So my 3 yr old can’t reach the sink. Seems like an easy problem to fix, most people would just head out to their local big box store and pick up a step stool. With my wife it just wasn’t quite that easy. Our journey began at Target where I was dragged kicking & screaming through the entire store. Our journey continued through every other store within a 10 mile radius where every stool we came across just didn’t work for us. So I decided to gather up some scrap wood I had lying around and build a step stool that would work for us.
Step 1
Cut the side’s of your stool. I began by cutting two pieces 14” X 14”. Then notched out for my steps, making each step 7” high. Cut out a rounded section at the bottom of each side to create legs.
Step 2
Cut the treads for each step. I chose to have a 1” overhang on the sides of each step and a ¼” overhang in the front. I cut my steps 7 ¼” X 16”
Step 3
Cut stabilizers for each step & to strengthen the stool. I used 1” X 2” pieces 12 ¾” long. I cut 6 of these. 2 will help support each tread & 2 will be attached 1” from the bottom of the front and rear legs.
Step 4
Cut small treads in the steps using a Tablesaw or a Circular Saw about 1/8” deep.
Step 5
Route the edges of the legs, the risers & the front/sides of each step. I used a ¼” round-over bit to accomplish the look I desired.
Step 6
Attach the side’s to the tread supports. Quick Tip: Use wood glue and a finish nail gun. I placed my front and rear supports for each tread 1” in from the edges. After attaching the 4 tread supports attach the lower supports 1” from the bottom of the stools legs on center.
Step 7
Attach your treads making sure the overhang on each side is equal again using wood glue and nail gun. Let the stool sit so the glue can dry properly.
Step 8
Finish with stain or polyurethane. I left the wood as natural as possible by only applying one coat of polyurethane. You could paint or stain as desired.
We spent quite a bit of time looking for something to buy that I should have just made out of scrap lumber from the start. The best part was it didn’t cost me anything except time! We are very happy with our step stool and will use it for many years to come. It’s a very simple design & is the exact size/style that we wanted. Not to mention anyone can make one if you just take the time to try!
Have you ever made furniture for your home? What was it?
Great step by step guide Justin!
Thank you!
Super cute and looks sturdy. When I was in 7the grade I learned how to macramé and I made these hanging tables, kind of like shelves. Everyone got them as gifts that Christmas.
Sounds cool! I would like to have a few!
I once made a coat rack for my daughter. This was years ago but it was great for her to hang dress up clothes on it.
Oh that’s a good idea, my son would love a coat rack!
Adorable – pinned it!! I think I’ll make one of these to get to the candy we have to hide from our son!!
LOL! Feel free to send some candy my way too!
aren’t you handy! painted in a bright color that would be really pretty in a bathroom
I try to be! Sometimes it works out other times not so much
Hush up! This is too cute! Pinning it now!
Great tutorial! Love it.
Love this! Sometimes we forget how easy it is to put something like this together and opt to purchase instead.
I have never attempted at making furniture, but I have a brother and sister that are really good at this! My sister-in-law is pretty good at this, too. Me, on the other hand, just not skillful when it comes to things like this. ~lol~
I’m not sure if I could build it or not, but that is a great step-by-step tutorial! And, no, I’ve never tried to build a piece of furniture before. I have refinished, painted, and/or stained furniture, though
Great instructions and step stool. So much sturdier looking than those plastic ones.
Great DIY tutorial! I am quit handy with staining, drilling and using other tools. Other than drilling or wood burning I don’t work do too much with wood. I think anyone with a tablesaw & circular saw can surely put this together in no time.
You make that look so very easy!! I’d love to have one so maybe I’ll give it a try.
That is beautiful! I have about 5 step stools around the house – but for MY use!
Wow, that turned out great!
Wow, this is beautiful!
I love it! I looked EVERYWHERE for something similar for my son but had to settle for something else- I never thought to make it!
This is gorgeous and it will mean a bunch that you made it yourself.
This is so great! My kids would love it.
That’s so handy!!
This made me think of my Grandfather, he loved to make things like this. I’ve never had the talent, but woodworking was his passion.
There is just something about working in the shop, so relaxing!
Thanks Everyone! Hope it gave you some ideas!