This project was built and designed by Jon Peters from Longview Woodworking. It’s a simple, functional step stool with a tall back handle that makes it easier to move, use, and store than traditional designs.
Whether you’re looking to reach high shelves, use it as a shop stool, or add a lightweight helper around the house, this stool is designed to do the job—and look good doing it.
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Why the Tall Handle Design Works
Most step stools are low, bulky, and inconvenient to carry. Jon’s design solves this by adding a tall handle to the back panel, making it much easier to lift, reposition, or hang on the wall when not in use.
The handle also doubles as a support when stepping up, offering balance and stability. It’s a simple upgrade to a common piece that adds real utility and comfort.
Five Main Parts, One Practical Build
This stool consists of five key components: the back panel (which includes the handle), the step itself, the front leg, and two angled braces that connect the front and back for strength.
Jon chooses cherry wood for this build, thanks to its durability, smooth grain, and ability to develop a rich patina over time. While other hardwoods would also work, cherry gives the finished piece a refined appearance and great long-term performance.
Making the Back Panel Pattern
The most detailed piece of the stool is the back panel with its tall handle. To get a repeatable and accurate shape, Jon starts by building a template out of MDF. This allows him to trace and cut the handle section smoothly across future builds.
To create the rounded corners, he uses a paint can as a guide—proving that even everyday items can help produce clean curves. After rough-cutting the shape with a jigsaw, he uses sanding blocks and a flush-trim router bit to refine the edges.
Cutting the Other Stool Components
The front leg, braces, and step are all cut from the same cherry stock using the table saw. Jon uses stop blocks and basic jigs to make accurate, repeatable cuts, which is especially helpful if building more than one stool.
The angled braces are carefully measured and dry-fit to ensure they slot into the notches in the legs and back panel securely. This detail not only improves stability but gives the stool a clean, purposeful look.
Sanding, Chamfering, and Prepping for Assembly
Before putting the pieces together, Jon sands all faces and edges to remove saw marks and prep for finishing. He also uses a chamfer bit to ease the front edge of the step, which makes it more comfortable to use and softens the look.
Sanding early ensures clean glue joints and saves time later, especially on the internal faces that will be harder to access after assembly.
Assembling the Step Stool
Assembly begins with gluing and clamping the braces into their notches, followed by attaching the step. Jon pre-drills all screw holes to prevent splitting—an especially important detail when working near edge grain or thin material.
During the build, Jon shares a real moment from the shop: one of the front legs split while driving a screw. Instead of scrapping the part, he backs out the screw, applies epoxy, clamps the leg, and re-drills a deeper hole for a longer screw. It’s a great reminder that small setbacks happen and are part of the process.
Finishing and Long-Term Use
Once assembled, the stool is given several coats of finish to enhance the cherry’s natural beauty and protect it from wear. Jon explains that cherry darkens and enriches in color over time, often changing dramatically within a few months.
The finished stool is strong, balanced, and lightweight. The tall handle also makes it easy to hang up on a hook or store in tight spaces without it getting in the way.
A Great Project for Any Skill Level
This stool is approachable for beginners and still satisfying for more experienced woodworkers. With only five parts and a clear structure, the build teaches several core skills, including pattern making, clean joinery, and precision cutting.
There’s also plenty of room for customization—builders can adjust the height of the handle, change the wood species, or modify the finish to match their shop or home decor.
Where to Get Plans and More Projects
Detailed plans for this stool, including dimensions and angles, are available on Jon’s website. It’s a helpful reference for anyone looking to recreate the project or modify it for their own needs.
In addition to woodworking plans, Jon’s site features project bundles, downloadable artwork, and regular updates for DIYers and makers. His practical teaching style and honest commentary make his content a go-to for anyone looking to improve their woodworking skills.
Get Jon’s plans here: https://jonpeters.com/products/tall-handle-step-stool/.