How to Build a Footstool for Kids

Footstools are a must-have item in a home with children, allowing them to reach the sink to wash their hands, grab a book or toy off a shelf and help out around the house. With a few simple tools and some supplies, you can make your own stylish and personalized footstool for kids, and even get their help for this fun project.

1 1-inch-by-10-inch-by-4-foot solid wood plank
1 1-inch-by-2-inch-by-10-inch cross brace
Right angle tool
Jigsaw
Measuring tape
8 1 1/4-inch screws
Power drill
Router (Optional)
Sandpaper
Paint, stain or clear lacquer

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two identical pieces from your plank using your jigsaw that are each 10 inches long by 8 inches wide to make the sides and top of your footstool. Use a right angle to make sure your cuts are a perfect 90 degrees. Mark the 8-inch side as the top. Decide which piece will be the right side and which will be the left side of your stool.
- 2
  Make the top piece of your footstool by cutting a third piece from your plank that measures 9 inches wide by 10 inches long. Set the top aside.
- 3
  Attach your side pieces to the cross brace using two screws on the outside of your side piece, going into your cross brace. End with an "H" pattern with the 1-inch side being the width, the 10-inch side being the length and the 2-inch side where the screws attach from the outside of the stool to make your base.
- 4
  Place your stool right side up and center your top step on the base. Measure to make sure that there is a 1/2-inch overhang on the sides of your stool. Drill two screws into the sides of your stool from the top in a 90 degree angle on the left. Repeat the procedure by screwing the top step into the right side of the base through the top.
- 5
  Router or sand the edges of your top step and add a decorative design to the sides of your footstool that can be cut out using a jigsaw to personalize your work. Sand your footstool to remove any debris or splinters.
- 6
  Finish your footstool with a fresh coat of paint in kid-friendly colors or paint their name on the top and use a clear lacquer to set it. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before using.

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