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How to Make a Kid’s Step Stool

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Category: Home Improvement

Cooking is extra fun with your kids, but high counters can make things difficult. To help them get involved, Eric Stromer shows you how to make a step stool that features fun, personalized details. As an added bonus, the stool will be so sturdy that adults can use it, too.

Step 1
Take 3/4" birch plywood and cut out two side pieces (8"x9"), one top piece (10"x14"), and two side support pieces (4"x10").

Step 2
Line up the side pieces on top of each other and drill a hole in the middle -- 4 inches from the top and 4.5 inches from the side. Use a 3/4" bit.

Step 3
Drill pilot holes in the side pieces, and then glue the support pieces inside for strength. Secure with 1.5" dry wall screws in the pilot holes. For an extra detail, cut a half circle out of the legs. Use a can as a template.

Step 4
For the top, trace out a design and drill pilot holes where it will attach to the side pieces. Glue the top to the sides and use screws to support it. Drill another pilot hole in the top design before cutting it out with a jig saw.

Step 5
For extra support, put a dowel in the holes. Secure with glue. Sand down the stool, patch any holes and paint before use.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

  • 3/4" Birch plywood
  • 1.5" Dry wall screws
  • 1 Dowel
  • Wood glue
  • Drill
  • Jig saw
  • Paint
  • Sander

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William

This is a classic design, but here's a simple piece of advice from a parent. Young kids tend to lean in to reach the faucet handles. Make the sides base a right trapezoid to help prevent the step stool from flipping back when kids lean into the sink. You'll save a few injuries, banged chins and chipped teeth.

April 17 2013 at 11:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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