Sometimes you need to create a small project to fill a need, and although you could have easily bought one, you knew that if you made one, it would look so much better. This was the genesis of my step stool project.

The overall design was fairly simple. So simple in fact I realized when I was almost done making it that I had forgotten to take any photos along the way. There are some hidden features in the design that make it extremely sturdy, and will help it last a long time.

Some of these features include using box joints (some people call them finger joints), three cross supports, and 20 screws counter sunk, and covered with plugs. After it was glued up and all of the hardware was installed, this little stool was more solidly made than most people’s entertainment centers in their living room.

After that it was time to add some finish. I decided to go with some hand rubbed polyurethane, both to bring out the grains, but also to protect it in case it is stepped on with wet shoes, or if something was spilled on it.

When all was said and done, the final item was so much better made than what you can find in stores, and looked so much better than many of the mass produced stools you can find on-line or in stores.

Above you can see the hardwood cross supports, and the rubber feet added to the bottom to keep it from sliding around when you step on it. For a stress test I put over 200 pounds on this little guy and it didn’t even budge. It’s safe to say, it will more than meet the needs of the item.