EASY STEPS TO A STEP STOOL

Made from inexpensive materials, this step stool has simple Scandi charm. Ideal for reaching up-high storage spots, it also doubles as a side table when guests come to stay. Gather your supplies

• 800 x 1200 x 18mm red oak plywood

• 6mm x 1.2m Tasmanian oak dowel Components

• Base 482 x 560 x 18mm plywood

• Cross piece 482 x 350 x 18mm plywood • Steps 300 x 350 x 18mm plywood (2)

• Dowels 6 x 50mm dowel (8) You’ll also need Measuring tape; steel rule; pencil; circular saw; jigsaw; combination square; scrap timber; nail; hammer; clamp; drill; 4 and 6mm drill bits; PVA glue; 50mm screws; rag; masking tape; sanding block; sandpaper; liming white stain and varnish; paintbrush

Here’s how

STEP 1 Use a ruler and pencil to mark out components on plywood. Make sure base and cross piece are both marked out so grain on plywood runs vertically. Base has a 300 x 250mm section cut from one corner so finished piece is an L shape. STEP 2 Cut out components using a circular saw. Use a jigsaw to finish off cut on

internal corner of base.

STEP 3 Use combination square to mark out 18mm slots in base and cross pieces to join them together. Slot in base is 50mm deep and is a continuation of the 250mm edge on the inside of the L. Slot in cross piece is 180mm deep and centred on the 350mm edge.

STEP 4 Cut out straight sides of slots using circular saw and complete cuts at ends using a jigsaw.

STEP 5 To mark curves on steps, drive a nail into scrap timber 175mm from one end. Nail this down the centreline of a step, with end of timber on 350mm long edge. Hold

pencil at end of timber and swivel to mark semi-circle.

STEP 6 Clamp step to bench and cut out curve with jigsaw. Use a fine cu ing blade in jigsaw and cut with the grain to reduce splintering of ply. Repeat for second step.

STEP 7 Measure and mark out components for screw holes. In cross piece, screws into base are 70 and 200mm from top edge while screws into bo om step are 50mm from each side. In top step, screws into base are 70mm from top of curve while screws into cross piece are 50mm from sides. In bo om step, screws into base are 70mm from top of curve. Predrill holes with 4mm bit.

STEP 8 Spread glue on inside of slots in base and cross pieces and also along edge of base where they will meet. Join pieces together

then predrill and screw through cross piece into base to secure. Remove excess glue with a damp rag.

STEP 9 Glue, predrill and screw top and bo om steps to base and cross piece assembly. Let glue dry.

STEP 10 Working on one component at a time, remove screws and drill out holes using a 6mm drill bit. Make holes 55mm deep, using masking tape around your drill bit as a depth gauge.

STEP 11 Squirt glue in holes and tap lengths of dowel into holes until flush with surface. Remove excess glue. Let dry.

STEP 12 Use sandpaper and sanding block to smooth cut edges and round corners of the plywood.

STEP 13 Apply one coat of liming stain and varnish to full stool. If desired, you can do another coat or two of varnish for extra protection. Dry between coats.

STEP 5

STEP 3

STEP 2

STEP 4

stool to table In guest-room mode, your step stool becomes a handy bedside table.

Get active! Create a workout centre by building a plywood box to fit around an off-the-shelf mirror and mounting it on the wall. Add storage for weights, towels and more. Position the mirror opposite the bifolds to double the view!

STEP 8

STEP 9

STEP 6

STEP 11

STEP 7

STEP 10