Littlest Helper Tower

From the 15"-long 1x8, cut two arches with a jigsaw, adjusting the layout so both fit on the one board. A straight 1x3 board across works as a simpler substitute if you'd rather skip this step.

Measure and mark the legs for the ladder rung positions. Drill 3/4" pocket holes and glue the ends of the ladder rungs, then attach with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Build two identical leg-and-rung assemblies.

Mark the location of the front and back side pieces and predrill. Glue and screw in place with pocket hole screws, checking for square. Keep the sides open so a child can crawl in and out.

Mark the platform boards 1" in from the outside edges. Attach the platform supports with glue and 1-1/4" screws — these supports both join the platform boards and hold the platform captured inside the tower.

Round the corners of the tip resistors and screw together. The shorter side-to-side resistors are optional — backward tipping is the greater risk, so build to suit your child's needs.

Screw the tip-resistant footer to the legs.

Sand every surface and finish.