I might just be a little bit giddy. I might just be a little bit over-the moon. Why? Because we are finally back at our kitchen remodel that we started in January of 2016…yes, almost 2 years ago!! If you follow me on social media, you’ve seen our trials, but the best place to catch up is here. Today, is Furniture Fixer Uppers day, and my dated stools are about to become farmhouse bar stools. See the end of the post for more fun from my friends!
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!
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Time to check out what my friends have for you below!
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:
I Love how your stools turned out. I have a stool just like that and some chairs that I could use the sprayer to paint, I need to win. Thanks for having the contest.
Thanks, Mary.
Ohh I am getting so excited seeing a sneak peek of your kitchen Larissa. We have been waiting for this for a year now. I know it will be perfect after seeing that beautiful wood counter and the island.
I have been waiting longer! haha… It will be some time yet to get everything custom built, but we are on a mission. Yay!
Wow those turned out awesome and loving how your kitchen is coming together. I am working on a dresser for my daughter and turning a dresser into an entertainment center so could use the sprayer for sure. ?
Thank you, Bonnie.
Love the look and ease of getting the work accomplished with the tent and sprayer. I’ve been painting and staining some signs for a show. A sprayer like that would really help me out. Thanks for sharing!
It makes life so much easier!
I love how your stools came out. Your kitchen is going to be great especially with those counters. Beautiful
We sure hope so. Thanks for the vote of confidence. 🙂
WOw those counters are going to be amazing! I really need to paint my 20+ year old bedroom furniture. Painting it by hand is daunting to me so I’ve not started. A spayer would make quick work! Thanks for hosting the giveaway! (Visiting from Confessions of a Serial DIYer)
We couldn’t be happier with them. Thank you!
LOVE your bar stools! LOVE Barn Wood Heaven. LOVE the Homeright sprayer max. Crazy cool!
Your counters are coming right along. I am excited with and for you!!
Thanks for all the details. The stain is so right on!!
We are excited and exhausted…hahaha. We can’t wait to just walk into the kitchen and see it done. Thanks so much, Christina.
Looks great! Really love how the countertops are coming. Would love to use the sprayer on our kitchen remodel journey as well.
Thanks! It would be so handy for you to have.
Your stools look great! Can’t wait to see those gorgeous countertops finished.
Thanks, Paula. Me too!
I absolutely love the stools and that wood? Your work is amazing. Your energy is beyond amazing !!!!
You are so fun, Nancy! Thank you.
The stools are gorgeous, do so love that colour combo, the kitchen is already looking fab, can not wait to see it all finished the counter tops sound pretty brilliant…have fun..x
What a relief it will be to be done with this space. Thank you, Janette!
Larissa, girl you and your family are amazingly talented and inspiring! You are within sight of the finish line, and I can’t wait to see everything you’ve done during this remodel!! Thank you for sharing the opportunity to enter the Homeright giveaway too!
So close!! We are working day and night and just ready to be done as you can imagine. Thank you, Kaycee.
I love the satiny smooth finish you achieved on the stools with the sprayer. I am still painting with a brush and haven’t mastered the art of no brushtrokes. I enjoy reading about all of your projects.
It makes such a huge difference, Melissa. Thank you for the love! BTW, brushes make a huge difference in brush strokes and I can’t recommend enough the Zibra ones I carry in my shop.
I can’t believe how quickly you were able to get those stools painted! They look fantastic!
It is a blast…literally! 😀 My life is made easier and I am a happy woman. haha!
Love the stain paint combo on your stools. And I am excited about seeing your beautiful counter tops finished.
You and me both, Rhonda!
?Deliciously Farm Rustic…now that’s what I’m takin’ about!❤
Simple…but beautiful!!
Yolanda
P.S. Thank you for the great giveaway!
You bet!
I love the stool facelift! Wow! I am so impressed by your kitchen makeover. You and your hubby are doing a great job!
