Ana White's Little Helper Tower

$60.50
1 Day
Easy
After BH's Auntie sent me the picture below I knew he was ready for a Little Helper Tower. I LOVE the fact that he's old enough to "help" at the counter (he's 2 now). I want him up there, but don't want the worry of him falling off a chair, or the hassle of trying to coral him on one.
For detailed build instructions visit: http://ana-white.com/2010/12/helping-tower.html
(not 2 in this picture)
I was sold on building the tower when I looked up how much it would cost to just buy a Helper Tower: Guidecraft $127.21, Little Partners $199.99, Guide Craft #2 $139.99, or Little Helper Fun Pod $190
If you don't have a jig-saw don't worry about making the top pieces arched (I see no reason why one couldn't make it straight across). Although I've found if BH is in a particular climb-y mood (as in trying to climb onto the counter) I can turn the helper tower so the arch is against the counter preventing him from climbing up. So, the arch does serve a purpose in our family.
Above is a picture with hinge placement- Not only can this stand adjust to different heights for your child it also collapses to take up less room if needed.


I used a total of 16 hinges to ensure sturdiness. Two hinges on each corner of the 1x8 piece and a hinge anywhere the corners connected. I used Narrow Utility Hinges (1-1/2" Zinc plated). The pack of 2 cost $2.27 and comes with screws. My biggest regret is not painting the hinges before I put them on. I waited until after screwing them in and it was a pain and makes my paint job look sloppy.


This project cost me $60.50, the hinges really add cost to this project, so if you don't foresee needing to collapse the helper stand you can forgo the hinges and save yourself $18.16- bringing the total cost down to $42.34
Although I priced this build out, I ended up using wood I already had in the garage. I didn't have enough 1x3 to make the anti-tipping feet so I used a 2x4. I also didn't make the rounded edges, just a few angled straight cuts.


THESE ANTI-TIP FEET ARE A SAFETY MUST, DO NOT SKIP THEM!! BH would have easily knocked his tower many times over if it weren't for these anti-tip feet!
No, I don't make him wear a helmet when he's on the stand. He's just really into wearing his "reece car" helmet these days.
This tower is by far my FAVORITE kitchen addition yet :-)
Couldn't be happier with this build. Totally worth every penny.
Ginger & The Huth
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Vicki Nay Vicki Nay on Nov 23, 2020

    Love the hinged idea, especially for the top bar for getting them in and out of the structure, but how do you secure those pieces closed?

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  • Julie Dunkin Julie Dunkin on Nov 16, 2014
    I can see this being made with two chairs and a little reworking of the wood, I think I would leave one side open, so it could also be used by others to sit in or maybe a step stool??? Good idea, but please remember never leave your appliances left plugged in.
  • Carol Cole Carol Cole on Jun 21, 2020

    Great job. Love it and I bet he does to.

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