26 DIY Bar Stool Ideas For Your Kitchen, Dining Room, and Outdoor Patio

Whether you’re looking to build out a rustic kitchen theme or simply fill up the space with wooden accent pieces, this project might be well suited for you.

In essence, this is a classic kitchen bar stool with a little more style and flair.

Finished with either a good wood stain or a couple coats of lacquer, you’ll be able to finish this multi-use project pretty quickly.

You’ll use a table saw, a router, some clamps for assembling, along with some wood glue and nails for adhering and you’ll be ready to go.

What, a square bar stool doesn’t tickle your fancy? Not to worry – this bar stool design from Pretty Handy Girl is another variation of the classic design.

Created with much less materials, you’ll only need a mere miter saw and some nails.

This DIY project is a lot easier and much simpler than the first one I mentioned, meaning less work in a shorter amount of time.

Once you’re done constructing the stool, you can paint it or add a clear finish.

This stool can serve as either an impromptu chair for your guests, or as a decor piece in your home.

If none of the first two are as simple and as basic as the one you’re looking for, then Woodworking for Mere Mortals’ take on the modest bar stool might work best.

Made up of solid round wood for the seat, simple legs, and some dowels for support, this tutorial’s requirements are probably one of the least demanding in this list.

If vintage intricate details, moulding, and a couple of old school features are what you’re looking for in your perfect DIY bar stool, then you should check this one out from Shanty 2 Chic.

I’ve featured many of their other projects for your home, as they always provide simple and clear instructions. This one’s a definite stepped-up rendition of the timeless design.

In comparison to the first few stools I mentioned, this one’s legs are carefully sculpted and carved to give it that nice, traditional vibe.

But don’t be fooled – the author said they only ordered the legs from a crafting company in their area, and you can totally do the same to get the same vintage appeal minus the effort.

Looking for a bar stool piece that is a little more architectural and abstract? This design and tutorial from A Beautiful Mess features an asymmetrical design and shape. Regardless, it’s still really simple and easy to make. It just may require a longer time to figure out how it works.

Made from thick plywood, this stool is as simple as sawing the cuts and assembling them like a puzzle piece. The front slab is slanted for what I’m guessing is comfort. On the other hand, a semi-large cut-out is conveniently placed as a foot rest.

You’ll need both a cordless jigsaw and a miter saw (or table saw). Coat it in the finish you prefer and voila! — A modern, take on the bar stool indeed.

This is a great place to start if you just aren’t sure which design is going to work best for your home.

As a visual learner, I can certainly understand when this is the case.

This collection ranges from the most classical looking bar stools to the metal industrial types.

You can also see and choose from different tutorials and plans with various levels of skill and difficulty.

In this world of fashion and color, it’s hard to find good quality pieces that are raw and organic in their own way.

This stool tutorial from Bitter Root DIY is the perfect match if you’re looking for something authentic.

Really simple and easy, this bar stool may be plain but it’s incredibly purposeful.

From being used to display decor, to seating guests, to holding your potted plants, this stool has got you covered.

If you’re a fan of a chunky bar stool that is similar to the ones you see in preschool classrooms, then this project from More Like Home is right up your alley.

Unlike the previous ones I mentioned, this site has tutorials on both backless and backrest designs. This means you can choose the one that fits your comfort preference with minimal work required. This site provides you the lowdown on how to build this chunky stool with measurements and project renders of the process.

No project is made too easy for a beginner woodworker. If you feel like working on a bar stool as your first ever project, then this tutorial is the one.

Trust me when I say that this won’t give you any headaches, but it will still require you to understand the basics so you’re bound to learn and grow from it.

Making use of the barest of materials, this project is mainly composed of three things: the foundation, the seat, and the support.

Simply looking at the progress photos already gives you a hint of how you’re going to do it. With some glue, nails, and some pre-cut wood, you’re ready to take on this DIY project.

Using only some metal plumbing pipes and a wooden slab for the seat, this bar stool idea is oddly futuristic and extremely unique.

Whether you’ve got extra pipes laying around in the house or you want to make a show-stopping accent piece, this is a great DIY project for you.

Utilizing the same modern, industrial vibe, this project mostly only needs assembly and some glue in putting the two parts together.

These stools will definitely be a conversation starter in your home.

A splash of color a surefire way to spruce up a kitchen space full of whites and neutrals.

If you feel like your kitchen or dining area is in need of a refresher, then this bright bar stool will certainly do the trick (and is a lot easier than repainting the entire room).

With a sturdy base tutorial and some added features for design, this do it yourself project isn’t the easiest.

However, a lot of the add ons, such as the footrest, are well worth the extra effort. This could make a great gift for your significant other to display around the kitchen.

Living in a house with kids can become a handful sometimes, especially if they have their own plates, cups, and high chairs. It’s rare to find a common household item both adults and kids can share. With this bar stool idea from Ana White, though, you just might have it.

This stool has an adjustable seat that’s perfect for your little ones – no need to get a separate high chair for eating on the table. Plus, because of its adjustable design, you can move this chair around and it’ll be good seating for any of your tables and desks.

Sticking with the pipe theme for projects, this bar stool tutorial also dives into the industrial pipe trend.

​In this specific instance, the stool is a lot shorter, and not nearly as modern in appearance and design.

Because of the height and choice of wood for the seating, it blends a lot easier in the space and serves just as a unique accessory to your desk or kitchen.

If you’re a fan of the previous project’s aesthetic but you don’t like the amount of attention it attracts, then this could be a better alternative for you.

Looking for a stool that can double as an end table or a decorative piece in your living spaces? If you’re looking for a shorter, simple stool that can simply complement your current space then try out this stool DIY project.

With some great project examples, as well as detailed cutting and assembling instructions, you can finish this stool in no time.

Also on the page are some photo submissions from other people’s finished products, which is a great feature to have that shows the end product from different people.

The completely chic and rustic bar stool will never go out of style.

If you’re looking for a tutorial that merely puts the wood pieces together without sanding them off or applying a finish, then this look could be the one for you.

This project makes uses of reclaimed pallet wood, and this wooden bar stool has so much character on its own because of its unfinished look.

This tutorial even provides variations with a backrest, a footrest, and a bottom shelf so you can totally customized it to your needs.

Should you need, you can always add a coat of paint or two to the unfinished wood to change its look.

This 2×4 bar stool is super simple and easy to make. With a good miter saw, you’ll be able to crank it out in very little time. You’ll also make use of pocket screws to hold everything together, which is a lot more sturdy than even the strongest of wood glue or nails and screws.

Overall, this is a bar stool tutorial that requires only a small amount of knowledge and experience to build. It’s still really purposeful for all your in-home needs. Plus, because it’s so easy, you can make a whole set with ease.