Did you see the start of it all? So crazy how much we’ve done, but taking forever in my mind. hee hee. Thanks!
Your bar stools look great! If I had a sprayer, I’d get busy on my many pending upcycling projects 🙂
Thank you for saying so!
Your a patient woman, as am I. Would love to win this as I am elderly, have a hard time getting up and down off the floor, and having this would allow me to be freer to do what I love, refinishing my own furniture, as you have done. Thank you for the opportunity!
You have to be to do what we do. Bless your heart! 😀 I wish I could send one to each of you.
Those countertops look amazing. And I love the 2 toned look of the barstools! I do a similar finish on multiple pieces for my own house. That sprayer would be a huge help!
It sure would be. Hope you win!
I am loving your kitchen and can’t wait to see the finished reveal. By the way, I believe it was Gomer on the Andy Griffith show who said SHAZAM! LOL
You got it!! I would love to send you a prize. Send me your email to my email larissa at prodigal pieces dot com. 😀
I love the progress y’all are making in the kitchen. It is going to look even more amazing. You have so much talent, thank you for sharing it all with us. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks, Brandi! It will be so nice to be done. Yay!
Love your stools, and the way you refinished them (as usual). I have one stool like that and have been looking for another for months. 🙁
Ugh…maybe get a set?
Love how the stools turned out. I have never used a paint sprayer and currently have to paint by hand. Would love to win the paint sprayer for the many projects waiting for me. Thanks for your amazing inspiration!
It would be wonderful for you to try. It’s easy!
Your barstools and kitchen look amazing Larissa! x
Thank you so much, Denise. 🙂
These stools look fabulous! I have no idea how on earth you and your family do it all, Larissa. I’m always inspired with the amount of work you’re able to get done.
Thank you, Angie. We are crazy busy and hope to slow down soon.
This is inspiration to do something with a couple of barstools I have in the garage! Thanks!
Wonderful!!
WOW! Love how everything is coming together for you – just love the look! And thanks for the chance to win the HomeRight sprayer!!! Have long lusted after one of those – sure hope I win!
Thanks again!
Barbara in TN
haha…I hear ya! Hope you win, Barbara.
Love the color on the bar stools. Your ideas are amazing, always looking forward to the next one.
Thanks for the love, Cindy. 🙂
Love your stools and your new countertops.
Thank you, Davonne!
Love the barstools. I would paint a poster bed with the sprayer. Thanks for hosting all the fun giveaways!
My pleasure!
I would use it on my computer desk.
Fun!
Love your stools! I would love to have a sprayer to paint some chairs! Hate painting spindles…
You are not alone. ahahaha… 😀
Some years ago I inherited some antique wicker pieces that I’ve occasionally freshened up with white spray paint. Your handy-dandy sprayer sure would keep these old fingers from cramping. Love the new look on the counter stools . . . great color combo !
It would be awesome as I hate painting wicker any other way!
Looks amazing, y’all have done a great job!
Thanks so much, Lezlie!
I love the color of the stools, Larissa. Sometimes you really luck out with “oops” paint. The stain sets off the seats beautifully.
I seriously am convinced it was put there for me. Always find good ones. Thanks!
wonderful!!! I love how you are getting things done around the homestead!! you are definitely a force to be reckoned with!! your kitchen will be a dream come true for sure!! Can’t wait to see ~
More like crazy nuts who are always working, but I like your version better. ha! Thank you, Melinda!
Love the stools!!! We have coffee bar so I need to update my chairs and table near by. Love what you do and how easy you and your family make it look.
Thanks! I couldn’t do it without them that’s for sure.
I have two high back dining room chair waiting to be painted. Pick me!
Yay! Sounds good!
Beautiful work as always and wasn’t it Gomer Pyle in Andy Griffith who said shazaam? lol I would would probably paint a table with the sprayer. Thanks!
You are so good! Yes, he did and I loved that show!
I love the stools! Thanks for the giveaway!
You bet!
