How to Make a Counter Chair Out of a Bar Stool
Bar stool style chairs became popular in the 1970s and 1980s for recreational rooms in residential homes. As a space saver, many builders incorporated counter style seating options in kitchens and breakfast nooks. A counter chair is a perfect way to capitalize on the existing counter in creating additional seating for entertaining.
If you are so inclined, you can make your own counter chairs using wood, metal, or even wrought iron materials. For do it yourselfers, working with wood would be the most basic of these options.
- Determine the desired height of your counter chair. Keep in mind that the typical counter chair is 24-26 inches, while a standard bar stool is 29-30 inches high. Measure your countertop and then subtract 9 to 13 inches in order to allow sufficient leg room. The result will give you the height of your counter chair. Measure the bar stool and subtract the necessary length in order to achieve your desired length.
- Cut each length of each bar stool leg to the desired length according to your measurements. If you do not own a circular saw, take your bar stools to your local home improvement store. Many big box home improvement stores will allow residents to cut wood and other materials to length.
- Sand each chair leg in order to smooth out the rough edges left by the cutting of the legs. This will prevent injury, and will also create a more aesthetically pleasing finished product. Once you have finished sanding, be sure to wipe away any residual wood dust before applying a stain or paint.
- Apply paint or stain to the chair legs according to your personal taste. Allow sufficient drying time before proceeding to the next step.
- Finish the chairs by placing feet on the bottom. Visit your local hardware or home improvement store for finishing ideas. Many people choose rubber feet, as it will protect the floor from being scratched.