This is a plan and a 3D model for making a very simple stool, which we called the compact stool because it consists of only three, but quite massive parts.
As you can see in the drawings, the stool consists of two identical leg parts that can interlock with the help of a slot in the middle, and the top part that is attached to the leg parts with dowels and glue. The top part is slightly curved on the upper side so that the stool is more comfortable to sit on.
Dimensions of the completed stool according to our plan are as follows: L 317.5mm (12 1/2in), D 444.5 mm (17 1/2in) and H 470mm (18 1/2in).
To make this compact stool, you do not need many tools. The most complex operation is cutting two slots into each leg, for which you will need a jig saw power tool or a scroll saw machine. The parts and grooves need to be crafted precisely, so as to have as little difficulty as possible when mounting the top part and possibly subsequent removal of the material on the lower legs section to achieve stability. Since the parts are very thick and therefore solid, you can use both hardwood and softwood. Perhaps it is best to choose the wood used as building material (sawn timber) because it is cheap, widely available and hard enough to make this stool from it.
The top part can be fastened to the legs in various ways, the easiest one is with screws, but a variety of woodworking joints (biscuits, spline, Dovetail spline, sliding dovetail joint, dado, blind dado, other fasteners…) can also be used. We recommend that you make the stool from solid wood, not only because of its appearance and hardness, but also because this allows you to decorate it in chip carving technique.
Apply the finish of your choice.
If you are not into carving, you can paint the stool with some motifs, ornaments or the like. This is a nice, simple and sturdy stool that will surely serve you for decades, so you will make no mistake if you decide to make one.