A tree stump in your yard often looks ugly and feels like a problem when you want a neat garden or backyard. Many people just want it gone. But if you love DIY projects, you can easily recycle old tree stumps into chairs, side tables, or even garden chairs. With a few tools and a little time, you can transform a tree stump into chairs that look natural and charming.
The usual ways to remove a stump are cutting it with a chainsaw or using chemicals to rot it away. But the smartest and most creative way is to turn a tree stump into DIY chairs that you, your family, and guests can actually use.
Materials and Tools Required
Tools you will need (you may not use all of them, it depends on your stump):
- Chainsaw or hand saw
- Angle grinder with flap discs or grinding wheel
- Hammer and chisel
- Sandpaper or sanding flap discs
- High-quality synthetic brush
- Outdoor polyurethane or wood stain/sealer
You can make two styles of chairs from one stump:
- Tree stump chair with armrests (needs a wider stump)
- Tree stump chair with only a backrest (works on smaller or narrower stumps)
If you are not interested in making a tree stump chair, here is a guide on how to turn a tree stump into planters.
Transform a Tree Stump into a Chair with Armrests
First, decide where the chair will be. Imagine a rectangle on top of the stump that is about 16 inches wide and 24 inches front-to-back. This rectangle will become the sitting area. Draw the shape with chalk or a marker.
Leave wood on both the left and right sides of this rectangle – this leftover wood will become the armrests. Also, leave enough wood at the back of the stump – this part will be shaped into the backrest.
Now use your angle grinder with a grinding wheel (or a chainsaw for the first rough cuts) and carefully remove all the wood inside the 16 × 24 inch rectangle. Keep grinding or cutting until the chair is hollowed out to your desired depth.
Chair depth can be between 12 and 24 inches:
- 12–14 inches is perfect for children
- 16–18 inches feels comfortable for most adults
- Up to 24 inches for a very deep, relaxing chair
Change grinding discs when they wear out – big stumps can need several discs.
After the Ceat is carved, smooth every edge. Use the angle grinder with a flap sanding disc or sand by hand. Pay special attention to the front edge of the ceat, the top of the backrest, and the tops of the armrests. Smooth wood feels much better to sit on and looks more professional.
Finally, brush off all dust and apply 2–3 coats of outdoor polyurethane or wood stain/sealer with a good brush. Let each coat dry completely. This protects the chair from rain, sun, and insects for many years.
Your beautiful tree stump chair with armrests is ready to use in the garden!
Transform a Tree Stump into a Chair with Only a Backrest (No Armrests)
This style is easier and works well on smaller stumps.
Simply mark the chair rectangle from the very left edge to the very right edge of the stump – no wood is left on the sides for armrests. Only the back part of the stump stays thick to form the backrest.
Follow the same steps as above: cut or grind out the seat area to your chosen depth (again 12–24 inches), smooth all edges carefully with the angle grinder and sanding discs, clean the dust, and finish with 2–3 coats of outdoor polyurethane or stain.
In just one weekend you can recycle old tree stumps into chairs that add rustic charm to your garden, patio, or fire-pit area. They are strong, completely natural, and cost almost nothing to make.
Happy crafting and enjoy your new DIY tree stump garden chairs!
