How to Make a Kids’ Step Stool Chair

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When we were little, my sister and I had this little step stool chair that we loved to play with at our grandmother’s house. It was the perfect size for little kids to sit and read books, and just tall enough to act as a step stool if we needed a little boost to grab something off of a shelf. When my niece was born, she inherited the stool. Then, for every subsequent grandbaby, my dad wanted each of them to have their own little chair. So he figured out how to make a kids’ step stool chair and made copies! Each of my kids now have one, and they absolutely treasure them. We have a special little baby friend on the way, so I wanted to make one for that kiddo, and thought it would be fun to share how to make a kids’ step stool chair with you all.

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

How to Make a Kids’ Step Stool Chair

This is, for sure, a woodworking project. If you’re new to saws and power tools, you might want to find someone who is more experienced to help you navigate and learn the basics. But if you have the means to make one of these, they can be such a special thing to have. They’ve become family heirlooms in our house!

Materials

  • one piece of 12″ x  3/4″ x 4′ common board
  • one 2′ piece of 3/4″ square dowel
  • one 8′ piece of 2″ x 3/4″ common board
  • miter saw
  • band saw
  • circular saw
  • Dremel tool
  • sander
  • craft paints
  • paintbrushes
  • 1 1/4″ screws
  • drill
  • printable template

Make Time: 5 Hours

Step 1: Cut all long pieces using a miter saw. You need two pieces of the square dowel that are9 3/8″ long (these are the seat pieces). You need four pieces of the 2″ common board that are 10 3/4″ long. You need four pieces of the same board that are 12 1/4″ long.

Step 2: Cut the two large side pieces from the large common board using the template provided. Be sure you print it at 100%; it may need to print on two sheets. If so, piece them together so that you can cut and trace the complete shape. Trace it onto the board and cut it out using the circular saw to cut the straight edges, and then the band saw or a jigsaw to cut the curves.

how to make a kids' step stool chair

Step 3: Using the band saw, round the edges of two of the 12 1/4″ boards.

how to make a kids' step stool chair

Step 4: Notch all remaining cut boards. Use the band saw to make a cut that’s 3/4″ away from the edge of the board and 1/4″ deep. Then use the Dremel tool to slice inward from the side and cut the piece away. Do this on both ends of one side of each board.

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

Step 5: Use a sander to soften all edges on all pieces. This part is super important, because you’re going to have little baby bottoms sitting here!

Step 6: Paint the boards as desired, or leave them raw. Allow all pieces to dry thoroughly.

how to make a kids' step stool chair

Step 7: Begin assembling the stool. First, screw the two 12 1/4″ pieces to the rounded pieces, with the top rung flush with the edge of the rounded pieces and the second rung placed 1 1/2″ inches away.  If desired, add wood glue to the joints for extra security.

how to make a kids' step stool chair

Step 8: Assemble the seat portion. Screw the four  9 3/8″ pieces onto the tops of the two side sections, with the outer pieces flush on the edges of the side sections and the inner pieces are placed equidistant from each other.

Step 9: Place the two brace pieces (square dowels) between the base of the stool, one toward the front and one toward the back. Our brace pieces are set in 1 1/4″ from each edge. Screw these in.

how to make a kids' step stool chair

Step 10: Place the back support at the back of the seat section. (The seat section has a portion that it slightly higher; this is the front of the seat.) Set it at the appropriate angle for a back support and screw each side in at two anchor points toward the base of the back support. Ta-da! A kids’ step stool chair.

If you made it through this one, you get a huge high five! I find that woodworking projects are challenging but SO worthwhile. They last forever and they have a polished look that you just can’t get with other materials. I hope if you have access to the right tools that you’ll try this one! And once you work through how to make a kid’s step stool chair you’ll definitely get that woodworking itch to try something else. Have fun! xoxo

P.S. Here’s another colorful painting project that’s much more simple but just as fun to look at!

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

how to make a kids' step stool chair

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17 Comments

  1. So cute! We plan to make our girl a couple of step stools once she’s old enough to need them (which will be far sooner than I’m mentally ready for!)

      1. Hi Chelsea
        Will you please reply to Cassandras question? I do not have access to a printer to use your pattern. If you would give us the bottom length, top length and height we can pretty well make the base pieces without needing your pattern. Thank you

  2. What are the measurements for the two large side pieces? I printed the template at 100% but it fit on one page and seems small to me? I want to make sure I have the dimensions correct. Thank you!

  3. What are the measurements for the two large side pieces? I want to make sure I have the dimensions correct. Thanks!