How to Make a Basic Step Stool
These simple-to-follow instructions show you how to make a sturdy step stool that will serve you well for a long time. It consists of six pieces of wood that are glued and nailed together. Gather your materials, sand your pieces of wood to soften every edge, and you're ready to start. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wood:
- Five 1x6 pieces, 14 inches long, for sides, uprights, and lower step
- One 1x6 piece, 12.5 inches long, for top step
- White glue
- Sandpaper - one heavy grit, one light grit
- 1.25-inch nails
- Hammer
- Optional: Paint or other finish, nail-in-feet
Instructions
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1
Mark the bottom pieces where the uprights will be nailed to them. Apply a generous amount of white glue between each base and an upright.
Position the uprights so that they will be between the two bases, then nail each upright to each base with four nails so that the nails will be on the inside of the bench.
Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth.
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2
Apply a bead of glue to the top edge of each base.
Nail the bottom step to the top edge of each base with three nails.
Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth.
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3
Apply a bead of glue to the top edge of each upright.
Nail the top step (shortest piece) to the top of each upright using three nails.
Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth.
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4
If you're using this in your workshop, you can leave it unfinished, but you may prefer to put on a finish if you're going to use it at home.
One or two bright colors in an enamel finish is especially good for a young child's room. For use in other parts of the house, a varnish stain in a shade that complements your furniture will help it fit in to your decor.
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5
If you plan to use this on a very smooth or slippery surface, nail small rubber feet to the bottom edge of each base.
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Tips & Warnings
Your choice of wood depends upon your intended use. This means that low-cost common pine may be perfectly suitable. If you're going to paint, try to avoid major knots in your material. If you're planning on staining it, you'll want to avoid knots altogether, if you can. If you can't avoid knots, try to hide them on the inside of the bench. Sanding will make sure that you don't get any splinters and will provide a smooth surface if you want to paint or stain your workbench. Start by sanding each edge of each piece (that's 12 edges) with a heavy grit sandpaper until they're smooth to your satisfaction and then lightly sand the face of each piece with a light grit. Sand the surfaces even more if you're going to paint or stain. Do this outside and you won't have to clean up the sawdust that otherwise will travel two rooms away. Cutting your materials yourself can be satisfying, but having someone at your local home improvement store or lumber yard make the cuts will ensure they are square, smooth and the proper size with no hassle.
Safety glasses: If you're cutting your own materials, be sure to wear proper eye protection, especially if you're using a power saw instead of a handsaw. Sawdust: Wear a mask while sanding. Ventilation: If you put on a finish, make sure that you do so in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the finishing product you have selected.
