How to Construct a Children's Wooden Step Stool

Children are always growing, but sometimes they need a little help reaching things. A step stool can provide a small amount of height, but not enough to be dangerous. Your child will find it easier to brush her teeth, wash her hands and even help mom at the kitchen counter. Rather than buying a stool that is already made, you can create one at home. Your child can have fun helping to decorate the stool when it is finished.

Things You'll Need

• 3 foot slab of 1-inch by 12-inch oak
• Combination square
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Table clamp
• Jigsaw
• Drill
• 1/4 inch drill blade
• Orbit sander
• 60 grit sandpaper
• Wood glue
• 1 1/2 inch #8 finishing screws

Instructions

1. Measure your slab of oak from one end to 11 1/4 inches and make a mark. Use the combination square to draw a straight line at that measurement.

2. Use the measuring tape and combination square to draw another piece on your slab to create a separate length of slab 14 inches long.

3. Draw a horizontal line to separate the 14 inch piece directly in half. These two halves will be the legs of the stool.

4. Draw a rectangle directly in the center of the 14 inch piece. The rectangle should be 1 inch wide, and about 5 inches long. The long ends of the rectangle will reach about 2 1/2 inches into each half.

5. Clamp your oak slab to a work table and use a jigsaw to cut out your 11 1/4 inch section and set it aside.

6. Cut the 14 inch section the same way as the first and clamp that section again. Cut the 14 inch section in half along the line you created.

7. Use your drill to make two holes at the corners of the rectangles that you drew. Do this for both halves of the 14 inch section. This will allow you to turn your jigsaw and cut the rectangles out completely.

8. Use your jigsaw to cut the rectangle pieces out of both 14 inch halves. Stop your jigsaw at each drill hole and turn the blade to avoid cutting too far.

9. Use an orbit sander to smooth the edges of your stool pieces with 60 grit sandpaper. Smooth the corners and edges to avoid sharp or pointed surfaces for children to hurt themselves on .

10. Position your 11 1/4 inch piece of oak on a table and use the combination square to draw a perfect "X" from corner to corner. Measure 7 inches from the center of the "X" in all four directions and make a small pencil mark directly on your line.

11. Use your 3/32 inch drill and bit to place small holes in all four pencil marks.

12. Fit your two 14 inch long pieces together. Place the cut out rectangles against each other and push them into one another, so that the two sections create an "X".

13. Place your 11 1/4 inch piece on top of the "X" you just created. Center it carefully, and make pencil marks on the "X" through the four holes that you drilled in the top piece.

14. Remove the top piece and set it aside. Use your drill and 3/32 inch drill bit to make small holes about 1 1/4 inches deep into the "X" where you marked with a pencil.

15. Apply wood glue to the top of the "X" formation and replace the top piece of wood. Match up the holes in the top of the stool to the holes in the legs (the "X").

16. Use a Phillips head bit on your drill to screw #8 finish screws into the pre-made holes.

17. Decorate your stool however you like. Use stain or paint to finish the stool, or you can leave it as is.

References

• This Old House