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.
Do you have little ones who can’t reach the sink to wash their hands or brush their teeth? Maybe you are vertically challenged and have tall kitchen cabinets like I have in my house?
Or maybe your dog is too small to hop up on your bed for late night cuddles? Then you are definitely in need of a step stool or two (or three).
I love step stools and have completed quite a few step stool makeovers in the past. I’ve also made a step stool that doubles as a kid’s chair when flipped over.
Even at 5’6″, I still have a hard time reaching the upper shelves in my kitchen cabinets and could occasionally use a step up to change smoke detector batteries and light bulbs. I’m sure you can find many uses for a step stool in your home too.
Step Stool Options
You can purchase a new step stool (that isn’t why you are here), you can build one from scratch, or you can makeover one you already own or found at a garage sale. I’ve collected 20 of the best DIY step stools I’ve found online for you to check out.
The first ones have free plans or easy to follow tutorials to build your own. The rest take an existing step stool and give it a fresh new look. Scroll down and get inspired!
DIY Step Stools
Use one of these 20 DIY step stools to get to those hard to reach places in your home. Build it from scratch or give an old step stool a makeover. Get the building plans and ideas below.
Wooden Step Stool
Learn how to build a step stool chair with a modern look to match your home decor. This DIY stool 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.
Fluted Step Stool
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!
Pink Kid's Step Stool
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 One Board Step 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.
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 Step Stool
With only $15 of supplies, Natalie made 2 of these step stools—one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom! Get the free building plans on her site!
Simple Small Stained Stool
Do you need a 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.
DIY Wooden Step Stool With White Concrete Top
The white concrete tops are easier than you think! Make these modern wooden stools to slide under hanging bathroom cabinets.
DIY Modern Step Stool
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!
DIY Step Stool for Toddlers
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.
DIY Folding Step Stool
Learn how to make a compact, folding step stool from scrap wood for your workshop or home with free build plans.
DIY Wooden Shower 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!
DIY Vintage Inspired Step Stool
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.
DIY 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.
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