Modern Step Stool for Kids!

This Modern Step Stool was a lot of fun to build. This woodworking project features a wrap-around grain pattern that pushes the piece to the next level. I designed the step stool for my kid, who was three at the time. I got tired of seeing the same step stool designs and wanted to do something a little different. The miters on this piece were tricky to figure out, but the result is quite interesting.

It uses compound miters and bevels to create a beautiful yet sturdy piece of furniture. Though I wouldn't recommend anyone over 75 pounds step on it as it is designed for kids. I had seen many woodworking project videos for a step stool, but nothing had a look I wanted. Thus I created this more modern piece.

I built the step stool using walnut hardwood and reinforced the joints with dominos. So I know it will be plenty strong for my three-year-old son for years to come.

If you want the plans for this project, I have them linked below. I hope you enjoy the build and if you have any questions for me, please leave a comment below.

• 4/4 lumber of choice
• Table Saw
• Bandsaw
• Miter Gauge
• Crosscut Sled
• Tenon Sled
• Sand Paper
• Sander
• Dominoes or Dowels
• Glue
• Painter's Tape
• Finish of Choice

1. Mill 4/4 lumber at the jointer.
2. Flatten one face and one edge of the rough cut lumber at a jointer.
3. Place the flattened side down and plane the board to 3/4"

1. At the table saw, place the board's jointed edge against the fence.
2. Rip down both boards to 4".
3. You can make these boards wider for a larger stool if you wish.
4. Using a crosscut sled, cut the boards down to rough length.

1. Set table saw to 48 degrees.
2. Then use a miter gauge set to 60 degrees to cut the compound miters for the horizontal pieces.
3. Mark out the final length for the miters.
4. Use a miter gauge to cut the final length.

1. Mark out the final length for the vertical pieces.
2. Using a crosscut sled, creep up on the line.
3. Set table saw to 48 degrees.
4. Cut a 42 degree angle by clamping the piece to a tenon sled and slowly make the cut.
5. At the crosscut sled, sneak up on the cuts for the vertical boards.
6. Now is a good time to do a dry assembly of your pieces!

1. Tilt the blade to 66 degrees.
2. Cut the bevels for the horizontal pieces.

1. Tape the joints together and mark out the domino placement for the vertical pieces.
2. Set the fence angle of the domino to match the miter angle and then plunge the holes for the floating tenons.
3. At the bandsaw, tilt the table to match the 82 degree angle of the vertical taper on the legs.
4. Then creep up on the cut.
5. For the bottom step; again, mark out the placement for the dominoes and plunge the mortises.

1. Glue up the first 2 pieces for the bottom step.
2. Cut the dominoes in half to allow for the angled step to sit flush.
3. At the bandsaw, trim the overhang of the bottom step flush.
4. Sand everything up to 180 grit.
5. At the table saw, cut the 82 degree angle into the bottom of the vertical leg that would sit on the floor.
6. Tape off the inside of the miter joints to prevent squeeze out from filling the inside of the joint.
7. This makes for an easier cleanup
8. Use blue painters tape to clamp each joint tight

1. Using 180 grit sandpaper break all the hard edges on the piece and cleaned up any discrepancies in the miter joints.
2. Sand everything again up to 220.
3. Add your finish of choice.

Let your little one enjoy their new step stool!