Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
2-4 hours
Presented by Erin Spain of ErinSpain.com.
A DIY step stool is a great addition to any home. Read this guide for instructions on how to make your own wooden DIY step stool with a few simple tools and materials.
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1
Cut the Wood
First, cut your wood to the following dimensions:
- (1) 1 x 10 board at 14 inches long
- (4) 2 x 2 boards at 10 inches long with ends beveled at 15 degrees parallel
- (2) 2 x 2 boards at 8 inches long (at longest ends) with ends cut at 15 degrees not parallel
- (1) 2 x 2 board at 4 inches long
2
Sand the Wood
Give everything a good sanding to smooth out rough edges.
3
Drill Pocket Holes
Drill pocket holes as follows:
- Two in each end of the 8-inch pieces.
- One in each end of the 4-inch piece.
- Be sure to stagger these so they don’t run into each other.
4
Assemble the Base
- Use 2-inch pocket hole screws to assemble the aprons to the legs.
- Attach the middle support perpendicular to the center point of each set of legs, connecting them, with pocket hole screws also.
- When assembling the angled legs to the apron support, keep a firm grip while you drive the screws in so they don’t shift.
5
Attach the Top
- Center the base and attach it to the stool top (working upside down) using 2-inch wood screws, pre-drilling holes with a countersinking drill bit first.
- Be careful to place these screws where they won’t run into the pocket hole screws underneath.
6
Paint or Stain
- Stain the stool using a foam brush.
- Wipe off the excess with a cotton cloth.
7
Add Paint Dipped Legs (Optional)
- Use painter’s tape to tape around each leg, about 3 inches up from the bottom.
- Apply two coats of white paint, allowing it to dry between coats.
- Remove the tape when the second coat is still damp.
8
Seal
- Seal with a topcoat of your choice. Water-based polyurethane or furniture paste wax would work well.
- Enjoy!
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