Step Stool

[oleghome]

I am getting started on building a couple step stools - one for my son and another for my daughter. I came across what looks like a nice stool and it has a pretty simple plan. Anyone has any other suggestions or perhaps another plan that you are willing to share?

My other question is the choice of wood - I am thinking poplar since it's not as heavy I believe. The kids are young and I know they will move them around, so I don't want them to get hurt - but at the same time have a sturdy enough.

[radhak]

If you want light, try cedar. Definitely strong but light, and pretty weather immune, also useful if the step-stool gets into the bathroom / kitchen etc.

The plan seems to give a lot of details, useful if you are new to woodworking. You'd find tons of plans for stepstools, but this as good as any. I'd only add a small oval slot in the middle of the top seat to put your hand thru and carry the stool. Of course you'd need to find out how to make the hole and make it smooth (makes the project more interesting).

[schloff]

I built one very similar out of white oak. It was surprisingly not that heavy.

The kids are able to move it with no problems at all, even on carpet.

Best part is, that oak is sturdy enough that boxing the steps isn't necessary for strength.

I used 6/4 stock for the sides and 3/4 for the 2 steps. steps are about 24" long.

FWIW

Regards,
-Dan

[oleghome]

If you want light, try cedar. Definitely strong but light, and pretty weather immune, also useful if the step-stool gets into the bathroom / kitchen etc.

The plan seems to give a lot of details, useful if you are new to woodworking. You'd find tons of plans for stepstools, but this as good as any. I'd only add a small oval slot in the middle of the top seat to put your hand thru and carry the stool. Of course you'd need to find out how to make the hole and make it smooth (makes the project more interesting).

Thanks... Cedar is a good idea. I am not an expert by any means but I have done a few things with wood. I am an engineer by trade, so naturally I like detailed instructions. Good idea about the handle, but I would like to put the name of my son/daughter on the top seat. I found that it's quite easy to carry them by grabbing on the side.

[cabinetman]

I made this stool many years ago, and can't remember even what I used, maybe oak. It was 12" wide, 18" high and about 18" long. I made a slide out tool tray. It was great. Very simple to make without plans.

[Lonnie in Orlando]

I'm sure that a lot of people have built that step stool or one similar. You may want to modify the plan for your children's safety.

Your stool is positioned against a wall in the picture. But if it were away from the wall, it could tip over. You may want to splay the sides to increase the foot print of the "wall" side.

Here is a simple one-step stool that I designed and built a few years ago specifically to be stable on both sides. This one in red oak, another in walnut.


- Lonnie

[RodKirby]

Kirby's - no hardware, biscuit jointed...