How to Make a Stepping Stool

Use your tape measure, straight edge, and pencil to measure and mark a 12-inch-by-12-inch square on your oak board. Lay the board horizontally on a flat surface. Measure 12 inches from one end along the top of the board and mark the distance with your pencil. Measure 12 inches from one end along the bottom of the board and mark the distance with your tape measure. Lay your straight edge across the two pencil marks so they align and run your pencil across the entire width of the board. Use your jigsaw to cut along the pencil line and create a 12-by-12-inch square. This panel will serve as the step for your step stool.

Decide on the desired height of your step stool and cut the legs accordingly. For example if you want your step stool to be 6 inches in height, measure 6 inches from one end of your oak board and mark the distance with your pencil as you did in Step 1. Turn the board around and mark 6 inches from the other end in the same manner. Use your straight edge to draw a guideline across the board and cut out the two 6-by-12-inch panels using your jigsaw. These panels will serve as the legs for your step stool.

Use your tape measure to locate the center point of your leg panels. Measure your leg panels lengthwise and locate the center point. Measure out 1/2 inch on both sides of the center point and mark the distance with your pencil. Measure your leg panel along its width and find its center point. Mark the distance with your pencil. Use your straight edge to draw a notch in the leg panel which is 6 inches long by 1 inch wide and which sits at its center point. Perform the same task with your second leg panel. Use your jig saw to cut along the lines. The notches in your two leg panels should slide together and interlock.

Use your sandpaper to remove any sharp edges or splinters from all of your panels. Lock the two leg panels together so they form an "X" by sliding one into the other. Lay the step panel on top of the two legs so that it sits squarely.

Use your drill to make pilot holes through the step panel and into the legs. Measure outward from the center of the step panel along each leg panel below. Mark the center point with your pencil. Drill four small pilot holes through the step panel and into the legs below, one at each pencil mark. Use a bit which is slightly smaller in diameter than your wood screws. Insert one 2-inch wood screw into each hole and tighten using your screw gun. The legs and step panel are now attached.

Paint or stain the step stool as you wish. Use your hammer to install plastic feet at each corner of the four legs. These feet will prevent scratches in your floor and allow you to slide the stool from one location to another.