How to Build an Easy Step Stool
There is almost nothing in the house quite so handy as a step stool---especially in the kitchen for reaching into those high cabinets. Having the extra height makes tasks both easier and safer. If you do not already own a step stool, this is a sturdy little stool you can build using scrap lumber.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter's square
- Pencil
- 1 pine board, 1-by-12-by-42 inches long cut as follows:
- (1) 1-by-12-inch, 18 inches long (Mark A)
- (2) 1-by-12 inch, 12 inches long each (Mark B)
- 2 pine board, 2-by-2-by-11 inches long (Mark C)
- 1 wooden dowel 1-inch diameter by 20 inches long
- 2 wooden dowel pieces, each 1/4-inch diameter by 2 inches long
- Saw
- 10, #8 1 3/4-inch Philips flat head wood screws
- Drill
- Spade bit, 1 1/8-inch diameter
- Drill bits, 5/64 and 5/16-inch
- C clamps
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark (using pencil and carpenter's square to insure straight lines) all lumber and dowels to the correct lengths.
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2
Cut lumber and dowels to marks with a saw.
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3
Sand all surfaces and edges of part A, and all surfaces of parts B, C and dowels except the end grain on one end of parts B. (That face will hereafter be referred to as the "top" of part B).
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4
Lay both parts C on a flat surface. Measure and mark 3 spots (starting from one end) for drilling pilot holes as follows: at 1, 5 1/2 and 10 inches.
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5
Turn parts C a quarter turn clockwise (to the right) and mark two more holes as follows: at 2 and 9 inches.
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6
Use a 5/64 drill bit to drill all five holes in each part C at the marks.
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7
Lay part A upside down and draw a straight line across each end 1 1/4 inch in from the edge.
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8
Place one part C along each of the lines drawn on the underside of part A so that they are on the side of the line aiming toward the middle and centered along the line side to side (1/4 inch from the edges) with the side containing three holes facing up.
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9
Fasten parts C to part A with wood screws through the three pilot holes.
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10
Lay both parts B flat and mark a spot 7 inches from the "top" and 5 5/8 over from each edge (centered side to side). Drill a hole all the way through each part B at that point using the 1 1/8-inch spade bit.
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11
Attach one part B to each part C with wood screws through the two remaining pilot holes.
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12
Lay the 1-inch diameter by 20-inch long dowel on a flat table or work bench and clamp in place near the center to prevent it turning.
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13
Measure 1-inch in from each end and drill a hole all the way through the dowel at each point using the 5/16 drill bit.
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14
Push the large dowel through the holes in parts B until it protrudes 1 1/4 inches outside each stool leg and the 5/16-inch holes are just showing on the outside.
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15
Push a 2-inch dowel down through each of the holes in the large dowel ends to secure it in place.
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16
Sand the stool until smooth, and finish as desired with paint or wood stain.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety goggles and ear protection when using power tools, and keep long hair tied back!
