DIYer Joana Bianchi created these stylish barstools with the help of our Simpson Strong-Tie hardware. Not only do they look cool, but they add a bit of extra seating at her kitchen counter. This project is a great way to furnish out your kitchen without breaking the bank.
![Joana Bianchi with her DIY countertop bar stools](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/F2F2FAE0-DE02-4C75-A01D-DB0FA16E79A5.jpeg)
Some DIY projects surprise me, and this DIY stool build was one of them. These padded, elaborate barstools were a project I didn’t think I could make for the longest time. I’m glad I finally decided to take on the challenge, though, because with Simpson Strong-Tie® parts they were easier than I expected and they turned out great!!
Material and Cut List
For each stool I cut 2x2s with the following measurements:
- 8–12″ pieces
- 2–30″
- 2–42″
![Cut wood for the DIY countertop bar stools](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/D7B021E6-2F0B-43EE-BE2F-EF459D938FE4.jpeg)
Hardware needed:
![Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents® APRTA Rigid Tie® angles and Outdoor Accents 1 ½" Connector screws](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/A28F3D9B-3FA5-4A14-858F-41A07C6BD1BF.jpeg)
For the seats:
- Foam
- Batting
- Black marine vinyl
DIY counter bar stool cushioned seat
The main star of these stools is the striking black powder-coated hardware. I used Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents® APRT Rigid Tie angles to connect the chair frame together and create a perfect 90° angle.
![Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents® APRTA Rigid Tie angles](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/6D70D9BF-54F1-4E32-991D-6A0220ED7ED1.jpeg)
Additionally, to make the chairs, I upholstered the seat with foam, batting and black marine vinyl that I stapled to the scrap plywood.
![Seat cushion for the DIY counter bar stools](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/03750F8E-3079-439D-AC7A-18EF8BBE0187-scaled.jpeg)
All in all, I want to thank Simpson Strong-Tie for their support in letting me DIY projects with their Outdoor Accents decorative hardware to furnish my whole house, including my sofa bed and bedframe.
![Completed DIY Counter Bar Stools built with Simpson Strong-Tie hardware](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/12FD87D5-3E31-4BE6-B154-D281F2C8D26D.jpeg)
This line of hardware brings both style and structural strength to anything I build. So I always know that whatever I build using their hardware is built to last. To be honest, I love incorporating their products in everything I build, and their hardware always ends up making my life much easier!
![Joana Bianchi in the process of making her DIY counter bar stools](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/A109526D-4887-4553-845B-677233C9C84F.jpeg)
Now you tell me, did you like this project? What would you like to see next? Maybe I can try to do it next year!