Introduction

Using scrap wood and firewood, the Whites built children’s stools for the upstairs loft. These adorable stump stools are sturdy and easy to make, but will be treasured and used for many years.
Step 1

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Cut Firewood
Cut firewood rounds about 2” thick from a 10”-14” diameter tree, using a chain saw.
Pro Tip
Trees harvested in the winter, when sap is not running in the tree, normally retain bark better, and will seep less sap.
Step 2

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Create a Plywood Base
Trace the firewood piece out on to a scrap piece of 1/4" thick plywood.
Pro Tip
The secret to the sturdiness of these stools is a hidden plywood piece under the firewood stump top. As the firewood piece dries, it will split, creating weakness in the stool top. The plywood will prevent the firewood piece from completely splitting appart.
Step 3

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Cut the Base
Use a jigsaw to cut the traced shape out, cutting about 1/2” inside the traced line so the plywood piece is not visible from the sides when attached.
Step 4

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Glue the Base
Apply glue generously to the firewood piece underside.
Step 5

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Attach the Plywood
Use a staple gun, nail gun or screws to attach the plywood piece to the underside of the stump. Keep fasteners around outside of plywood piece, avoiding center area where legs will be attached.
Step 6

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Cut the Legs
Use a compound miter saw, set to 20 degrees off square, to cut the legs. You will need three legs per stool, each leg cut 12” long, long point to short point measurement, ends cut parallel at 20 degrees off square.
Pro Tip
Three legs are recommended over four. The stool will not rock, even if the firewood piece is not cut perfectly square or warps over time.
Step 7

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Drill Holes
Drill two pocket holes on one end of each of the legs, with the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2” thick stock. The pocket holes should be drilled on the long end of the angle cuts.
Step 8

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Insert Screws
Insert screws in the pocket holes and place the legs on the stool underside, equally spaced in between.
Step 9

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Attach Legs
Attach legs with 2-1/2” pocket hole screws and wood glue.
Step 10

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Test the Weight
Test the stools to make sure they will support adequate weight and are stable and sturdy.
Step 11

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Paint the Legs
Turn the stool upside down and paint the legs.
Step 12

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Personalize It
The best part of a handmade project is the unique customizations. Use a paint markers to personalize the stool top.
Step 13

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Coat It
The stool top should be coated with a clear poly. Several coats are recommended to fully seal the bark and end grain.