This project was built and designed by Jason from PatriotDIY. It’s a straightforward and practical step stool designed with beginners in mind, combining basic woodworking skills with a finished product you’ll actually use.
Step stools are one of the best starter builds for new woodworkers. They’re useful, easy to customize, and a great opportunity to learn techniques like angled cuts, joinery, and sanding—all in one project.
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Why Make Your Own Step Stool?
A step stool is a useful tool in just about any household. Whether you’re reaching high cabinets, helping kids brush their teeth, or just need a quick boost, having one around comes in handy.
Jason’s version of the stool is kid-friendly, customizable, and sturdy. It also offers just enough complexity to be a good challenge for beginners while staying approachable with common tools and one board of material.
Tools and Materials Needed
The main material is a single one-by-ten board, available at nearly any home improvement store. This makes the build affordable and easy to replicate.
As for tools, Jason uses a miter saw, table saw, router, drill, and bandsaw, but substitutions are possible. If you don’t have every tool he uses, most cuts and curves can still be made with alternatives like a circular saw or jigsaw.
Cutting and Shaping the Parts
The project begins by cutting the top of the stool to size. Once the top is ready, attention turns to the legs.
Each leg is cut with a 10-degree taper, which gives the stool extra stability and a more refined look. This slight angle not only improves strength but also ensures the stool won’t wobble when placed on the floor.
Personalizing with Decorative Touches
For an added visual element, Jason cuts a half-circle detail at the base of each leg. This can be done with a bandsaw or jigsaw, depending on what’s available in your shop.
Even if the cuts aren’t perfect, they can easily be cleaned up with a bit of sanding. These small details add personality and allow you to put your own mark on the project.
Prepping for Assembly
With all the pieces cut and shaped, the next step is sanding. Jason notes that this is a great chance to get kids involved—many enjoy helping with this hands-on part of the process.
After smoothing all surfaces and edges, a round-over bit on the router is used to soften corners. This gives the stool a polished appearance and removes any potentially sharp edges, especially important for use around children.
Attaching the Middle Support
Assembly begins with installing the middle brace, which adds strength and keeps the legs securely spaced. Jason uses a mix of wood glue and CA glue for temporary hold, then adds fasteners for permanent strength.
This two-glue approach helps keep parts in place while you work and eliminates the need for clamps in some areas.
Clean Joinery Options
While screws can be used directly, Jason prefers to cover them with dowels for a cleaner look. After driving screws in place, short dowel pieces are glued into the holes to hide the fasteners and improve the stool’s overall appearance.
Once dry, these dowels are trimmed flush with the surface using a small saw. This method gives the project a handmade, intentional finish without requiring complex joinery techniques.
Installing the Top Panel
The stool top is centered and attached in the same way, using glue and screws followed by dowel plugs. Jason emphasizes the importance of measuring carefully so that the top sits evenly and looks symmetrical.
After attaching the top, any misalignments are corrected with a final sanding pass, ensuring everything sits flat and smooth.
Final Steps and Testing
Once assembly is complete, the glue is allowed to dry overnight. The final step involves trimming any excess dowels and giving the entire stool a thorough sanding.
If the stool rocks slightly, the legs can be evened out by lightly sanding the bottoms until level. Once stable, it’s ready to be tested—and it should easily hold weight without flexing or wobbling.
A Solid First Project
This step stool is the kind of project that builds both skills and confidence. It introduces joinery, tool control, shaping, and finishing—all with simple materials and tools.
The finished product is not only useful around the house, but also something you can take pride in every time you use it. For new woodworkers, it’s a great way to get comfortable in the shop while creating something functional.
Please support Jason by visiting his Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/patriotdiy.