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Step Stool

This handmade stool will come in handy around the house for a variety of uses and it’s easier to make than you think.

Instructions

Rough Cost Estimate: $30 (Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.)

 

Rough Time Estimate: 1 day

 

General Instructions

Fill all holes and voids with wood filler. Countersink all screws. Wipe away excess glue with a damp cloth.


Step-by-Step

1. Trace the shape of one end panel with 5-inch-radius outer curved edges onto the plywood per the end panel diagram. Cut along the outer edges using a jigsaw. Draw a vertical line down the center of the panel. Inside the 4-inch-diameter circle, drill a starter hole that is large enough for the jigsaw blade. Cut out the hole and the half circle per the illustration. Use this piece as a pattern for the other end panel, transferring all marks.


2. Using a circular saw with a straightedge guide, cut the step from the remaining plywood, and cut the brace from the 1 x 2.

 

3. Along the centerline you drew on each end panel, mark the points for the screws, which will secure the brace, at 4-1/4 inches and 4-3/4 inches from the lower edge. Mark the points for the screws, which will secure the step, at 5-5/8 inches. Draw a horizontal line across the end panel through the 5-5/8-inch mark. Mark the ends of this line 1-1/4 inches in from the side edges. Using a #10 countersink bit, drill a hole at each of these locations.

 

4. Mark the location of the step by drawing a horizontal line across the inside faces of the end panels 5-1/4 inches from the lower edge of each panel. Directly below this line, draw two vertical lines 3/8 inch on either side of the vertical centerline. This outlines the location of the brace.


5. Align the lower edge of the step with the horizontal line you drew in Step 4. Use glue to attach the step to one end panel at this location. Check that the step is 90 degrees to the end panel using a square. Secure the step using screws placed through the pilot holes you drilled in Step 3. In the same way, attach the step to the other end panel.


6. Vertically align the brace with the lines you drew in Step 4 that are directly beneath the step. Attach the brace using glue and screws placed through the pilot holes you drilled in Step 3.

Cut List

Part Material Size Quantity Notes
End panels Plywood 3/4 x 10 x 12 2
Step Plywood 3/4 x 9 x 10-1/2 1
Brace 1 x 2 3/4 x 1-1/2 x 10-1/2 1

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Article Contents

Project Resources

Project Details

  • Lumber (Availability varies by market.)
    • 1 24-inch-square sheet of 3/4-inch-thick birch plywood
    • 1 2-foot long 1 x 2, poplar
  • Hardware & Supplies
    • 1 box 1 1/4-inch PrimeGuard Plus screws
    • Primer
    • White paint, semi-gloss
    • Wood glue
    • Stainable wood filler
  • Tools
    • Circular saw with a straightedge guide
    • Jigsaw
    • Power sander or sandpaper
    • Drill/driver with a #10 countersink bit and Phillips-head bit
    • Compass
    • Framing square or try square
    • Tape measure
    • Paintbrush
    • Pencil

About This Article

  • Publish Date: 09/01/1999