Staked Furniture: Build a Hearth Stool at Hammerstone School

Intro to Staked Furniture: Build a Hearth Stool is a hands-on, two-day woodworking workshop focused on one of the most enduring and accessible furniture-making traditions: staked joinery. Used for centuries to build chairs, stools, tables, and tools, staked (or wedged) joinery creates furniture that is remarkably strong, efficient, and full of character.

Students will build a classic hearth stool—a small, versatile piece that works equally well by the fire, in the kitchen, as a plant stand, or as extra seating. We’ll begin by shaping legs and stretchers using hand tools such as drawknives and spokeshaves, learning how to read grain and refine forms by feel. From there, we will cut and fit tenons and assemble the stool using traditional wedged joinery techniques. Time will also be spent exploring optional decorative carving details and simple, durable finishing approaches.

This class emphasizes process, problem-solving, and confidence with hand tools while leaving room for individual expression. Each student will leave with a completed hearth stool and a solid foundation in staked furniture techniques that can be applied to future projects. Whether you’re new to furniture-making or an experienced woodworker looking to expand your skill set, this workshop offers a rewarding balance of technical learning and creative making in a supportive, community-centered environment.