This solid wood step stool is a great project you can build in a day while practicing some simple wood working techniques. There are only a few simple pieces to cut, and it only requires a few boards to build, or you might even be able to use some scrap wood laying around your shop or garage. I actually think this solid wood step stool is a great project to do with your child – especially the painting at the end.

Materials Needed

• 1 – 1 x 10 @ 6′
• 1 – 1 x 3 @ 6′
• 1 – 1 x 8 @ 6′
• Wood glue
• 1 1/4″ Pocket hole screws

Tools Required

• Saw – circular, miter, or table saw
• Drill / driver combo
• Sander & sand paper
• Tape measure
• Square
• Straight edge
• Router (optional)
• Kreg jig
• Right angle pocket hole clamp (optional, but very useful)

Cut List

• 2 – 1×8 @ 7″ for the short sides
• 2 – 1×8 @ 14″ for the tall sides
• 4 – 1×3 @ 12″ for the stretchers
• 2 – 1×10 @ 15″ for the steps
  • rip one to 9″ wide
  • rip the second to 8 1/4″ wide

Step 1: Cut the sides

Start by cutting the four pieces for the sides – two 1×8 pieces to 7″, and two 1×8 pieces to 14″. You’ll then need to edge join one 7″ piece to one 14″. You can easily accomplish this with pocket hole screws and wood glue. I actually prefer using wood glue and biscuits, but either method works just fine. Just ensure the bottom edges and the faces are aligned.

Note: If you are going to use pocket holes screws to attach the treads, make certain you drill them out before you attach the boards together.

Step 2: Cut and attach the stretchers

The stretchers in this solid wood step stool are made from 1×3 stock, cut to 12″ in length. Use wood and two pocket hole screws on the end of each board to attach them to the sides which were assembled in step 1. Note that you’ll want to have the pocket hole screws facing the inside of the solid wood step stool in order to have them hidden.

Align three of the pieces to the top corners as shown in the image below. Align the fourth piece to the back edge of the stool at least two inches up from the bottom.

Step 3: Cut and attach the steps

The last pieces to cut and attach are the stair treads.  To add a more finished look, use a 3/8″ round over bit to create a rounded edge on all four sides of the top tread, and the front and two sides of the lower tread (leave the back edge of the lower tread square).  Leave the steps overhang all edges by an even 3/4″; the back edge of the lower tread will be pressed tight against the front edge of the tall side pieces.

Attach both treads with wood glue and the pre-drilled pocket holes in the sides and the front boards. Alternatively you can use four nails per tread to hold the steps in place.

Sand and Finish

At this point you are done building your solid wood 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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