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DIY Step Stools to Help You Get a Step Up!

Get to those hard to reach places by creating one of these DIY step stools. There are some ideas for building from scratch and some for giving an old step stool a fresh makeover.

25+ DIY Step Stools

Are you ready to get creative and build something that’s both fun and practical? Whether you have little ones who need a boost to reach the sink or you’re simply looking for a way to grab those items on the top shelf, a DIY step stool is a perfect solution.

I’m sure you can picture it. You’re in your kitchen, trying to reach that over-the-fridge cabinet that’s just out of reach. Or maybe it’s your little one, standing on tiptoes, trying to brush their teeth in the bathroom

Or perhaps your furry friend is giving you those puppy eyes, wishing they could hop up on the bed for a cuddle. Whatever the case, a handy little boost is a great addition to any home!

I’ve always loved step stools, not just for their practicality but for the creative potential they offer. Over the years, I’ve given quite a few step stools a makeover and even built a couple from scratch. One of my favorites is a step stool that flips over to become a kid’s chair – talk about multifunctional!

At 5’6″, I often find myself needing a little extra height to reach the upper shelves in my kitchen cabinets or to change the smoke detector batteries. I bet you’ve found yourself in similar situations.

That’s why I’ve put together this collection of over 20 DIY step stools for you to try. These projects range from building a step stool from scratch using detailed plans to giving an old piece a fresh new look.

The first few projects come with free step stool plans or easy-to-follow tutorials to help you build your own. The rest of the projects focus on makeovers, taking existing step stools and transforming them into something new and exciting. So, grab your wood glue, and let’s get started!

Scroll down, get inspired, and find the perfect project to suit your needs. Whether you’re building for function, fun, or a bit of both, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. Happy DIY-ing!

1
DIY wood step stool that doubles as a small chair

Stool and Chair Combo

Learn how to build a step stool chair with a modern look to match your home decor. This can be painted any colors you like.
Get the Tutorial
2
DIY Step Stool Using Scrap Wood
anikasdiylife.com

Torched Scrap Wood

This is an easy to follow tutorial that includes a video and also has plans you can download! I love the way the torched scrap wood turned out for this stool.
Get the Tutorial
3
Trendy DIY Fluted Stool
somethingturquoise.com

Trendy Fluted

This trendy fluted look is so cute on a step stool. Lauren made this one to fit under the vanity in her bathroom – great idea!
Get the Tutorial
4
child's step stool with free building plans
theshabbycreekcottage.com

Pretty Pink

Any little girl would love to use this cute pink step stool. Get the free building plans and follow along with the video to make one of your own.
Get the Tutorial
5
One board step stool
www.myrepurposedlife.com

Easy with One Board

Get a tutorial to show you how to make a small step stool for your master closet, kitchen, and more. You will want to make one for every room in your house.
Get the Tutorial
6
DIY Kid Step Stool Made Using One 1″ x 8″ x 8′ board
www.hertoolbelt.com

One Board Challenge

Amy made this farmhouse style step stool when she was challenged to build something using only one 1″ x 8″ x 8′ board. I love the way it turned out!
Get the Tutorial
7
Budget-Friendly step stool with free building plans
www.thecreativemom.com

Budget Friendly

With only $15 of supplies, Natalie made two of these step stools – one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom! Get the free building plans on her site!
Get the Tutorial
8
www.twofeetfirst.net

Small and Stained

Do you need a small step stool? Use this DIY tutorial on how to make one for your home! This is a very simple version that you can either stain or paint, and works for any room in your home.
Get the Tutorial
9
designertrapped.com

Wooden With White Concrete Top

The white concrete tops are easier than you think! Make these modern wooden stools to slide under hanging bathroom cabinets.
Get the Tutorial
10
brepurposed.porch.com

Modern Bathroom

See how easy it is to build this DIY modern wooden stool using a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes – perfect for little kids in the bathroom!
Get the Tutorial
11
www.bybrittanygoldwyn.com

Stool & Seat

Brittany is sharing her DIY step stool for toddlers, including free build plans! It's a knockoff of the beautiful Crate and Barrel Gage gray and white step stool.
Get the Tutorial
12
diyhuntress.com

