Two-Step Stool

by Logan · Jul 9, 2026

Beginner Furniture #gift #kids #small-project CC BY 4.0 — Attribution

Build time: A few hours
Material cost: Under $50
Wood: Pine or poplar
Finished size: 16" W × 15" H × 18" D

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Overview

This is an Example plan, has not been validated

The step stool every kitchen and kid's bathroom needs. Two generous treads, a wide stance that can't tip, and construction simple enough to finish before dinner.

It's also a lovely scrap-wood project — the whole thing fits in about six feet of 1x10.

Materials

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Finishing

1 × Paint or clear finish

Hardware & consumables

1 box × Wood screws · 1 5/8"
Wood glue

Lumber & sheet goods

1 × Pine or poplar 1x10 · 6'

Tools

Jigsaw — The notch in the sides Also works: Band saw, Circular saw
Drill
Random orbit sander

Everyday tools (hammer, tape measure, square) are assumed.

Build steps

1
Cut the parts
Step 1 of 5
- 2 sides at 15" × 9 1/4" (full board width)
- 2 treads at 16"
- 1 riser at 16" × 4"
2
Shape the sides
Step 2 of 5

On each side piece, mark a step-shaped notch: 7 1/2" up from the bottom and 4 1/2" in from the front edge. Cut the notch with a jigsaw. Cut a shallow arch in the bottom edge too — it turns the bottom into four "feet" so the stool sits flat on imperfect floors.
3
Attach the lower tread
Step 3 of 5

Glue and screw the lower tread onto the notches, overhanging the front edge by about 3/4". Pre-drill everything — screws near board ends split wood without pilots.
4
Attach the top tread and riser
Step 4 of 5

Glue and screw the top tread across the tops of the sides, then fit the riser vertically under its back edge, screwed into both the tread above and the sides. The riser is what makes the top step rock-solid.
5
Round everything
Step 5 of 5

This stool will be used by small people in socks. Round over every edge and corner generously with sandpaper — the finished stool should have no sharp corners anywhere. Finish with paint or a wipe-on poly.