Knockoff Plow & Hearth Elmwood Stool

I've never designed a knockoff piece of furniture, but after I thumbed through the Holiday issue of the Plow & Hearth catalog I decided it was time! Among all of the natural fir wreaths and fireplace accessories, I spotted the "Elmwood Stool".

It's a great looking stool and I loved the aged wood tones, so I read more about it... extra seating, one-of-a-kind, made from 100 year old Elm wood doors, etc. Okay, but how much? $119!!! Seems a little pricey for a stool! I could make one of these and for a lot less. Check out this pic of the Saws on Skates version compared to the catalog version.

Here's the Plow & Hearth version for $119...

And the Saws on Skates version for about $9!

The first step is to cut the legs and side pieces. The legs are a little tricky as they require compound miters, but just follow the detailed instructions on my blog and I think I'll easily be able to walk you through it.

You can begin assembling once the legs and side pieces are cut.

Attach the side pieces to the legs.

The top is made from an inexpensive 2x4. Clamp the pieces and attach using glue and screws.

And then join the legs to the top.

All that's left is to finish with some stain. I started with a coat of Sherwin Williams "Oak Mantle" and followed with a coat of Rustoleum "Kona".

These would make great gifts. You could actually make about a dozen of them for the price of one of the originals!

Check out www.sawsonskates.com for easy to follow, step by step plans with detailed measurements for this project and many more DIY furniture projects.

Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/11364817/knockoff-plow-hearth-elmwood-stool site