slightly cushioned, and the storage compartment can be simple or have dividers depending on the design. The wooden frame is usually constructed using traditional joinery methods like dovetail joints or screws.
5. Step Stools
Description: People use these stools to reach higher shelves or objects. They are typically wider and feature one or two steps.
Construction: We make step stools out of sturdy wood with a flat top and side rails. The steps may be wide enough to support a foot comfortably, and the stool often features non-slip surfaces on the steps for safety. Construction involves attaching the side rails to the steps, often with screws or dowels, and reinforcing with crossbars for stability.
6. Folding Stools
Description: The design of these stools permits simple collapsing and storage.They are lightweight and compact, often used for outdoor events, camping, or in tight spaces.
Construction: You can typically make folding stools from a combination of wood and metal or just lightweight wood. The legs of the stool, which can be hinged and lowered, offer the choice between a solid wood panel and a slatted seat.
7. Barrel Stools
Description: The design of barrel stools is reminiscent of wine or whiskey barrels, with similar shapes and features. They have a distinctive curved design.
Construction: Barrel stools may have a more intricate build, with the wood shaped into the barrel’s distinctive contours. A natural or weathered look often finishes them.
8. Milking Stools
Description: Farmers historically used milking stools, a traditional design featuring three-legged stools with small, round seats, during the milking process.
With mortise-and-tenon joints, I construct a solid wooden stool by joining three angled legs and a circular seat. The design eliminates the need for screws or nails. The design is quite simple and functional, with no backrest or footrest.
9. Ottoman Stools
Description: These are larger stools, often upholstered, and used in living rooms as a footrest or additional seating. They may be square, round, or rectangular in shape.
Construction: Ottoman stools typically have a wooden frame with soft padding over the seat. The upholstery can be fabric, leather, or even vinyl. These stools often feature wooden legs, which can be simple or ornate. The frame construction is similar to that of a small couch, often using a combination of solid wood and plywood for strength and stability.
10. Designer/Modern Wooden Stools
Description: Contemporary stool designs emphasize simplicity and understated elegance. These stools may feature unique shapes, unconventional leg structures, or artistic touches.
Construction: The materials used in designer stools vary, but they usually feature high-quality wood and may include curved wood or layered plywood. hand. These stools can have intricate joints or supports, and the design often emphasizes clean lines and modern finishes.
Common Construction Techniques
Mortise and Tenon Joints: A classic woodworking joint where a “tenon” (a protruding part of the wood) fits into a “mortise” (a hole or slot in the adjoining piece). This is a very strong and stable joint, often used in more traditional stool designs.
Screws and Dowels: Many modern stools use screws or dowels to attach the legs to the seat, providing a quick and secure method of assembly.
Crossbars and Corner Braces: For additional strength, stools with more intricate structures (like storage stools) may have crossbars between the legs or corner braces to reinforce the frame.
Using different woodworking methods and tools, one can make each type of stool. Ranging from simple hand tools to advanced machinery for precision cutting and shaping, the process varies for every stool. The material can vary from solid hardwood (like oak, maple, or walnut) to plywood or MDF for budget-friendly options. You can finish the wood by staining it, painting it, or leaving it natural to showcase the grain.