NotchLoading plan…
Loading plan…
Use your browser's Print (Ctrl/Cmd + P) and choose Save as PDF. This page works offline once you've opened it with a signal.
A three-step stool/side table from 2x3s and one fence picket — with the scrap-spacer trick that insets every apron exactly 1/2" without measuring once.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legs | 4 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 17 1/4" | 2x3 | ☐ |
| Side aprons | 4 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 14" | 2x3 | ☐ |
| Aprons and stretcher | 3 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 13" | 2x3 | ☐ |
| Top boards | 3 | 5/8" × 5 1/2" × 17" | Cedar fence picket | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x3, 8 ft Stud-length works. The whole frame. | 2 each | ☐ |
| Cedar fence picket, 5-1/2" x 72" (Cedar) 51" of it — the three top boards. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Self-tapping screws, #9 x 2-3/4", star drive | 30 each | ☐ |
| Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 1-3/4", star drive Top boards. | 12 each | ☐ |
| Wood stain Applied to the sanded boards before cutting. | 8 oz | ☐ |
Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 2x3, 8 ft, Cedar fence picket, 5-1/2" x 72", Wood stain
Sand all the boards at 120, stain them, and let them dry — before any cutting. On a project this size, pre-finishing turns the finish work into ten flat minutes, and the only brushwork after assembly is dabbing the cut ends.
Tools: Circular Saw, Drill / Driver, Speed Square. Materials: 2x3, 8 ft, Self-tapping screws, #9 x 2-3/4", star drive
Cut the parts, then join each pair of legs with two 14" side aprons: lay a 1/2" piece of scrap against the leg face and rest the apron on it while you drive the 2-3/4" screws — the apron lands inset exactly 1/2", every joint identical, no measuring.
Build the two sets and stand them side by side to confirm they match.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Tape Measure. Materials: 2x3, 8 ft, Cedar fence picket, 5-1/2" x 72", Self-tapping screws, #9 x 2-3/4", star drive, Self-tapping wood screws, #8 x 1-3/4", star drive, Wood stain
Connect the leg sets with the three 13" pieces — two as aprons up top, one as a low stretcher — same spacer, same screws. Then lay the three picket tops with even gaps and screw down with the 1-3/4" screws.
Touch up the cut ends with stain, and put it next to the best chair on the porch, where it will immediately hold a drink.