How to Build a DIY Step Stool

First, cut your wood to the following dimensions:

• (1) 1 x 10 board at 14 inches long
• (4) 2 x 2 boards at 10 inches long with ends beveled at 15 degrees parallel
• (2) 2 x 2 boards at 8 inches long (at longest ends) with ends cut at 15 degrees not parallel
• (1) 2 x 2 board at 4 inches long

Give everything a good sanding to smooth out rough edges.

Drill pocket holes as follows:

• Two in each end of the 8-inch pieces.
• One in each end of the 4-inch piece.
• Be sure to stagger these so they don’t run into each other.

• Use 2-inch pocket hole screws to assemble the aprons to the legs.
• Attach the middle support perpendicular to the center point of each set of legs, connecting them, with pocket hole screws also.
• When assembling the angled legs to the apron support, keep a firm grip while you drive the screws in so they don’t shift.

• Center the base and attach it to the stool top (working upside down) using 2-inch wood screws, pre-drilling holes with a countersinking drill bit first.
• Be careful to place these screws where they won’t run into the pocket hole screws underneath.

• Stain the stool using a foam brush.
• Wipe off the excess with a cotton cloth.

• Use painter’s tape to tape around each leg, about 3 inches up from the bottom.
• Apply two coats of white paint, allowing it to dry between coats.
• Remove the tape when the second coat is still damp.

• Seal with a topcoat of your choice. Water-based polyurethane or furniture paste wax would work well.
• Enjoy!