I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of handcrafted wood pieces. There’s something about transforming “nothing” into something useful that really appeals to me. So, when I finally carved out some space in my garage for a small workshop, I knew I wanted to try my hand at creating something with wood.

My first project? A simple, sturdy stool to use at my workbench.

Why a Stool?

I needed something to perch on while working at my workbench, something more comfortable than standing for hours on end. A stool seemed like the perfect beginner project – simple enough to tackle with my limited skills, but still useful and satisfying to complete.

The Design

I wanted a stool that was stable and confortable, something I could confidently sit on while focusing on my projects. I opted for a classic design with four legs and a simple square seat. No frills, just solid construction. I chose untreated pine for the wood – it’s readily available, budget-friendly, and has a nice natural look that fits well in my workshop.

I had no real design in mind when I started, my ideas came to fruition when I started attaching pieces of wood to another. 😉

It is not pretty! But it serves its purpose.

Learning the Ropes

This being my first woodworking project, I knew there would be a learning curve. I spent some time researching basic woodworking techniques and watching plenty of YouTube tutorials to familiarize myself with the tools and processes.

Tool Time 😀

Here are some of the tools I used for this project:

• Measuring Tape: Absolutely crucial for getting accurate measurements and ensuring the stool legs were all the same length! I’d be lost without it.
• Pencil: For marking my cut lines and probably everything else on the wood.
• Square: This made sure my cuts were square and my angles were accurate.
• Circular Saw: This made quick work of cutting the larger pieces of wood for the seat and legs.
• Drill/Driver: Makin’ holes an drivin’ screws.
• Sandpaper: We love sanding! I used 120 & 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges and make it feel a little nicer.

Putting it All Together

The building process was a lot of fun, albeit with a few hiccups along the way. First, I measured out how tall I wanted the stool to be. I then cut the pieces for the legs and seat to size. Then, I attached the legs to the seat using some decking screws, making sure everything was square and level.

The Finished Product

I have to say, I’m pretty proud of my little stool! It’s not perfect, but it’s sturdy, comfortable, and serves its purpose perfectly. It’s incredibly satisfying to sit on something I built with my own hands.

Lessons Learned

This project taught me a lot about woodworking. I learned the importance of accurate measurements, the value of patience, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. I also discovered that I really enjoy the process of working with wood.

What’s Next?

Now that I’ve got the woodworking bug, I’m eager to tackle more projects. I’m thinking about building a small bookshelf next, or maybe even a birdhouse. The possibilities seem endless! Let me know what you think below.