I have a huge rustic cupboad that I need to paint crowding my garage right now. I would love to win the sprayer and make make it a quick job!
It sure would make it a breeze!
Your bar stools look awesome and I can’t wait to see the countertops. We’ll soon be starting our kitchen makeover. Hope it isn’t two years as I’d be crazy and that’s without kids!
Most sane people don’t take this long. haha!! We had many setback, but that’s life. Happy we can do anything at all.
Looking amazing! I love the barstools. I lucked into finding two directors chairs counter height at a thrift store a few years back for our kitchen.
Sounds like a sweet score!
these stools look great and you make it look so easy! uh, oh! you have a basement????
haha…a teeny tiny hole in the ground that someone added at some point. But…we still have one and am happy for that.
My kitchen has been taking awhile too. Instead of cold weather, I have the opposite in Florida. Got too hot and too humid too fast to paint my cabinets. Getting close to better weather here for fine finish painting, so I’m excited to maybe have a new paint sprayer to use. Thanks for the giveaway! I love the way the bar stools turned out. Love that combo of paint and stain. Great job!
That’s kinda our thing. It’s either been one thing or another and without a large workshop we are dependent on weather. Hang in there!
Here’s a link to your wondering who said “Shazam!” I remembered hearing but couldn’t place it. Now I remember! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shazam!_(TV_series)
How fun! I attribute it to Gomer Pyle as he was the first one I heard say it.
Your countertops are looking beautiful. My dinning room table, buffet and china cabinet are in need of a makeover. Winning the sprayer sure would help.
It sure would make them easier. Yay
That wood is beautiful! You will have the prettiest countertops around. Thanks for the give aways. You are so generous.
I will take any countertops at this point. ha! Thank you, Jane.
You are amazing. Everything you touch comes to life!
Well, aren’t you the sweetest?! Thank you.
Love your bar stools!!! I have a small storage bench and a dining room hutch waiting to be redone…that awesome sprayer would make finishing them so much easier. Thanks for the chance.
Thanks, that sounds good!
Larissa you do such great work! The stools turned out beautiful. Look lovely in your new kitchen. Your counter tops are going to be terrific. I love using reclaimed wood. We did our family room panelling out of pine from one tree. Also our son did a family room floor from a redwood tree cut down on our farm. Keep up your good work?
What a fun project with many memories for you. It’s the best!
The stools look amazing. I’m going to borrow your idea and paint mine just like that. ?
How awesome to hear! Thank you and have fun. 😉
I would paint my patio furniture.
Cool. 🙂
I like the stain and paint combo of your stools. They look great in your kitchen.
Thank you. There is much to be done with color scheme yet, but hopefully will gel with time.
Larissa, your ability to accomplish so much daily is incredible, given your very full plate. You rock!
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement, Susan. It means much.
So excited to see those counters installed and the final kitchen reveal. Your stools look fabulous, Larissa!
You and me both, girl! I just want any counter. 😀
These are just lovely! LOVE the paint color on the legs. I believe Suzy at Worthing Court uses a similar color (with a name 😉 ) Thanks for sharing!
The one I like similar is Hurricane Gray by Dixie Belle.
I’d love to be able to finally finish a corner cabinet for our master bath. You know, since we didn’t think about adding a linen closet when we designed the house.
Your home sounds like ours, just needs fine tuning.
Larissa! I have the same stools! And I think three! Guess what I’m going to do with them?!
Thanks for the inventiveness (?word?). Always great ideas.
Found your blog through Confessionss of a serial day’s. Love the stools and have been looking for a good sprayer. Thanks for the inspiration!
How awesome to have you. Thanks!
I have wanted a Home Right sprayer For.Ev.Er! Your project always look good.
I hear ya! They are so nice to have.
It’s beautiful! You are an inspiration to me. Thanks!
Thanks!
The stools turned out great. You always inspire me. I think I would love to tackle my porch furniture if I win the sprayer.
