Craft a Versatile Two-Piece Combination of Stool and Chair Using These Easy-to-Follow Blueprints
In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of building a versatile and functional wooden step stool chair. This project is suitable for both beginners and experienced woodworkers, offering a great addition to your DIY skills while providing a practical and stylish piece of furniture.
**Materials and Cut List**
To build the DIY wooden step stool chair, you'll need the following materials:
- Lumber (pine is common and affordable): 2x6 and 1x4 boards - Wood glue - Screws (1.5" and 2.5" long) - Sandpaper (medium and fine grit) - Wood finish (paint or stain as desired)
The cut list is as follows:
| Part | Quantity | Material | Dimensions (inches) | |-------------------|----------|----------|---------------------| | Step top | 1 | 2x6 | 12 x 11 | | Step front | 1 | 2x6 | 12 x 3 | | Step sides | 2 | 2x6 | 10 x 3 | | Step back | 1 | 2x6 | 10 x 6 | | Seat top | 1 | 2x6 | 12 x 12 | | Seat back (chair) | 1 | 1x4 | 12 x 12 | | Legs | 4 | 2x6 | 17 x 3 |
**Equipment Required**
- Tape measure - Pencil and square - Saw (circular saw or handsaw) - Drill/driver with bits - Screwdriver - Clamps - Sandpaper or sander - Paintbrush or staining pad
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Cut the Wood** - Measure and mark all boards according to the cut list. - Cut each piece using your saw, ensuring clean, straight edges.
2. **Assemble the Step Base** - Place the step front (12" x 3") between the two step sides (10" x 3"). - Glue the joints and clamp. Drill pilot holes and secure with 1.5" screws. - Attach the step back (10" x 6") to the open back of the step box. - Attach the step top (12" x 11") to the top of the step box using glue and 2.5" screws from underneath.
3. **Assemble the Seat/Chair Structure** - Attach the four legs (17" x 3") to the underside of the seat top (12" x 12"), one at each corner. - Reinforce each leg with glue and screws. - If adding a backrest (chair), center the seat back (12" x 12" from 1x4) between the back legs, attaching it with glue and screws.
4. **Attach Seat to Step** - Position the seat assembly atop the step base. - Secure the seat legs to the step top by screwing through the step top into the legs from below.
5. **Finishing Touches** - Sand all surfaces with medium then fine grit sandpaper, paying extra attention to edges and corners. - Apply your chosen finish (paint or stain). - Allow to dry thoroughly before use.
**Additional Tips**
- **Customization:** Adjust dimensions for child or adult use. For a chair, ensure the backrest is securely attached and comfortable. - **Safety:** Pre-drill all screw holes to avoid splitting wood. - **Sturdiness:** Always test the stool for stability before regular use.
This project is suitable for most DIYers and can be completed in a few hours with basic tools and lumber. The step stool is designed to reach tall cabinets, such as those in the kitchen, and can also be used in a child's room for reaching books. The project uses a 1" thick interior stair tread and glues MDF pieces to form a base, sides, and a top, with the interior stair tread serving as the bottom step. The stool is primed and painted before assembly, making it a simple woodworking project for all skill levels.
This DIY project allows you to build a functional and aesthetically pleasing wooden step stool chair that will enhance both your home's interior and your lifestyle. The finished piece, once painted or stained to your preference, will act as a practical addition to your home-and-garden décor and provide DIY expertise while offering a useful piece of furniture.
