Build your own kids step stool using plans from Ana White’s book The Handbuilt Home or similar plans here.
A fast build using scrap wood, painted soft pink and personalized on the top step:
The edges are distressed and smooth and the cutout detail on the sides gives just a bit of vintage charm:
This stool is very similar to the Pottery Barn Kids step stool except mine cost almost nothing to make!
Here’s how to make the step stool:
1. Use the step stool plans from Ana’s book The Handbuilt Home on page 92 or similar plans here and build the stool.
I used pocket holes throughout:
I even attached the steps from the underside with pocketholes:
2. Paint two coats Behr watermelon pink (1 part) + 2 parts white.
Print out name to fit step then trace letters with ballpoint pen to create slight indent:
3. Paint on and inside indent with white enamel.
Seal stool two coats clear satin poly:
Jenny says
March 26, 2013 at 12:36 PMOh my goodness – it looks even better than the Pottery Barn stools – love it! And I love your trick on hand painting letters – brilliant!
Korrie@RedHenHome says
March 26, 2013 at 1:27 PMThis turned out so cute! I think I want to make this stool my new "baby gift" item.
senovia says
March 26, 2013 at 3:06 PMI've bookmarked so many of your projects to make myself- both building and sewing (except appliqueing letters- I've tried that once and I couldn't manage it. lol) But then I realized I rarely comment and tell you how much I appreciate your blog and your projects. 🙂 My kids are a little big for step stools, but I may have grandbabies someday… 😉
Lauree Hawes says
March 26, 2013 at 8:37 PMLove this! I am pinning it for a "to do" later when the twins are older.
DaiseyJayne.com says
March 27, 2013 at 12:59 PMLove this stool, I could use one myself, especially in the kitchen to reach that cabinet over the refrigerator 🙂
Inspire Me Heather says
March 28, 2013 at 12:40 PMThat stool is just super cute and yours does look waaayyy better than the PB ones!! Thanks for posting your how-to Jaime!
EveryDay Bloom says
April 15, 2013 at 6:17 PMI truly am in love with this project…I could actually do it (I love power tools), and I need to! Our sinks are all a little bit high for my youngest, and for visiting littles. I love the pink you finished your step stool with. Beautiful! Lynaea @ EveryDayBloom.com