Build The Easiest Step Stool

3 Materials
$15
30 Minutes
Easy
Yes, we all keep seeing these ultra cute step stools on Pinterest and Facebook. But guys, they're the easiest to build. If you can make a pocket hole and know how to use a drill, this tutorial will take under 10 minutes to do!
So first things first, what do you need? I've compiled a list of items we used & the exact cuts of the wood we used. Keep in mind, we build for a living so our tools, clamps and supplies are very dirty. Keep in mind, we bought 1x8's and cut them down to 6" in width. If you purchase 1x6's It's actually 5 1/2" wide, so it wouldn't work as the base is also 5 1/2" in width.
Here's the finished product!
The Wood Cuts
You will also need the above & A Driver and Drill.


The pictures are pretty self explanatory, but let me be your mini guide while you make your first step stool.


You want to line up the two boards, as shown. Glen first pocket holes them together. So grab your drill & driver. We are huge Milwaukee fans. As you can see, our tools are used A LOT.
Once your pocket holes are done. Screw the boards in place. Now you're finished the sides of your step stool.
Now you want to stand up your sides. Put your 22's between the sides. One on the bottom ( to make sure that you will be drilling straight. The 22 on the top is the one you're drilling into.
Once you've completed your pocket holes, drill them.
Now the base of the first stair is done! We are now going to move up to the tallest stair, to do the exact same thing. But this time, you will be doing the front & the back. So take your 22 off the floor as it will need to be used.
Now you can go ahead and throw some wood glue on the tops of the steps as we will be screwing the steps on.
You're done! Now you can stain or paint however you wish. Follow us for the next few steps to see how we do our custom and EASY Farmhouse finish.
Isn't she so cute? Check out our blog to see how we finished her off in our custom and EASY farmhouse look.
Suggested materials:
  • Wood   (hardware store)
  • Screws
  • Wood glue
Jessica-Sara Morris
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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2 of 6 comments
  • Nancy Bart Nancy Bart on Oct 10, 2018

    Great job! I need to do this too!


  • Uncle Geek Uncle Geek on Jul 11, 2020

    This will be a very handy (and sturdy!) stool for a shop, garage, kitchen, or any of a lot of places. It will be a great project for a less-experienced woodworker to still be using into the next millennium.


    HOWEVER--two important things are less clear. (1) If someone just glances at the materials and writes down the dimensions, she is going to go to the lumber yard and buy a 1x6 that is 5-1/2 wide. That this requires a "real" 1"x6" needs more emphasis.


    Second, the typesetting or whatever changed ALL of your 2x2 dimensions to 22. The less-experienced person is going to be looking in vain for the 22" long board in the materials list.


    My first adventure this morning is going to be looking among my cutoff pile for boards to construct this. Remember: there is NO scrap lumber--only small pieces.

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