This simple step stool is a great project for even the beginning wood worker. In fact, this simple step stool is a great project to do with your kids – especially since they are likely to be the ones using it on a daily basis. There are only a few simple pieces to make, and it only requires a single 1 x 12 pine board.

Materials Needed

• 1 – 1 x 12 pine board @ 6′
• Wood glue
• Pocket hole screws

Tools Required

• Saw – circular, miter, or table saw
• Jig saw or band saw
• Drill / driver combo
• Sander & sand paper
• Tape measure
• Square
• Straight edge
• Router (optional)
• Kreg jig

Simple step stool cut diagram

Step 1: Cut the sides

Start by cutting the two side pieces. These two pieces are identical, so once you measure and cut the first one you can use it as a template for the second. Start by cutting a 14″ long piece from your 1×12. Then, using your jig saw and a straight edge cut out the 7″ x 6 1/8″ corner for the lower step.

To prepare for attaching the stair treads, you’re going to want to drill three pocket holes at the top of each of the 7″ sections. So six pocket holes in each piece, 12 in total.

The last step on these sides is to cut a decorative arch in the bottom. Make a mark 2 1/2″ in from each end, then using a flexible ruler or similar item, make an arch that starts from the two marks you just made. Trace the line of the ruler and cut it out with your jig saw.

Step 2: Cut and attach the front pieces

The lower front piece is 12″ wide by 5 3/8″ high, while the upper front piece is 12″ x 3″. Both of these pieces (and the back piece in the next step) are wider than your 1×12 board so you need to cut them from a length of board instead of just the width.

For the lower front piece we want to match the same arch we used on the sides.  Since the front board is going to be attached inside the 3/4″ side pieces we want to account for that extra 3/4″ width on each end and start our arch at 1 3/4″ in from the end of the front board instead of 2 1/2″.

For both of these front pieces, drill four pocket holes spaced evenly across the top edge to be used later when attaching the tread, and two pocket holes on each end for attaching to the sides. Use the two pocket holes on each end and wood glue on the end of each board to attach them to the sides.  Both pieces should sit flush with the tops of the side pieces where they are attaching.

Step 3: Cut and attach the back stretcher

The back piece is the same as the upper front board at 12″ x 3″ and is attached the same way using wood glue and pocket screws.  Attaching it 2″ from the bottom of the sides works well.

Step 4: Cut and attach the steps

The last pieces to cut and attach are the stair treads.  To add a more finished look, we have added a bullnose to the front and both sides of these pieces (the backs are left square).  If you have a router or router table adding the bullnose is simple using a 3/8″ roundover bit. If you do not have a router, or do not with to add the bullnose, you can leave the edges square and keep the same 3/8″ overhang on each side.

Attach both treads with wood glue and the pre-drilled pocket holes in the sides and the front boards.

Sand and Finish

At this point you are done building your simple step stool and it’s time for a light sanding and then your choice of finish.

We hope you find these plans useful and submit your build so . If you have any questions, let a message for us in the comments section below.

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