DIY Twisted Wood Stool: A Modern Design Guide

Looking for your next weekend project? What if we told you that you could create a stunning, modern piece of furniture that looks like a complex sculpture, using just a couple of boards of wood?

What You'll Need

Here are the materials and measurements José Luis provides at the end of his tutorial:

• Materials:
  • Pine Wood:
  • 2 boards: 46cm x 39.5cm x 2.4cm (for the main twisted body)
  • 2 boards: 39.5cm x 39.5cm x 2.4cm (for the top seat and bottom base)
  • Fasteners: 12 screws (50 x 4mm)
  • Adhesive: Wood glue
• Tools:
  • Ruler or straight edge & Pencil
  • Saw (Band saw or Jigsaw)
  • Clamps
  • Electric planer
  • Sander (orbital, belt, or sandpaper)
  • Drill

Step 1: The All-Important Markings

The secret to the twist lies in the preparation. Take your two larger boards (46cm x 39.5cm). On each board, use your ruler to draw a straight line from one corner to the opposite corner. Next, you'll mark a channel along this diagonal line. The width of this channel needs to be the same as the thickness of your wood (2.4cm in this case). Mark 1.2cm on each side of your center diagonal line to create the slot where the two pieces will interlock.

Step 2: Making the Cut

With your lines clearly marked, it's time to cut. José Luis uses a band saw for a clean, straight cut. Carefully guide the wood through the blade to cut out the channel you just marked. Remember to stop your cut before you reach the edges of the board.

Pro Tip: If you don't have a band saw, a jigsaw can also be used for this step. Just be sure to clamp your board securely and guide the saw carefully to keep your lines straight.

Step 3: Assembling the Twist

This is where the magic happens! Apply a generous amount of wood glue inside the slot of one of the boards. Now, take your second board and slide it into the slot of the first one. The two pieces should interlock perfectly to form the twisted base. Use a clamp to hold the pieces tightly together while the glue dries.

Step 4: Shaping and Finishing

Once the glue is completely dry, you can refine the shape. José Luis uses an electric planer to bevel the four main edges from top to bottom. This step is what really creates the seamless, flowing twist effect. After planing, give the entire structure a thorough sanding. Start with a power sander to smooth out the main surfaces and then finish by hand, paying special attention to the edges and corners to make them smooth to the touch.

Step 5: Adding the Top and Base

Your stool is almost complete! Take your two square boards (39.5cm x 39.5cm). Apply wood glue to the top and bottom edges of your twisted base. Center the boards on the top and bottom and secure them with screws. José Luis uses three screws on each of the four contact points for a super sturdy build. For a cleaner look, you can countersink the screws and fill the holes with wood plugs or filler before your final sanding.

And there you have it! A beautiful, modern, and incredibly creative piece of furniture made by you. Leave it with a natural finish, or apply a stain or paint to match your decor. Happy building!