How to Build a Footstool

A footstool is a handy piece of furniture to have in the house, as it has a variety of uses. Children could sit in the footstool during times of play or study and could also be placed on chairs at the dinner table for an instant homemade child seat! But the footstool is most handy when reaching moderately high places in the house such as in tall cabinets or shelves. Others simply relish the comfort of sitting on a comfy sofa with legs stretched and feet placed on top of the footstool.

It is easy to make a footstool and only requires basic materials to successfully accomplish. The type of foot stool would be dependent on your needs or desires and may vary in height, width and overall strength.

Wood for the legs, 2 x 4 preferred (length will vary) but 6 to 8 feet would be good
Flat wood plank, 1 ½ to 2 inches wide and minimum 6 inches wide. Length will vary but 12 inches is adequate.
Wood glue
Wood nails, 2 to 2 ½ inch long
Hammer
Sandpaper
Saw
Pencil
Ruler/measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Arrange all the materials and prepare to work on a wide, sturdy table. Put the 2 x 4 on the table and measure the length of the legs of your foot stool. 10 to 12 inches would be appropriate.
- 2
  Mark each leg length using a pencil. If you decide to make a 10 inch high stool, make four separate 10 inch marks on the entire length of the 2 x 4.
- 3
  Saw off the 2 x 4 according to your measurement. You now have four pieces of 10-inch legs of your foot stool. Smooth with sandpaper.
- 4
  Put the wood plank on the table and measure how long your foot stool would be. Saw off the plank until it reaches the desired measurement. Twelve inches is adequate for most.
- 5
  Apply wood glue on one end of each leg
- 6
  Lay the wood plank upside down and attach the legs on each side. Lightly tap with a hammer upon attachment. Wipe off any excess glue that may squeeze out. Let dry for 2 minutes.
- 7
  Let the foot stool stand and drive a nail on the center of each corner to better hold the legs in place. Let the glue dry completely.
- 8
  When the glue is dry, smooth all the rough edges and either apply paint or varnish to decorate.

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