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.
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!
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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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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