That would be a perfect project for the sprayer. Hope you win!
I have SO many projects lined up to work on – I think my first would be painting twin headboards my hubby made when our girls were small. Now they’re set up for the grandkids to sleep in and they need a fresh look!
What fun for all!
These stools look great! It really gives me hope for some of my projects that have had to be on the back burner for too long.
I totally hear you. Such fun!
The bar stool makeover is wonderful! Can’t wait to see your finished kitchen. I would love to have that paint sprayer to use on a antique wicker rocker I purchased at a thrift store. I know that sprayer would do a marvelous job giving a beautiful even finish to the wicker and save time!
When it is done I most likely will fall over and faint. ha! Thanks, Ann.
The bar stools came out lovely! What a difference a little TLC can do! My Kitchen cabinets are in needs of some TLC!
nice job on those stools; the kids will love them! And I really like your reclaimed wood peninsula. It is going to be a beautiful kitchen when completed! Hope I win the sprayer too!
Thank you, we hope so too.
I would tackle planters.
Cool.
Love the looks of your bar stool make over.
I do have a curbside table that needs to be done.
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity
Thanks, Colleen.
Larissa,
Every time you use that sprayer in your blogs, I am envious! Your Kitchen is coming along nicely and it will be well worth all of the time and effort when you are done. Keep up the great blogs!
You gotta get yourself one, Judy!
The bar stools came out great, Larissa and the soon to be installed countertops look fabulous too. I’m so hoping that you have an upcoming blog post on that peninsula — one word, shazam!
Thanks! It sure is a long time coming, but we’ll get there soon.
I also love how everyone in the family works as team and so talented.
We are so blessed to have each other. Thank you!
Looking great.
Thanks!
Would love to have the sprayer to do a curbside table I have my printer on. Great blog!
Sounds good, Heidi!
I have a table and some chairs I’d like to try it out on!
Perfect!
I love how the stools turned out, Larissa! Can’t wait to see your new counters installed and the rest of your updated kitchen! xo
Thanks, Jen. I am feeling the same – can’t wait!
Those stools are amazing!!
We would use the sprayer on some old furniture to give it some life.
Thanks, Steve. We had a blast…literally!
I would love to tackle a dining room set that was my grandparents.
Those are always done well with a sprayer. 😉
Absolutely love the bar stools! The color is just the best I have seen. I would love the Home Right Finish Max Extra for a plethora of projects in my garage, such as the children’s chairs for my little granddaughters. I finished the table a year ago and they cannot use it without the chairs! Oh me, oh my. Also, love your blog.
Thanks for the encouragement, Kathie.
Love the barstools. They turned out wonderfully. I know your excited to get back to your kitchen remodel. Can’t wait to see it!
Oh! I’m pretty sure it was Gomer Pyle who said shazam!
Thanks! Yes, it’s more than just a remodel to us. Yes, love Gomer!
Love the barstool make over! Would also love a Home Max Sprayer to attempt a diy project!
DIY is where it’s at! 😉
Loving the classy simplicity of those bar stools now! Great work!
Thanks! They will serve us well.
“Well surprise,surprise,surprise! ” Seriously though, once again, a fantastic job!
hahaha…good one, Charlene!
Really likee the stools. I have carpal tunnel problems in both hands and a sprayer would make life easier.
Thanks, Janet. Sorry to hear of your troubles, and you’re right, this would help.
I love all things spindly so you know I love these!! Perfect at your counter! I know your kitchen has been a long time coming…it is going to be gorgeous with those counters!! XOXO
Yes, me too! You are right, a long process and seriously will be so nice to be done. Thanks, Christy.
a club house id paint needs it so if won id paint that
Fun!
Love the farmhouse barstools! ! Really like the combo of stained wood with painted wood — and the color used on the legs is my FAV! I can’t wait to see your kitchen completed. I seriously thought maybe I missed it somehow since you had been so busy with ALL THAT AMAZING WORK IN THE BACKYARD!!
hahaha…you are awesome, Marti. Nope, we are back at it since the summer days are flying by. It was good to get our outdoor done and take a break from the kitchen. Now that winter’s on the way we focus inside again.
