Do you love the small wooden stools that are everywhere? Purchasing a couple of these can add up and be expensive. This is how to make a small DIY wood stool from a thrifted bar stool and it is super easy and cheap. I paid $4.00 for this stool and it looks like the ones in all the magazines.
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These stools look great beside a tub and it can be functional. You can sit a book, a plant, or towels on the stool. I am always battling the desire to update my home decor with not overspending and putting our family in debt. I am a huge believer in having a beautiful home by doing DIY projects and buying second hand.
Wood stools purchased will usually cost $50 and up. The stools will cost over $70 from a high-end store. When I saw the wooden bar stool at the thrift store, I knew that it could be shortened and sanded very easily and for $4, I couldn’t pass it up. You can find these stools very often at thrift stores and they are usually priced under $5. The great thing is that you can make several of these stools to use in your home for the price of a small wooden stool that is brand new.
The DIY small wood stool project is very easy to make and can be made in a couple of hours not counting drying time for the stain.
Supplies
Saw
Wood stain in color of your choice. I used Minwax stain in Special Walnut.
Saw off the four legs making the stool the height you want your small wood stool to be. We used a table saw.
After your wood stool is sanding, clean the stool well to remove all of the dust. You can use a tack cloth or a wet rag.
How to make a DIY small wood stool from a thrifted bar stool is one of the easiest and inexpensive projects that you can do. This DIY project is a great way to update your home without putting your family in debt.

Cherryl Ehlenburg says
This is a great idea! I have an old stool I picked up at Habitat a while back, but I’m not sure where to put it. Maybe I will try this!
Lia White says
So cute! It would look great in any room! Great upcycle project!
Stephanie says
Oh my gosh! What a great idea!!! Why have I never thought to just cut the legs on a stool?!?! Genius! Thanks for sharing!
Christine says
Love the wood stool!!! Great upcycle!
Michelle Leslie says
Oh no, I can kick myself. Seriously, we have the same chairs in our pub here at home and my hubby’s chair broke a leg about a month ago. He likes rocking on long legs apparently 😀 How I wish I’d seen this earlier. Brilliant idea Sherry
Meegan says
I am going to be searching my local thrift stores for a tall stool! This is a fabulous idea! Thanks for the tutorial.
Pinning or future reference.
Barbara Chapman says
Oh my, great project, Sherry! I do love little stools and we could definitely use one beside our tub in our master bathroom. I love that you found yours while out thriftshopping and that it could be cut down so easily. <3
Enjoy using it!
Barb 🙂
Michelle says
This is such a cool Upcycle!
Deana Landers says
What a great idea! Amazing how simple things can be. Thank you
Jenny says
That looks like a brand new stool! Now I’m on the hunt for a stool. I also believe in a beautiful home on a budge and of course it’s always fun to say “I did that”.
Marty Walden says
I see stools all the time at thrift stores! You did a great job of repurposing and making it work for your home!
Linda Johnston says
Smart idea that looks great too !
Linda Krenz says
This stool is great for the kitchen too! Great DIY!