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Free Plans for a
Kid's Bench / Step-Stool
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What child doesn't need a bench?
This kid's bench is also a stepping stool for all ages.
This web page has the dimensions,
plans, and Do-It-Yourself instructions for you to cut the wood
and build this step stool / kid's bench from scratch.
Great as a bench for toddlers in nursery, kids in preschool,
and children in kindergarten, and grade school.
As the child grows they can continue to use it as a stepping stool
their whole life.
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You can use dowel joints for this project,
they are easy and fun to make, and give you a sturdy,
old-fashioned result.
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STEP 1.
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Gather these Tools and materials together.
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Tools
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measuring tape
pencil
protractor
extension cord
goggles
skill saw, or table saw, or whatever
clamps
drill
3/8"
drill bit
hammer
coping saw
sander
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Materials
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| (1) | |
3/8"
dowel (4' long)
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1 by 10 (20" long)
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2 by 4 (7' long)
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wood glue
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You may want an extra
piece of each, just in case.
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STEP 2.
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Cut out the pieces.
Use 1 by 10 lumber for the seat, and 2 by 4's for the rest.
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Cut List: Here are the sizes of wood to cut for the Kid's Bench / Step Stool.
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| Quantity |
Total Length |
Edge Length |
Width |
Thickness |
Part |
| (4) |
13" |
12½" |
3½" |
1½" |
Parallelogram Legs (10° angles) |
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Length |
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| (1) |
20" |
9¼" |
¾" |
Seat |
| (1) |
15" |
3½" |
1½" |
Cleat |
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Top Width |
Bottom Width |
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| (2) |
53/8" |
11/8" |
3" |
1½" |
Trapezoid Spacers (10° angles) |
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Note: The angle measurement of 10°
along with the length of the leg is important
so that a portion of the foot remains directly below the top of the leg.
This allows the force to go straight down from the seat to the floor.
Too wide an angle would not support as much weight,
and too narrow an angle would make it tippy.
So use these measurements and it will be just right.
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STEP 3.
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With a pencil mark lightly in the top of the seat where dowels will go.
(one x in the middle, and evenly spaced from the middle along the center line mark an x every
41/8"
That places the two x's near each end at a distance of 1¾" from each end.
Now mark an x near each of the four corners
at 1¾" from both edges of the corner.
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STEP 4.
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Just glue the cleat on edge in the middle of the bottom of the seat for now.
It should be perfectly centered
37/8"
from each side, and
2½"
from each end.
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Continue on to step 5 while the glue dries.
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STEP 5.
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Attach the Legs to the Spacers.
You can make a dowel joint here,
after applying glue to the spacer and clamping it firmly to one leg.
Then you can drill a
3/8"
hole through the joint and glue and hammer a dowel through.
When making the bench, you must make sure that all joints are solid.
Trim off the end of the dowel with a coping saw. And repeat it for the other legs.
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STEP 6.
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Turn the seat right side up, and drill one of the 3 x's over the cleat first.
Drill through the seat down into the cleat,
at least half way through the cleat.
Check the depth with a thin dowel or stick, and cut a
3/8"
dowel ½" shorter than that. Now when you glue and hammer the dowel into the hole,
it will go flush with the surface of the seat, with no need to trim off the excess.
(That only works when the hole is not at an angle.)
That first dowel will hold the joint while you repeat the process with the other two x's
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STEP 7.
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Tip the seat on end, and place some scrap wood under the cleat.
Hold the end assembly (spacer and legs) in place at the end.
About 2½" from the top of the trapezoid spacer,
drill a hole for a dowel through the spacer into the cleat.
And glue and hammer a dowel there.
Flip the Bench over and repeat at the other end.
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STEP 8.
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Set the bench on its feet, and make sure the legs are lined up properly.
Drill, glue, and hammer dowels at the 6 remaining x marks in the seat to hold the legs on.
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STEP 9.
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Sand all the corners and edges to round them off.
And sand the flat surfaces smooth.
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STEP 10. (optional)
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Paint it.
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STEP 11. (optional)
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To turn it into a comfy foot rest:
Upholster it with a piece of foam rubber on top and a piece of
material over that folded down and tacked up under the edges.
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This bench could be used for a lifetime, and passed down through
generations.
This wooden kid's bench / step stool will help children get into more things that they
have trouble reaching.
It helps develop muscle strength, coordination and balance.
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It makes a thoughtful and useful birthday present, or Christmas gift.
Before hand, ask the child their favorite color, then you can paint the bench / stepping stool
the child's favorite color.
You can pass along some of your woodworking skills
by allowing a youngster to help you assemble it.
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Copyright © 2005-2008 Zirgo Corp.
All Rights Reserved.
This document may not be used for commercial gain
without written permission from the publisher.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation
of this web page, the publisher and author assume
no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Neither is any liability assumed for damages
resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
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