PATIO STOOL
2025
SIMPLE YET UNIQUE.
Designed for the Patio.
How can I design a special seat that I can bring outside for crowded nights on the house patio?
Why a stool?
Research revealed stools are an ancient and simple form of furniture, tying into my theme of simplicity.
My Challenge:
How can I stand out while staying simplistic?
Stool will stay indoors in this corner when not in use.
Patio entrance doors.
Design for the environment.
Research.
Research included exploring design philosophies, form exploration, and observing human interactions with furniture.
Ideation.
Initially exploring unique forms for inspiration.
Exploring simplistic forms.
Combining uniqueness and simplicity.
Final Design CAD Model
Design Justification: Why?
Shape- This shape emulates the natural human sitting position
Rungs- T-rung for unique look, rigidity, and integrated foot rest.
Legs- 3 legged design for unique look + stability on uneven patio.
Post and Slab Joinery- Strength and durability.
Top: Ash
Unique blond color and grain pattern.
Good workability.
Dense wood optimal for tight joinery over time.
Legs + Rungs: Maple
Lightweight wood to balance out the heavier top.
Workability on lathe.
Impact resistance for bumps or shifts on rough patio ground.
Build Process: Shape
Cut/process wood ( Planer + Joiner)
Legs and Rungs
Shaping the legs and rung on the lathe.
Glue wood pieces.
Gluing legs and rungs for extra joinery strength.
Tenons on the lathe.
Trace paper template on wood.
Router edges for waterfall edge and rounded corners.
Creating square headed rectangular pieces to spin on lathe. (Calipers to precisely measure even sides.)
The lathe required immense patience and several mistakes.
Caliper measurement to ensure tight tenon fit for rungs and legs.
Drilling holes at calculated angles in seat and legs.
Wedging legs for tight fit.
Sanding legs and top piece.
My Mistakes.
My Solution: The second time around, I used calipers and a specific lathe tool to ensure precision on my tenons. I used this opportunity to create smoother tapered legs.
Initially, I was not precise enough on the lathe with my tenons, causing a loose fit, forcing me to redo all three of my legs on the lathe.
Lessons Learned: Precision and focus is key with furniture design.
