How to Build Bed Steps
If you have difficulty getting up into your bed or have children that need a better way to get in and out of bed, bed steps can make this challenge easier and safer. The following instructions walk you through building a sturdy pair of bed steps which can also be used in other areas of the house. All you need to accomplish this task are a few tools, plywood and hardware. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- (1) 4-by-8 foot sheet of 3/4-inch-thick smooth-finish plywood
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Sander
- Wood stain or paint
- 1 1/2-inch wood screws
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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Cutting the Pieces for Your Bed Steps
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1
Cut three 1 1/2-foot square pieces from the plywood using the circular saw.
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2
Create the sides of the steps. Draw a 9-inch square in one of the corners of the 1 1/2-foot square piece. To do this, pick a corner and measure 9 inches down both perpendicular edges. Next, draw a perpendicular line from each edge to the center of the entire piece to complete the square. Cut out this 9-inch square.
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3
Repeat Step 2 on another 1 1/2-foot square piece.
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4
Cut a 1-foot 4 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-foot piece for the back side of the top step.
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5
Cut two 9-inch by 1 1/2-foot pieces.
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6
Sand all rough edges off the cut pieces. Apply wood stain or paint. Allow to dry.
Assembling Your Bed Steps
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7
Gather the 1-foot 4 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-foot back piece and the two sides. Place the two sides on edge parallel to each other 1 1/2 feet apart so that the square cut-out on both pieces are on top and lined up. Put the other piece on the 1-foot 4 1/2-inch edge between the tall sides perpendicular to them. Line it up between the 1 1/2-foot-high edges, and drive four screws through each side piece into the back.
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8
Lay each 9-inch by 1 1/2-foot piece across the two sides for the steps. Drive two screws through each side of both steps into the sides.
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9
Turn the finished portion over, and attach the remaining 1 1/2-foot square piece on the bottom. Line it up and drive screws through it every 4 inches around the edges into the three sides. Your bed steps are complete.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be cautious when using power tools.
