In our defense, we were plugging along as best we could with JC working his full-time job, plus our business, and me with homeschooling our 6 children, and running a business and blog. Weekends are our only time to get anything done, and that's only if something else doesn't demand our attention, like broken down vehicles, etc. We took the summer to focus on our back yard before the snow flies. You can see all the new improvements and builds we made in these posts.
And now we're "back in the saddle again". (cue the country western music). When we stopped to work in the back yard, we left off at our counters. If you remember, we are building them out of gorgeous reclaimed hickory lumber. And I must, say that if we move, they are coming with me. haha!!
We have loaded, hauled, joined, planed, epoxied (not a word, but who cares), torched, treated for pests, and sanded again and again. Talk about a labor of love! As you sit here, I am in the process of applying the final topcoats to these beauties.
I can't wait to start installing the counters and then moving on to the tile. Also, remember this includes our dining room and laundry room. Much to do!
DIY TIME
Okay, so back to those stools. I found them on Craigslist over a year ago and paid $20 for the set. Not bad for solid wood vintage beauties made right here in the USA. They were wobbly and worn, but nothing that some elbow grease couldn't handle.
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
First order of business is to take these things apart and put them back together the right way. The tops literally pop off - that's how bad they were.
No worries, I just use my Titebond wood glue (amazing stuff!) and clamp them up to set over night.
NEXT STEPS
Next, I use my sander to remove the finish on the bar stool seats. It was pretty easy since they were so worn. Once prepped, I use my favorite stain called Early American. I've used it all over our house, so why not here, right? You may be wondering why is it my favorite? Well, it has a rustic deep color with a slight tint of red/orange that goes well with farmhouse decor.
After the stain dries, I applied two coats of a poly. Then...it's time for some fun! This is when I call in the help of my awesome Homeright Spray Shelter and HomeRight Finish Max Extra Sprayer. The stores away in a small pouch, but pops up in a few minutes with easy assembly. Can't get much better than that!
The Finish Max extra is my newest fun tool. If you didn't see it in action in our fire pit makeover, you can check it out in the video below.
COOL TOOL
It is just as handy as my original Finish Max with NO COMPRESSOR needed as it's an HVLP sparyer (high volume low pressure). However, the bonus is that now instead of having to switch from Finish Max (seen here), to Stain Sprayer (for my DIY planters), to Heavy Duty sprayer (bedroom ceilings) for various jobs, I can just switch the tips in the FM Extra. Mind you all those sprayers still have a place in my work, but this one is nice for those that don't want to have all those on hand.
It comes with these three tips, but four more are also available. Let the fun begin! As you can see I taped off the tops since I just stained and finished them. My choice of paint for the legs of my farmhouse bar stools is the same seconds paint I've used in many makeovers, including our own bathroom vanity seen HERE. The tip for the finish I need is the green (the manual lays it all out for you).
The first coat is done in about 10 minutes, which is nothing compared to doing it by hand with brush. I let the first coat cure for a couple of hours and then apply a second coat. Done! Talk about satisfying and fast. shazaaaam. (if you can tell me who said that quote, you deserve a prize - see below. hee hee hee)
SPRAY TIME
Okay, so the stools are done and curing and I just have to show you how this Finish Max Extra helped me out. I knew I would have all this set up so why not make as much use of it as possible, right? I was able to quickly clean the sprayer with some soapy water and then got my gear on to do my counters in the same day. Amazing!
All I had to do was switch to the blue tip and I'm ready to roll.
I'll go into more detail on how we topcoated these counters in upcoming kitchen posts. But for now, I was able to get the bottoms of the counters done the same day as the stools. Win!
Before I set the stools in place I thought I'd share this one tip. I use felted sweaters for oodles of projects and the scraps come in handy for chair pads. Ya know, those things that you buy that never stay in place? I have found felted sweaters are the best for this. Just cut out some circles and hot glue on. No more scratchy floors and screechy chairs. mmm.mmm.mmm.
THE REVEAL
Ready to see my new and improved farmhouse bar stools? I am!
They've come a long way, huh? We are pleased with how they look against our newly built peninsula. Remember, the counters are not done yet, but will be done soon. Then, we have to tile the backsplash. That wood is gorgeous, is it not?
Hard to believe that same wood came from here...reclaimed wood heaven.
Do you see why I'm a little bit giddy?
It's only been like two years that I have had a messed up kitchen! For the first 12 months I had a resin folding table as my counter and 6 months ago upgraded to a plywood one shown below. Things could be worse - I am so blessed. But, you can appreciate where I'm coming from being that we are here 24/7 with boxes full of my things in our basement.
Now my kids get to fight over who gets to sit on these farmhouse bar stools at the counter. Meanwhile, I am wrapping things up in here.
GIVEAWAY TIME
Okay, time for some lovin' for you! I say it all the time, but I truly am all about inspiring you to give DIY a try. In order to get you on your way, HomeRight and I am giving away one of these fantastic Finish Max Extra sprayers to YOU! Easy entry. Just fill out the widget (daily even) for many chances to win. Open to U.S. and Canada residents 18 years of age or older. Winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to claim the prize. Keep your eyes open peeps! GIVEAWAY CLOSED Do pin and share my farmhouse bar stools so that someone else will be inspired. It's fun to share!
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WAIT!! Before you head off, check out these awesome furniture inspiration makeovers just for you.
- The Interior Frugalista
- Just the Woods
- Confessions of a Serial DIYer
- Petticoat Junktion
- Girl in the Garage
More makeovers like our farmhouse bar stools:
