1. Set up your workspace
Open SketchUp.
Choose the appropriate template (e.g., Simple Template - Feet and Inches if working with imperial units).
Ensure that the Axes are visible for alignment.
2. Create the seat
Use the Rectangle Tool to draw a square or circular seat.
For a square seat, choose a 12” x 12” dimension (or your preferred size).
For a round seat, draw a circle with a radius of around 6”.
Use the Push/Pull Tool to extrude the seat to a height of around 1” to 1.5”.
3. Create the legs
Decide how many legs your stool will have (3 or 4 legs).
For a square seat, the legs are typically positioned in each corner.
For a circular seat, the legs should be positioned evenly around the circumference.
Use the Rectangle Tool or Circle Tool to draw the leg base (e.g., 1.5” x 1.5” square or a 1.5” diameter circle) on the underside of the seat.
Use the Push/Pull Tool to extrude the leg downwards, making it around 18”-24” tall, depending on your design.
4. Position the legs
Copy the first leg and position it symmetrically under the seat using the Move tool and Array Copy:
Select the leg you just created.
Use Move and hit the Ctrl key (Option on Mac) to activate the Copy feature.
Click and drag to create the second leg. Repeat for the other corners.
For 3 legs on a circular seat, create the first leg, copy it, and rotate the copied legs around the center using the Rotate tool.
5. Add leg supports (optional)
If you'd like, add horizontal supports between the legs for stability:
Draw a rectangle (or circle) on the inner side of the legs using the Rectangle Tool.
Use Push/Pull to create the support beam, and Move to copy it to the other legs.
You can use the Rotate Tool to position the supports diagonally if needed.
6. Smooth and finish
Use the Eraser Tool or Soften/Smooth Edges to soften any hard edges, especially on curved surfaces like the seat.
Apply materials or colors by using the Paint Bucket Tool.
7. Save and export
Save your model.
You can export the stool as a 2D image or as a 3D model for use in other software.