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You are here: Home / Monthly DIY Challenge / DIY Modern Step Stool
DIY Home Decor, How Tos, Monthly DIY Challenge

DIY Modern Step Stool

09/13/17

This post is sponsored by Kreg, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

We took a little summer break last month from our challenge but we’re back this month with a super fun build project. We teamed up with Kreg and put our woodworking skills to the test using their Kreg Jig. I’ve heard of this tool before but never realized how much of a game changer it was. I seriously can’t believe how easy it is to use and how much easier so many of the projects I’ve done in the past would have been if I had this. I started small and simple with something practical that we actually needed and I’m going to show you how easy it is to make!

DIY Modern Step Stool

tutorial for a diy modern step stool

Kreg sent us all their Kreg Jig R3 kit which comes with most of what you’ll need but you should also get a clamp as well as more screws depending on the size of your project.

kreg jig pocket hole system

SUPPLIES FOR DIY MODERN STEP STOOL

Kreg Jig
Kreg Clamp (or any small sized clamp)
Kreg Screws
1 piece of 1x4x8 pine

I don’t know why but I was super intimidated to use this tool and kept putting it off but once I was done I felt silly because it’s SO EASY.

I watched this little video on YouTube just to give me an idea of what all the different pieces did.

That should give you the basic rundown and help you get started.

So first up you’ll want to set your Kreg to the width of your wood. Just line up the arrows with the correct number and you’re good to go.

The kit comes with a little guide that tells you exactly what to set it at as well as what size screws you need.

making pocket holes with the kreg jig

Then you want to set the drill to the correct length as well. Make sure the top of the little silver washer thing is lined up with the number you want. In this case, I wanted 3/4″, then you can just tighten it to set it. It’s super handy to be able to do this right in the little kit.

kreg jig drill bit

Ok so before you start drilling you’re going to want to cut your wood.

STEP 1 -WOOD CUTS

Top – 14″ long
Sides – 10″ long
Middle – 12″ long

STEP 2

After you cut them to length, you want to mitre your two side pieces and middle piece. I used our table saw and set the angle to about 15° then just ran both sides through.

using a table saw to cut your wood at angles

STEP 3

Now you can start using your Kreg! You’ll need to make two pocket holes at the top of each side piece of wood. All you do is clamp your kreg down, insert the drill and give it some power. The drill will stop where you put the washer so it won’t go through the wood.

building a step stool with the kreg jig

And that’s how you make pocket holes! So easy, right?

making pocket holes to build a step stool

STEP 4

Once you’ve drilled your holes you just insert the screws and use the square drill bit that comes with your kit to attach the wood.

Kreg Jig Pocket holes on a step stool

Repeat for both sides.

build a modern step stool

STEP 5

Then take your middle piece and create two pocket holes on either side of the wood and add your screws to attach and you’re left with this! I took a picture of it upside down so you can see where all my pocket holes are.

a wooden step stool diy

Eloise was already a fan.

little girl sitting on a diy step stool

STEP 6

Then it was time for some stain. I used the same one I used in the rest of the bathroom since this is where it was going – Red Chestnut. Then sealed it up with some Poly.

stain used on a diy Modern Step Stool

stained wood step stool

And now Eloise has the perfect little step stool so she can wash her hands and brush her teeth at the bathroom sink!

kid friendly step stool in the bathroom

easy to follow tutorial to build a modern step stool

diy modern step stool tutorial

easy tutorial for a modern step stool

I’m so excited to build more stuff with the Kreg and try out some of their other cool products too like their new Accu-Cut and Rip-Cut which help you cut down big sheets of plywood without needing a huge table saw.

If you’re looking for more wood projects to build at the beginner level, be sure to check out my Ladder Shelf tutorial!

And don’t forget about all the other insanely awesome projects my bloggy friends made! Seriously, they’re all way cooler than my little stool ha.

Related

17 Comments

Comments

  1. Go AccessLtd says

    October 6, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    I remember my son using his as a seat instead of a stool!

    Reply
  2. Krystal Herrera says

    June 26, 2018 at 1:35 am

    The model is cute, haha! Anyways, this one is definitely a great idea for the kiddos. Thank you for sharing them. Cheers!

    Reply
  3. chris says

    May 31, 2018 at 10:04 am

    Very cute, as is your model! I would use wood more for outdoors but that is my personal preference

    Reply
  4. Michael P says

    September 22, 2017 at 9:20 am

    The list of supplies should be a 1″x8″x48″

    Reply
  5. DealinDiva says

    September 19, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    I would use it to make a bench for my garden and a few other garden projects I have in mind.

    Reply
  6. Diego Lopes says

    September 14, 2017 at 9:25 am

    This step stool looks great! I was looking to buy one but now I’m set on making my own. Thank you for sharing the details!

    Reply
    • brepurposed says

      September 19, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      Thanks Diego! It’s definitely an easy project!

      Reply
  7. Amanda Fettig says

    September 13, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    This is the cutest little stepstool!!! And your model is pretty darn cute, too! 😉

    Reply
  8. Bre says

    September 13, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    SO perfect in your bathroom, Bre! Eloise looks like she just loves it, too!

    Reply
  9. BLake says

    September 13, 2017 at 10:58 am

    Love the handiwork! So clean and useful! I need to overcome my woodworking fears so I can add more personal touches to our new home.

    Reply
    • brepurposed says

      September 19, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      You can do it! Just start small and you’ll be hooked!

      Reply
  10. Amy | Canary Street Crafts says

    September 13, 2017 at 10:45 am

    Eloise is the cutest thing, Bre! The step stool looks amazing too!

    Reply
  11. Anne says

    September 13, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I’d love to make the same stool for my new bathroom! I’ve been looking for one just like yours for ages, suspecting it would be too difficult to make my own, but now I know I could make it! Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • brepurposed says

      September 19, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      It’s totally doable! You can do it!

      Reply
  12. Kristi says

    September 13, 2017 at 9:54 am

    What a great idea Bre! It fits in so perfectly with your design style and just look at that little ruffle bum putting it to work! SO cute!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Kreg Jig Project Plans: 30 Free Plans That Use Pocket Hole Joinery says:
    May 10, 2019 at 2:50 pm

    […] DIY Modern Step Stool by […]

    Reply
  2. Grab Your KregJig: 30 Free Build Plans That Use Pocket Hole Joinery says:
    January 13, 2019 at 8:26 am

    […] DIY Modern Step Stool by […]

    Reply

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hi I’m bre! follow along as we renovate our current home and share modern DIY ideas.

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