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!
DIY Step Stools
Use one of these 20 step stool ideas to get to those hard to reach places in your home. Build it from scratch or give an old piece a makeover with the ideas below.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Compact Folding
Learn how to make a compact, folding step stool from scrap wood for your workshop or home with free build plans.
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!
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.
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.
Step Stool Makeovers
Update with Duct Tape
I almost hit the floor when I found this Paul Frank duct tape – learn how to use it to decorate a stool; one of my favorite duct tape crafts ever!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
IKEA BECKVAM
Make your IKEA BECKVAM step stool look like it has been in the family for generations using chalk paint, wax, and sandpaper.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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:
Benches • Bookends • Coffee Tables • Easy Woodworking Projects • IKEA Coffee Table Hacks • IKEA Hacks • Pallet Projects • Reclaimed Wood Projects • Refurbished Dressers • Wooden Crate Decor