How to make rustic garden stools

Step 1
Using the sander, sand the timber to a smoother finish, or your local timberyard may be able to supply dressed timber. Another option is to leave it rough sawn for a more rustic look.

Step 2
Measure your timbers and mark up. Cut your timbers to size using a drop saw or hand saw.

Step 3
To make the legs, glue two of the 200mm x 50mm timbers together, and wait to dry.

Step 4
When the legs are ready, measure 40mm down and 120mm down from the centre and 15mm in, and on the side 80mm and 160mm down. Pre-drill using the 8mm drill bit.

Step 5
Put your leg timbers upside down on a level surface and place the centre piece in the middle, and bugle into place. This will give you the basic frame of the legs.

Step 6
With the 100mm x 25mm timbers, measure 25mm in from each end and mark up on each corner. Pre-drill with the 4mm drill bit.

Step 7
Finish with your choice of Resene products. I wanted a natural look and to enhance the macrocarpa timber, so used Resene’s Exterior Furniture and Decking Oil. Wait for it to dry.

Step 8
Fix the 100mm x 25mm timbers to the top of the frame using your decking or stainless steel screws. I used some plastic spacers to get the slats even. Your stools are ready to use

Finished project
A close-up of the finished rustic garden stools.