Compact Folding

Learn how to make a compact, folding step stool from scrap wood for your workshop or home with free build plans.
Get the Tutorial
13
DIY wooden shower stool
www.charlestoncrafted.com

Wooden Shower

Need to take a seat in the shower or put your leg up for shaving? Modern showers don’t include any ledges, so whip together this DIY wooden shower stool and put it to good use!
Get the Tutorial
14
www.hometalk.com

DIY Vintage Inspired

When you're looking for a specific type of stool that is more decorative than anything else – and you can't find what you need – you make it yourself! Get the how-to for these little cutie stools at the post.
Get the Tutorial
15
wildfireinteriors.com

Kids Step Stool (with Yardstick Steps)

A regular wooden stool build can be made that much more fabulous with the addition of yardsticks! This is perfect for a playroom but also goes well with farmhouse style.
Get the Tutorial

Step Stool Makeovers

16
Wooden farmhouse stool DIY
refreshrestyle.com

Thrift Store Update

Debbie gave her thrift store find a makeover in less than an hour with spray paint and a cute farmer's market transfer!
Get the Tutorial
17
Wooden stool makeover with wrapping paper and mod podge
Natalie Wright

Wrapping Paper & Mod Podge

Have a wooden stool that needs a makeover? I made this decorative step stool with pretty wrapping paper and Mod Podge. It’s really EASY to do!
Get the Tutorial
18
Vintage step stool makeover with 6 free mandala stencils
www.thenavagepatch.com

Mandala Stencil

Handan purchased this vintage step stool for only $3 at a garage sale! I love the mandala painted on top. Get six free mandala stencils for your cut machine over on the site.
Get the Tutorial
19
step stool makeover using a vinyl decal and stripes
diyshowoff.com

Stripes & Decal

Scoop up a step stool at the flea market, yard sales or thrift stores and give it a makeover. Roeshel updated an old step stool by sanding it, adding a vinyl decal and then painting blue stripes. So cute!
Get the Tutorial
20
DIY Step Stool Makeover with Fabric and Mod Podge
Steve Carrell

Fabric & Mod Podge

I needed something small to reach the tops of my kitchen shelves – so I decorated this DIY step stool in my favorite fabric colors!
Get the Tutorial
21
hand painted mushroom stool
thehomespunhydrangea.com

Painted Mushroom

Give a kid's step stool a super cute makeover by hand painting it to look like a mushroom. This would also work well with a cottagecore décor.
Get the Tutorial
22
Painted wooden stool with doily resist
Steve Carrell

Doily Resist

Paint a wooden stool using a paper doily as a resist instead of a stencil! Incorporate your favorite paint colors, then seal with Mod Podge.
Get the Tutorial
23
give an IKEA DEKVAM stool a worn look
www.theboondocksblog.com

IKEA BECKVAM

Make your IKEA BECKVAM step stool look like it has been in the family for generations using chalk paint, wax, and sandpaper.
Get the Tutorial
24
Painting and stenciling an IKEA step stool
www.debbie-debbiedoos.com

Stenciled and Distressed

Chalk paint, a stencil and a bit of distressing turned this IKEA stool into a whole new look! You can do this with any wooden stool that you can buy or build.
Get the Tutorial
25
IKEA hack BECKVAM step stool makeover
www.lovelyetc.com

Stained and Colorblocked

One last makeover of the IKEA BECKVAM step stool. This one involves staining it and then painting a small section at the bottom of each leg for a cool colorblock.
Get the Tutorial
26
Decoupage a patchwork stool
Steve Carrell

Patchwork Decoupage

A decoupage stool is really easy to make with Mod Podge! I used my favorite scrapbook paper and used a patchwork effect. Learn how here.
Get the Tutorial
27
personalized step stools
www.blesserhouse.com

Personalized Step Stools

Making a step stool for more than one child? Personalize them with their names like Lauren did. Don't worry if you have a shaky hand – just use this tracing method!
Get the Tutorial
28
paint a step stool in a few steps using a stencil
Angie Holden

Stenciled Arrows

Learn how to paint a step stool with a fun stenciled design. This project is simple and will add a splash of color to any room in your home. If you're confident with hand painting, you'll love this option.
Get the Tutorial

If you enjoyed these step stool ideas, it would be great if you could share this post using the buttons below. Then check out these other popular DIY furniture posts:

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