Make this easy and basic DIY Shop Stool using only 3 – 2x4x8 boards.
The cost is less than $10 to make. It would also make a great side table or plant stand.
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It has been a minute since we have been able to get outside and start a new wood project.
We have a few new plans in the works but first I needed to fix a problem that I have been dealing with every time we build in the garage.
A place to sit! So today’s build is a super simple DIY shop stool.
When I say super simple I totally mean super-duper simple.
This stool is built out of 3 – 2x4s and a handful of screws.
Total cost under $10. Wow!
I’m pretty sure I couldn’t have even bought an averaged priced one at the local dollar store for under $10.
What is even cooler about this build is that it could easily be used as a side table for your patio or house too.
It would even work equally great as a plant stand.
Today though, it is a DIY shop stool. Keep reading for all the tutorial details.
How do you make a simple diy shop stool?
Shopping List:
- 3 — 2x4x8 boards
- 2″ pocket hole screws
- 2″ flathead screws (or 2″ flathead nails)
- wood glue
- sandpaper
- finishing supplies (if you want to stain your stool)
Tools you will need to build this simple diy shop stool.
- Tape Measure
- Speed Square
- Pencil
- Safety Glasses
- Ear Protection
- Drill / Drill Bits
- Miter Saw
- Sander
- Kreg Jig
Cut List:
- 4 – 22 1/2″ (legs)
- 4 – 10 1/2″ (front/back support boards)
- 4 – 13″ (side support boards)
- 5 – 16″ (seat boards)
Directions:
Step 1: Use a miter saw to cut the lumber for your stool.

Step 2: Using two front/back supports and two leg boards make one front panel.
We used a Kreg Jig to attach these with 2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.
The first support should be flush with the top of the leg board and then the other should be attached with 8 1/2 inches in between the two.


Step 3: Using the other two front/back supports and two leg boards make your other back panel. Attaching the support pieces at the same points.
Step 4: Sand all of your pieces before assembling the rest of the stool.

Step 5: Attach the front and back panels using the side support boards.
Two boards on each side. These will also be attached at the same points.
The top board flush with the legs and the others with 8 1/2 inches in between.

Step 6: Attach the 5 top seat boards using Flathead screws or just regular 2″ nails.

Step 7: Stain or Paint…
We just decided to let ours naturally darken like the rest of the projects in our garage, but if we were going to use it for the house, we would probably use this homemade wood stain. I love it!

Estimated Cost: Less than $10
Skill Level: Beginner
I hope you found this tutorial helpful and would love to hear if you built one and what you are using it for.
If you enjoyed this DIY Shop Stool project you might also like these other easy woodworking projects we have done.
- How to make DIY bed risers!
- DIY Mail Organizer
- DIY Multipanel Mirror: High End Look for Less!
- How to Make Wood Signs
- DIY Rustic Wooden Lantern
- DIY Wooden Arrows
- Scrapwood Outdoor Planter
Jeanette Main
Wednesday 5th of August 2020
I've made three of these for gifts. It is so easy and they look so awesome! They are super sturdy!
Melissa
Thursday 6th of August 2020
That is awesome, yes they are super easy to make and even better inexpensive as well.
Grace
Saturday 14th of September 2019
Curious why you say to cut lumber with miter saw when they're straight cuts? Adding this to my list of projects to make! Thinking it might be perfect size to hold my printer.
Melissa
Monday 16th of September 2019
A miter saw makes straight cuts as well as angled cuts.
Michelle Champagne
Wednesday 23rd of August 2017
How would you make this into a swivel stool with a back?
Melissa
Wednesday 23rd of August 2017
That's a good question, Michelle. I have never tried to turn it into a swivel stool or put a back on it. I would have to think about how that would work. In the meantime, if you come up with anything let me know and I will pass on the word.
Lori Munden
Friday 14th of April 2017
Made this to use as a night stand for my son's room at our cabin. It fit in with his pine bunk beds. Gets used for extra seating when we need it. Thanks for the plans! I will be using it again and again I"m sure.
Melissa
Friday 14th of April 2017
That is an awesome use for it Lori! I love how everyone is finding so many different ways to use this stool. :)
Jay Y.
Tuesday 11th of April 2017
I just had to make one, and sat my mini fridge on it. Thanks for the inspiration one Sunday afternoon.
Melissa
Wednesday 12th of April 2017
Nice! Love the use of a mini fridge stand. So many great ways to use this little inexpensive build.