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| Child's Step Stool |
| Here's a nifty idea to bring kids up to Mum and Dad's level. Well, almost! |
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1
Tip: Have a good look at the template (whale diagram) supplied before you start.
First cut the 190 x 20mm piece of pine into two lengths of 300mm each. These will be the treads. Next, cut the 240 x 20mm piece into two lengths of 600mm each. These will be the sides. Mark out the position of the steps on one of the sides. Position one tread so that it sits flush at the top. The other sits in the centre of the side.
2
Add some character to the stool by cutting a shape into the sides. We chose a whale shape, but ask the shortest members of your family for their own ideas. Draw the whale by measuring from the supplied template (see diagram) in the correct size.
3
Use the old tin trick to draw the curves, by using the base of a tin as a guide. Most of the other lines will then be easier to draw freehand. Mark a spot for the eye, which will then be drilled out later.
4
Transfer all the lines to be cut onto the 240 x 20mm pine and drill 4mm holes where the crosses are marked. This is where the unit will be joined together with screws.
5
Cut out the outline of your whale with a jigsaw and clean up the edges with sandpaper. Using the cut shape, transfer the outline onto your other piece of timber, to ensure that you have exactly the same shape. Now drill some holes for the eyes, as previously marked. Attach a couple of blocks to the sides, to give extra support to the steps. These can be cut from the waste after carving out the whale, and screwed in place so that the steps sit on them.
6
Now glue and screw the threads to the ends and give the unit a good sanding. Make sure the step stool is sealed with a good waterproof paint or varnish.
SAFETY TIP: if the stool is to be used on a tiled surface, it is a good idea to put rubber stoppers underneath to stop any sliding movement.
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Materials
Furniture-grade pine: 1 piece of 1.2m x 240mm x 20mm
Furniture grade pine: 1 piece of 0.6m x 190mm x 20mm
Chipboard screws: 12mm x 63mm
Wood glue
Jigsaw
Drill and 4mm bit, plus Phillips head bit
Tape measure and pencil
Saw
Sandpaper
Paint or varnish
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Cost
This project will cost around $10 for materials.
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More Info
All materials are available from your local hardware store. Paints are obtained from art/craft stores.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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