Woodworking

DIY Folding Step Stool

how to make a folding step stool

A new shop this year means lots of new hiding places for all of my scrap wood. It also means, way too much scrap wood. So, to help combat both problems (too much scrap wood and too many hiding spots), I partnered with T-Rex Tape to create a small-shop-friendly DIY folding step stool from scrap wood!

How To Make A DIY Folding Step Stool From Scrap Wood

This post is sponsored by T-Rex Tape. For my full disclaimer policy, click here.

scrap wood step stool

diy folding step stool

What I love most about this project is that it is SERIOUSLY simple to make! In fact, if you consider yourself to be a beginner woodworker, then this project is perfect for you.

simple folding step stool

Even better, if you are short on space (or, just short like I am), this step stool is easy to hang on a pegboard when not in use (score)! Ready to see how it’s done?

What You’ll Need:

t-rex tread tape

Tools
Miter Saw
Table Saw (optional)
Sander & Sand Paper
Pocket Hole Jig
Drill

Materials
T-Rex Extreme Tread Tape
Scrap 2 x 8 Board
Scrap 2 x 6 Board
(4) Butt Hinges
(1) Picture Hanging Hook
2 ½” Pocket Hole Screws
Wood Glue
Wood Stain
Paint of Choice

The Steps:

1. Cut your 2 x 8 boards into two pieces at 14″ wide.

how to cut wood with miter saw

2. Optional: Use a table saw to cut the rounded edges off of your wood pieces. Not necessary, but helps keep the piece looking modern!

how to cut round edges off wood

3. Cut your 2 x 6 boards to match the width of your two 2 x 8 boards.

how to cut 2x8 with miter saw

4. Attach your two top pieces with wood glue and pocket hole screws.

how to join boards with pocket holes

5. Sand down all of your pieces.

sanding boards

6. Stain and/or paint your pieces. I stained my top pieces in walnut and painted the leg pieces white.

how to stain boards

7. Measure and attach your leg pieces to your top using hinges. I used two hinges per leg. You want your legs to fold inward when stored, but remain at 90 degrees when in use.

how to install hinges on wood

how to make folding legs

8. Next, add your picture hanging hook to the back.

add picture hanging hooks to wood

9. Last step is to add T-Rex Extreme Tread Tape to the top of the stool to make it non-slip and super safe in all working conditions!

non slip tread tape

how to install non-stick tape

That’s it!

Now you can reach all of the cool stuff you hid up high in your shop and fold away the stool when not in use!

how to make an easy folding step stool

diy foldable step stool

Shop projects don’t have to be complicated – case and point!

Want to save this project for later? Pin It!

how to make a folding step stool

Can’t wait to share some more shop projects with you guys soon! Until next time…

This post is sponsored by T-Rex Tape. All opinions of the product and ideas for use are my own. For my full disclaimer policy, click here.

Sam Raimondi

Sam is a full time psychologist and part time content creator from Long Island, New York.

«

»

3 COMMENTS

  • John

    Hello, and thank you for the ideas here. I’m just wondering how the legs keep from collapsing in you move side to side while atop the step. Is there a way of locking the legs? Thank you again for your advice.

    John

    • Lisa

      I was wondering the same thing. I think cutting that top edge of the legs at an angle so they splay out a bit when open will help with that.

    • Linda

      You would need to purchase some type of locking hinge. e.g. 90 degree self locking hinge – hope this helps

what do you think?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.