In my future campervan, I will need to access the roof by using a step ladder. With space at a premium, this breakdown step stool fits the bill for storage. Inside a house, RV, apartment or dorm room, this step stool can be taken apart and stored in a small space.
The cost is minimal. You can build one from scrap wood found at DIY stores. Mine is being “borrowed” by a friend. It’s not likely to come back; that’s okay, I’ll build another. Perhaps I’ll paint the new one bright pink. That narrows the number of people who borrow considerably. I hope.
I built the first one with a single step. The new one will have two steps. This will take a little more space to store it, but I can step up a little higher.
You will need:
- · One sheet ½” plywood, exterior grade. Depending on the weight of the person using it and the amount of use, ¾” will be stronger.
- · Measuring and marking tools
- · General woodworking tools
- · Jigsaw
- · Drill and Forstner bits, wood chisels
- · Sandpaper
- · Stain and sealer or primer and paint
- · Wood dowel, 1″ wide
Step One:
Cut two pieces with the following dimensions of 25″ tall by 25″ wide. Remove a 12″ by 12″ piece from one corner. This creates the two steps.
Mark the center on each step. Measure 4″ out from each center mark, 1″ deep. Cut out the section, leaving an 8″ long raised section.
Step Two:
Make two steps, each 25″ long. Mark the center 1″ from each end and make a mark 4″ on either side of the mark. Cut a rectangular hole the same width of your plywood. This will fit over the raised section of the steps. Drill holes with the Forstner bits first, then clean up with a jigsaw and sandpaper or chisels.
Step Three:
Measure the bottom of the step and mark the center. Mark 3″ up from this mark and 2″ on each side of the mark. Make a 4″ long rectangular cut on each side, directly across from each other.
Cut a brace piece 6″ wide and 30″ long. Trim the ends to make a 4″ wide piece that will fit through the slot. Drill a 1″ wide hole in each side, next to the step.
Cut a piece of dowel 4″ long. Flatten one end along the length of the dowel piece. These fit through the holes and hold the brace securely.
Step Four:
Stain and seal or prime and paint your step stool. You can use it as a stool, step ladder or to display items in a room.
These stools make great gifts for housewarmings, camping, RV’s and any occasion. Knowing how my friends like to borrow, I make a few and trade.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and more.
