You are looking at the folding stool plan for a simple stool, which is very easy to make and has shown very good results.

The folding stools have the same features as other stools, except that they can be folded. Because of that, they are very practical; since they are portable and when folded they take very little space. They are suitable for use at home, in the yard, during the camping, fishing and picnic, or for some similar purpose in the nature. Folding stool can also be used as a stand for flowers or as a step stool. Their purpose is not to be comfortable, but rather a quick solution for sitting during dealing with some work.
 

Folding stool plan
Project type
Project difficulty
Simple
Skill level
for school classes and beginners
Level of workshop equipment
Hobby - Hand tools and power tools
Applied woodworking joints
Fasteners
Round mortise and tenon joint
Dimensions

Seat: 330mm (13'') x 312mm (12.28''); Height 430mm (16.93'')

 

The folding stool made by this plan is characterized by simple and sturdy construction sufficient to withstand the weight of an average man; it is comfortable and easy to fold and unfold. To make this folding stool you do not need many tools and machinery, and since its construction is simple, the manufacture of this folding stool is good exercise for beginners. Since its construction does not have complicated woodworking joints, it is suitable for the large series production. Assembling of this kind of the folding stool is fast, because the connections between parts are made by glue and fasteners.

Folding stools are frequently used in the households, so we recommend you to make a few of these stools and arrange them to always have one at hand. Experienced woodworkers could customize the stool’s dimensions and then easily make a table with the same structure and manufacture a perfect set for the picnic or camping. When you make this type of folding stool you will get one universal stool, which will serve you well in the house and in the backyard, and you will have also a high quality, cheap replacement for the camping stool, fishing stool and other similar stools.

 

Exploded view and parts list
Folding stool - Parts list
Assembly drawing
Folding stool - Assembly drawing

 

To make this folding stool you can use many types of wood. You should keep in mind that this folding stool has to withstand your weight, so if you want it to last for long period of time, use some kind of hardwood (birch, hickory, oak, walnut, ash, beech, …).

On the following pictures you can see finished folded and unfolded stool.

 

Finished stool - Folded

Finished stool - Unfolded

When it comes to the finish, you can paint it with color or lacquer, but you can also leave it without a finish. We are using this folding stool in the backyard without finish for years. Of course, we always put it in a dry place, where it is not exposed to the various weather conditions.

 

Finished stool - Folded
Finished stool - Unfolded
Download project in PDF file format
Download project (high resolution images)

Submitted by Ceh Jan