What you’ll need
Tools
- Hammer drillCRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit, 1/2 inch, 2 Batteries and Charger Included (CMCD711C2)View on Amazon
- Drill/driverDEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo KitView on Amazon
- Drill bit for pilot holes
- Saw for cutting parts to lengthDEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2" Circular Saw (Tool Only)View on Amazon
- Tape measureSTANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure, 25-FootView on Amazon
- SquareSWANSON 7" Speed SquareView on Amazon
- Pencil
- Eye protectionDEWALT Dominator Safety Glasses, ANSI Z87.1+, Clear Lens, Black FrameView on Amazon
Materials and supplies
- 2x3 pine, 8' length for 4 parts
- 1x4 pine, 8' length for 4 parts
- 1x3 pine, 8' length for 4 parts
- 3/4 plywood, hardwood-faced, approximately 48" × 96" for 1 part
- 40 × #8 × 2" square-drive flat-head wood screwsRok Hardware 100 Pack #8 x 2 Coarse Thread Flat Square Head Wood Screws Zinc Type 17 MDFView on Amazon
- 3 × 180-grit, 5" sanding discsPOWERTEC 25PK, 180 Grits, Sanding Discs 5 Inch - Hook and Loop, 5 Inch 8 Hole Aluminum Oxide Sandpaper Discs (45018)View on Amazon
- 6.1 fl oz Interior clear furniture finishMinwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin, ½ PintView on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon links go to amazon.com, the US store.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Front left leg | 1 | 2 1/2" × 23 1/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Front right leg | 1 | 2 1/2" × 23 1/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Back left leg | 1 | 2 1/2" × 23 1/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Back right leg | 1 | 2 1/2" × 23 1/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Front apron | 1 | 15" × 3 1/2" × 3/4" |
| Front stretcher | 1 | 15" × 2 1/2" × 3/4" |
| Back apron | 1 | 15" × 3 1/2" × 3/4" |
| Back stretcher | 1 | 15" × 2 1/2" × 3/4" |
| Left apron | 1 | 16 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 3/4" |
| Left stretcher | 1 | 16 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 3/4" |
| Right apron | 1 | 16 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 3/4" |
| Right stretcher | 1 | 16 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 3/4" |
| Seat | 1 | 18" × 18" × 3/4" |
Step by step
Prepare the holes and edges
Prepare the marked clearance holes and smooth the parts before assembly.
- Mark the screw centers from the drilling layout.
- Clamp each drilled part over a scrap backing board.
- Drill the 3/16" clearance holes in rotary-only mode.
- Countersink the holes lightly on their screw-head faces.
- Sand the faces with 180-grit abrasive.
- Ease the seat edges and corners with the sander.
Assemble both end frames
Fasten the front and back rails to their paired legs on a flat surface.
- Space each pair of legs 10" apart inside.
- Clamp each upper apron flush with the leg tops.
- Position each lower stretcher with its bottom 6" above the leg ends.
- Square each frame with matching diagonal measurements.
- Drill pilot holes into the legs through the clearance holes.
- Drive 2 screws through each rail end with the 2" screws.
Connect the end frames
Connect the two end frames with side aprons and lower stretchers.
- Space the end frames 12" apart between their legs.
- Clamp the side aprons flush with the leg tops.
- Align the side stretcher bottoms 6" above the floor.
- Square the base with matching top diagonals.
- Drill pilot holes through the side-rail clearance holes.
- Drive 2 screws through each rail end with the 2" screws.
Attach the seat
Center the plywood seat over the squared base and screw it to the leg tops.
- Center the seat with a 3/4" overhang beyond each apron.
- Clamp the seat against the leg and apron tops.
- Drill pilot holes into the leg tops through the seat holes.
- Drive the 8 seat screws flush with the plywood face.
Apply the clear finish
Protect the assembled stool with an interior furniture finish.
- Remove sanding dust from every surface.
- Apply a thin coat of clear finish.
- Recoat according to the product instructions.
- Allow the finish to cure fully before use.
Check before sitting
Check the stool on the intended workbench floor before putting it into use.
- Place the stool on a firm, level indoor floor.
- Check all four legs for steady contact.
- Inspect every joint for gaps or movement.
- Check the seat height against your workbench.
- Retighten any loose screws before use.
Questions
How many steps does it take to build a workbench stool — 24" high, 18" square seat?
The plan has 6 steps and 13 parts. How long it takes depends on your tools and experience.
What tools do I need?
Hammer drill, drill/driver, drill bit for pilot holes, saw for cutting parts to length, tape measure, square, pencil and eye protection.
What materials do I need?
2x3 pine, 8' length, 1x4 pine, 8' length, 1x3 pine, 8' length, 3/4 plywood, hardwood-faced, approximately 48" × 96", #8 × 2" square-drive flat-head wood screws, 180-grit, 5" sanding discs and Interior clear furniture finish.
How big is it?
As designed: width 18", height 24" and length 18".
Can I change the dimensions?
Yes. Tap “Make one for my space” to open this design in Fixie, and Fixie designs a version for your space, tools and needs, with its own cut list, materials and steps. Your first design is free.
This design was generated with AI and has not been checked by a person. Review measurements, materials and instructions before building, and follow the safety guidance for your tools.