DIY Wood Step Stool: A Fun and Functional Project for Any Skill Level!

Are you looking for a simple and practical woodworking project? Look no further! In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of building your very own DIY wood step stool. This project is not only easy to follow but also provides a great opportunity to showcase your creativity. So, let's dive right in!

Materials Needed:

- One 2x4, 8ft long

- Kreg Jig pocket hole system & Kreg Jig screws

- 2 1/2 inch wood or multi-purpose screws

- Wood Glue

- Drill

- Sandpaper

- Miter saw

- Paint or stain of choice

Step 1: Gather Materials and Cut the Boards

Start by collecting all the necessary materials mentioned above. Once you have everything, use a miter saw to cut the boards according to the provided cut list:

- Three 12" pieces for the steps

- Two 10 1/2" pieces for the side bottom

- One 9" piece for the back support

- Two 7" pieces for the side top

Step 2: Sanding the Boards

Before moving forward, ensure that all the boards are sanded down properly. Use your preferred type of sander to smoothen the surfaces and edges of the boards. This step is crucial for achieving a polished and professional look.

Step 3: Creating Pocket Holes

Now, it's time to utilize the Kreg Jig pocket hole system. Attach the pocket hole system to your drill and make two pocket holes on each of the 7" boards. Ensure that the holes are going in the same direction. Sand down any rough spots that may have resulted from making the holes.

Step 4: Painting or Staining

Let your creativity shine! Paint or stain the wood according to your preference. For example, you can use dark walnut by Varathane for the steps and Rust-Oleum white linen chalk paint for the bottom half of the stool. Applying multiple coats of chalk paint is entirely up to you.

Step 5: Assembly Time

After allowing the boards to dry overnight and ensuring they are not tacky, it's time to put everything together. Here's how:

a. Take the two 10 1/2" pieces and position them on their sides.

b. Place the two 7" pieces on top of the 10 1/2" pieces, aligning them properly for attachment with the pocket holes.

c. Secure the pieces together using pocket hole screws and wood glue. Apply a line of wood glue down the center of each board to enhance stability.

Step 6: Adding Support and Steps

a. Place the 9" support piece evenly between the two side pieces. Pre-drill holes on the support piece to prevent any splitting.

b. Use two 2 1/2" screws on each side to securely attach the support piece.

c. Finally, add the three 12" steps, ensuring to pre-drill holes before using screws.

Congratulations! You have successfully built your very own DIY wood step stool. 

Building a DIY wood step stool is not only a practical endeavor but also a chance to showcase your woodworking skills. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing piece that will come in handy in various situations. Don't forget to gather your materials from Owen's Supply Co in Pembroke, where you can find everything you need for your woodworking projects. Happy crafting!