Amazing as usual. I think I’d end up painting everything wooden. ?
haha!! That’s awesome!
I love the way these stools came out. I have a lot of projects waiting so I don’t know what to pick first. Maybe eeny meeny ….
Thanks! I feel the same, Brenda. 😀
Love the paint color with stain! gorgeous! I would use the sprayer to paint my 1980s era orange bedroom set! Thanks for the opportunity!
Wahoo! Thank you, Becky!
Love those bar stools. I need to get one of those sprayers. Looks like it helps finish the job up quicker and smoother. Take care.
Yes, it sure makes a huge difference. Thanks!
Omgoodness love the “reclaimed wood heaven” that looks wonderful. We have a cabinet that we used to use for an old CRT Television set that I want to makeover into a sewing cabinet so that’s probably the first thing that I’d use it on.
It sure is! Sounds like you have the prefect project.
My sprayer just died, could really use this one, love what you done in your kitchen makes me want o get started on mine
Oh no! This will be so nice for you to have a replacement. Hope you win!
I love the stools and would love to have the sprayer. My husband and I are starting to repurpose furniture and it would be a blessing
Go team! You will love this thing for sure.
I just picked (trash picked) up a new stool and I will be using this color scheme on it. Thanks so much.
Awesome! Thanks, Mike.
The stools look amazing! I’ve been wanting to try the sprayer for awahile
Thank you, Nickie, for the encouragement. You will love it!
I have 6 stools (2 each of 3 different heights/styles) that I have been wanting to do this to! LOVE what you did!
Sweet! Sounds like the perfect project.
The stools look awesome, especially the colors. My project is an old school desk. I have been putting it off because of all nooks and cranies requiring paint. This awesome sprayer would be perfect. I also use Varathane, it’s my go to on my stained pieces.
We are tickled with them being done and things looking normal around here. Thanks!
I love how smooth the legs come out with the sprayer. Another great makeover. Would love to win sprayer and I can’t wait to see countertops.
They sure are better than brushed. Thanks!
The sprayer is amazing just tip for everything your mind can imagine and no thinning product. The stools are now so updated such a deal. That’s why I keep so much. You never know when an idea will hit you. If you love it get it, later when you need something you never find it.
That’s it exactly, Gail. Sounds like you’re a kindred spirit. 🙂
I would tackle my vintage rocking chair. Love your project!!!!
Sounds good to me!
Larrisa, your stools turned out beautiful. I love them.
Thank you for the kinds words, Carole.
I’d use it on my kitchen table.
Perfect project piece.
I love your finished project.. looks amazing!
I would use it on a dresser I’m looking to bring to life.
Thank you for the love, Sarah.
Your stools look great! I have so many things around the house that I would like to redo and paint. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you! My pleasure to share.
I really like how the stools turned out! I would love to try this on my dining chairs, and probaby lots of other projects!
I’m sure you will find endless uses for it. 😉
Love how the stools turned out and those counters are going to be GORGEOUS!!! I would love to win a sprayer, what an awesome giveaway!!
Yay! I think so too. Thanks, Julie!
Looks fantastic! I’ve always wanted to try the sprayer but I’m initimidated!
The stools look really classy! I have two that I have been meaning to paint and reupholster the tops but when I see how nice the refinished seats look with the black paint I might just leave them bare and stain them. I’m thinking that with my other decor I would use a midnight blue instead of the black on the legs.
Thanks for the inspiration. Now I really want to get started on those stools!
Wonderful!! That’s what I’m all about…inspiring others to try. Thanks for the smile, Naomi. 😀
These bar stools turned out so good! I love them so much. I am having our kitchen cabinets refinished I will need to try this out to finish up the space. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
That’s exciting! You’re welcome.