Footstool Instructions

A footstool can help your kids assist you around the house.

Footstools are a necessity for the vertically challenged and provide an aid in reaching high cupboards in the kitchen, bathroom or getting the top books from the home library. Kids also love using footstools to help with tasks like brushing teeth at the bathroom sink. Making a footstool is a simple woodworking task, but one with great payoff, as a simple, sturdy footstool will last for years -- they also make great handmade gifts.

Things You'll Need

• 1 piece lumber, 3/4-by-8-by-3 inch
• Clamp
• 2 pieces lumber, 3/4-by-6-by-8 inch
• Drill
• 4 wood screws, 1 5/8 inch
• 1 piece lumber, 3/4-by-8-by-12 inch
• 8 finishing nails
• Hammer
• Sandpaper, 220-grit
• Varnish or paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Place a 3/4-by-8-by-3-inch piece of lumber lengthwise in a clamp. This is the brace for the footstool. Abut a 3/4-by-6-by-8-inch length of lumber (a leg) on the end of the brace, centered on the 6-inch side. The top of the leg should be flush with the top of the brace.

2. Drill two countersunk pilot holes through the leg into the end of the brace, then secure together with 1-5/8-inch wood screws. Repeat on the other end of the brace with a second piece of 3/4-by-6-by-8-inch lumber. You will now have two legs attached on either side of the brace.

3. Remove the brace and legs from the clamps and stand them upright on the work surface.

4. Center a 3/4-by-8-by-12 inch piece of lumber over the brace and legs for the top of the footstool. The legs should have an inch overlap on either side, and a little more than an inch between the brace ends and the end of the top.

5. Drive four finishing nails through the top piece into each leg to secure the footstool top in place.

6. Sand the footstool with 220-grit sandpaper, smoothing over any sharp edges and ensuring the footstool is smooth all over.

7. Varnish or paint the footstool as desired and leave to dry for the amount of time specified by the varnish or paint manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the legs on an angle so that they are 4 inches at the top and 6 at the bottom for a more decorative look. Also consider cutting out an arch in the bottom of the legs to increase the decorative appeal -- similarly the lower edge of the brace can be shaped to increase aesthetic appeal.

• Add a cushion on top of the footstool to use it for resting tired feet while sitting on the sofa.

References

• The Woodcrafter Page: Foot Stool
• Grandpa's Workshop; Footstool From Scraps Project; Don Firth