How to build a step stool

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a step stool. If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we highly recommend you to pay attention to the instructions as well as to the diagrams that are featured in this article. Choose an appropriate design for your tastes and don’t forget to check out the rest of the projects that are featured on our website.

There are several aspects that you should take into account before starting the actual construction of the step stool, so make sure you pay attention to the tips. Invest in high quality lumber, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as they have a great durability and not only a nice finish. Always align the components at both ends before drilling pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a step stool

Builing a step stool

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 15 1/2″ long SIDES
B – 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 12″ long SUPPORTS
C – 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 15″ long STEPS

1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 3 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 4 ft
1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 3 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building the sides of the stool

The first step of the home project is to build the sides of the step stool. Therefore, we recommend you to cut two 15 1/2″ long pieces of 1×12 lumber and to mark the cut lines on them with a pencil. Use a circular saw to make the cuts and smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Make the curved cuts by using a jigsaw.

Installing the supports

The next step is to fit the 1×2 supports between the sides of the wooden stool. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the pieces of lumber and lock them to the sides with 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner. Plumb the sides with a spirit level before inserting the screws, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner.

Attaching the slats

One of the last steps is to attach the steps to the stool frame. Cut the 1×8 slats at the right size and attach them to the supports, making sure they are perfectly center. Drill pocket holes through the supports before inserting the screws, in order to conceal the head of the screws.

How to build a step stool

Step stool plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a step stool and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends and LIKE us, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE if you want to be the first that gets our latest articles.

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