Notch- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 3–6 hours
- Cost
- $$
About this build
This simple stepstool is a quick and easy build. Great to use in a kitchen, bathroom, or wherever you need a little step up. This stepstool is light and easy to move. Perfect for kids to use to reach sinks or countertops. They can move the stepstool anywhere they need it. And it looks cute too!
Tools
Essential
- Brad Nailer
- Drill / Driver
- Jigsaw
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Random Orbit Sander
Optional / nice to have
- Tape Measure
Materials
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Board, 1x8 48" | 1 board |
| Board, 1x2 96" | 2 board |
| 1 1/4" pocket hole screws | 25 each |
| 1 1/4" grabber screws | 25 each |
| Wood glue | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Frame fronts & backs | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 16" |
| Small frame sides | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 5" |
| Large frame sides | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 10" |
| Back legs | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 4" |
| Middle supports | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 9" |
| Front legs | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 6" |
| Steps | 2 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 17" |
What to buy
Buy 3 boards at 8 ft.
3/4" × 7 1/4"
1 board
3/4" × 1 1/2"
2 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Instructions
1Build step frames
- Begin by building the frames for your steps.
- Cut 4- 16" 1x2's.
- Cut 2- 5" 1x2's.
- Drill pocket holes in each end of the 5" boards.
- Cut 2- 10" 1x2's.
- Drill pocket holes in each end of the 10" boards. Use 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue to build two frames.
2Add front legs
Cut 2- 6" 1x2 boards, with both ends mitered at 10 degrees off square. To the larger frame, attach both boards so they are flush with the top of the frame. Keep boards toward the front of the frame as far as they can go, while keeping the bottom of the legs level with the top of the frame (see plans). Boards are attached with wood glue and 1 1/4" grabber screws, screwed from the inside.
3Stepstool frames built
You should now have two frames built for the steps of your stepstool.
4Add back legs
Cut 2- 13 1/4" 1x2's. To the smaller frame, attach both boards, so they are flush with the top and the back (see plans). Boards are attached with wood glue and 1 1/4" grabber screws, screwed from the inside.
5Add side supports
Cut 2- 9" 1x2 boards, with both ends mitered at 10 degrees off square. To the smaller frame, attach both boards so they are flush with the top of the frame. Keep boards toward the front of the frame as far as they can go, while keeping the bottom of the legs level with the top of the frame (see plans). Boards are attached with wood glue and 1 1/4" grabber screws, screwed from the inside.
6Attach frames together
- Attach the back legs to the bigger frame.
- Measure 6 inches from the bottom of the legs. This will be where the top of your frame will sit (see plans).
- Also attach the middle supports so the bottom of the supports is even with the bottom of the bigger frame. Boards are attached with wood glue and 1 1/4" grabber screws, screwed from the inside.
7Cut steps
- Cut 2- 17" 1x8 boards. The bottom step will need some notches cut out so it fits with the frame we built. Using a jigsaw, a band saw, or a scroll saw, cut 2 slits out of the board.
- Measure in 1" from the sides, and 3 inches from the back.
- Then cut a 1/2" slit (see plans for clarification).
- Once the slits are cut, slide the step in place.
8Attach steps
Using wood glue and brad nails, secure the steps into place. The top step should be flush with the back, and have 1/2" overhang on each side. The bottom step should overhang the sides by 1/2", and about 1/2" in the front as well.
9Finish the stepstool
Sand the stepstool. Paint or stain to finish.
Tags
- Bathroom
- Beginner
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