How to Build a Child Stepstool for Storage
- 1). Cut the lumber into two 10- by 10-inch squares for the sides of the step stool, a 10- by 13-inch rectangle for the back of the stool, a 10- by 15-inch rectangle for the bottom of the stool, a 5- by 13-inch rectangle for the front of the stool and three 5- by 17-inch rectangles for the steps.
- 2). Measure across the top of one of the side pieces 5 inches and then down vertically 5 inches from this point. Measure across 5 inches from the end of the vertical line, creating a 5- by 5-inch square in one corner of the side panel. Cut this square out and repeat on the other side panel so that the shape of the steps is cut into the sides. Sand all the components to remove any rough spots.
- 3). Stand the side pieces upright and position the 10- by 13-inch back piece between the 10-inch sides of the side panels. Position the 5- by 13-inch front panel between the 5-inch sides of the side pieces. The top of the back panel should be flush with the top step of the side pieces, and the top of the front panel should be flush with the top of the first step of the side pieces.
- 4). Glue the front and back to the sides, then drill five countersunk pilot holes through both sides on the back, and three into the front, and secure the pieces with wood screws.
- 5). Place the bottom panel of the stool flat on the work surface, then position the sides with attached back and front over the top, centered. Glue these in place, then turn the stool over so the bottom is exposed and secure the pieces together with countersunk wood screws every 3 inches around the perimeter.
- 6). Stand the stool back upright, resting on the bottom. Position one of the three step panels over the top step, centered -- there should be about an inch overhang on each side. Screw the top step down into the sides with countersunk wood screws. Position another step panel over the vertical portion of the step, again with around an inch overhang on each side, and secure as you did the first step.
- 7). Paint the stool, including the remaining step panel, which is also the lid for accessing the storage space inside the stepstool. Let them dry.
- 8). Center the piano hinge over one of the 17-inch sides of the remaining step panel and secure it in place with the 1/2-inch screws. Center the step panel over the remaining step on the stool and secure the free side of the piano hinge to the vertical step portion so that the lid, or bottom step, is attached and lifts up for easy access to the storage space.
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