How to Build a Little Boy's Step Stool
Little ones enjoy being able to do more for themselves as they move from being babies to toddlers, yet they also get frustrated by their own personal limitations. Sometimes it is hard to reach the bathroom sink, the toilet or the kitchen counter. Making your little boy a handmade step stool is one way to to help alleviate his frustrations and give him a bit of independence. A simple and well-made step stool will be loved and possibly even handed down to future generations.
Things You'll Need
- 14- by 18-inch piece 3-inch hardwood
- Pencil
- Drill
- 1-1/2-inch drill bit
- 1-1/2-inch tenon maker
- 4 hardwood legs, 10-inches long and 3-inches in diameter
- 3/8-inch drill bit
- 4 3/8-inch dowels, 4-inches long
- Wood glue
- Hand saw
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Clear Finish
Instructions
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1
Mark four dots on the bottom of your 14- by 18-inch piece of hardwood. You can use maple, oak or a hardwood poplar. The dots should be placed in all four corners, approximately 2 inches from the edge of the board.
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2
Drill the holes at a 10-degree angle, using a 1-1/2" drill bit. Use your tenon maker to create a 1-1/2-inch tenon that is 1-1/2-inches long on the end of each of your four hardwood legs.
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3
Place glue on the mortised legs and in the holes you drilled in the top of the stool. Screw the legs in until they are tight and the mortise is completely covered.
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4
Place the step stool right-side up and observe the angle of the legs. Twist the legs to adjust the angle until the stool is stable.
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5
Drill a hole crossing through each stool leg using your 3/8-inch drill bit. The hole should be at a 45-degree angle and begin on the inside of each leg, extending into the top of the stool.
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6
Fill each hole with wood glue and pound a dowel all the way in to each hole. You will know it has been inserted completely when you hear a thud as you are tapping. Cut off any excess dowel using a small hand saw.
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7
Allow the glue to dry on your stool, and then sand it lightly and wipe it down. Paint it in your color of choice; you might choose blue or your son's favorite color.
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8
Paint your son's name on the top of the step stool using nice handwriting. If your son has a favorite sports team or hobby, you can paint items related to those things as a border. Paint clear finish onto the stool, and allow it to thoroughly dry before using it.
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