$20 Easy DIY Stool Seating OR DIY Round Side Table

Build this quick and easy $20 DIY Stool Seating that also works as a DIY Round Side Table. Adjust the height to work for kids and adults.

Easy DIY Stool Seating

Today, I’ve got a quick, 1-hour build for you. And, you’ll only spend about $20 for the wood. Yaasss!

This sweet DIY Stool Seating is such a great build project for the time and money.

I also love that this seating makes a really cute small side table too. So, if you have a small space or small budget. This build can be a table sometimes and an extra chair at other times.

I mean, c’mon, here’s a perfect present for college kids or new homeowners.

If you’re looking for a cool side table with a bit more style. Check out my DIY Round Top Pedestal Table. That’s what I built for my recent Modern Farmhouse Living Room Makeover.

DIY Easy Stool Seating – Video Overview

DIY Easy Stool Seating – Materials Needed

BUILD NOTES: Depending on where you’ll be using this build, you might want to change the size of the legs. For a little kids tables or desks, you might need to remove 2 or 3 inches. You could even go as much as 9″ shorter, to build a step stool or young toddlers seat.

For a side table or end table, tables that are about level with the arm of the chair or sofa are the most comfortable to use. Generally, that’s about 18 to 20″. About 20 is the max I would go if you want it to be a comfortable seating height.

• 4 – 17″ long 2″ x 2″ Select Pine Boards, for the Legs
• 2 – 10 1/2″ long 2″ x 2″ Select Pine Boards, for the Cross Braces
• 4 – 4 1/2″ long 2″ x 2″ Select Pine Boards, for the Cross Braces
• 1 – 15″ Pine Wood Round, available at Home Depot and Lowes

Tools Needed

• Kreg Jig, Screws and Drill
• Wood Glue
• Brad Nailer and Nails
• Miter Saw
• Sander and Sandpaper

DIY Stool or Table Build Steps

Step One

Cut your 2″ x 2″ boards to size.

Step Two

Put 1 pocket hole on each end of the 2 – 10 1/2 long 2″ x 2″ boards and each end of the 4 – 4 1/2″ long boards. Should be 12 holes total.

Step Three

Use glue and screws to connect each 10 1/2″ board with 2 – 4 1/2″ boards to make 2 X’s. I like to mark the exact center of the boards to make sure I have them lined up perfectly.

In this case, I also clamped on extra boards to stop the 4 1/2″ boards from slipping during assembly. I forgot to take a picture, but you can see the short video of that on Instagram here.

Step Four

Once the X’s are assembled, glue and screw one of the X’s to the table legs. This X needs to line up with the ends of the legs to create a flat surface. I made the mistake of doing this with the pocket holes inside the legs.

That made the last 2 legs harder to attach because the drill didn’t quite fit. I’d recommend flipping the X so that the pocket screws will be on the top of the table.

Step Five

Attach the next X 3/4″ up from the bottom of the table. Have the screws facing the bottom of the table frame, to make it easy to drill in the screws.

That’s it. Now you’re ready to apply the finish. 🙂

DIY Easy Stool Seating – Finishing Steps

Step One

Now you can fill the pocket holes with wood filler. Once that dries, sand everything smooth. I sand to 120 or 150 when painting. Or, 220 when staining. I also sand down all the hard corners on 2×2’s. I think its a prettier look.

Step Two

Once, sanded, dust the table base off with a tack cloth or slightly damp rag. Apply your finish. I used a custom mixed red, using Magnolia Homes by Kilz in Eggshell. It is similar to a chalk paint and works well without a primer. You might need a primer, depending on what you use.

The red I used was color matched to the the DecoArt Chalk Paint color Rouge. You can just use that paint. It is a great, low cost chalk paint for furniture.

Step Three

Now, sand the wood round to 220-grit. That means you start with a medium grit first, then use the fine grit (220). This would be different for different types of wood. But, this works fine on Pine with a pretty smooth finish already.

Step Four

Clean off all the dust on the wood round. Then stain. I used Danish Oil in Medium Walnut. I love danish oil because it is easy to apply and clean up. You can literally pour some on, then spread around with a rag. It also soaks into the wood nicely.

After 2 coats of Danish Oil, I applied 2 coats of Varathane Matte Polyurethane. Danish Oil doesn’t require a top coat. But I wanted to add a slight sheen and protect the finish a bit more, since my kiddos will be using this. And they’re rough. 😉

Step Five

Once the base and top are dry, You can attach the top. You can either pre-drill screw holes from the under the table bases top. Be sure to use a countersink drill bit to hide the screw heads. Then screw into the top.

OR, apply glue to the entire top of the base, center the wood round on that X. Then brad nail at each end of the X to hold the top tightly in place while the glue dries. I nail at a slight angle to prevent pull back on those nails. Fill the nail holes with matching putty.

That’s it! You’re done. Enjoy you’re new DIY Easy Stool Seating or DIY Round Side Table. 🙂

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This DIY Table Over Washer and Dryer is always a popular build.

If you need a great little desk for your elementary age kids. Check out this DIY Childrens Desk with Storage Drawers.

Or, this easy DIY Kids Play Tent from PVC Pipes.

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Feeling inspired? Now you’re ready to build your own DIY Easy Stool Seating. Let me know if you have questions. Don’t forget to sign up for the Abbotts At Home email newsletter to get DIY, Remodeling, and Crafty ideas in your inbox.