Build a Stepping Stool

Build this simple vintage French stepping stool with just 4 pieces of standard lumber and a few nails. Extend the measurements to create a sturdy bench that easily seats three.

Step 1: Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

Step 2:

To make this stool, you'll need:

2 (1” x 12”) pine boards 17” long

1 (1” x 12”) pine board 13” long

1 (1” x 12”) pine board 18” long

12 (2-inch) finishing nails

Wood Glue

Ruler

Pencil

Paintbrushes

Distressed Harlequin Stencil

The French Bakery Stencil

Americana Decor Crème Wax in Golden Brown

Americana Decor Light Satin Varnish

Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in Lace, Serene and Relic

Step 3:

Draw a line down the center of both sides of each of the two 17" long boards

Add glue to the line and position the 13" long board on the line

Step 4:

Flip it over and nail the 17" board to the 13" board

Add glue to the other side of the 13" board Center the other 17" board on top and nail it in place This creates the bottom of your bench

Step 5:

Center the seat (the 18" board) on top of the base

Adhere it to the base with more wood glue Draw a line through the center and along the sides directly above the 17" boards on the base This will help you place your nails Nail the seat in place

Step 6:

Paint the entire bench in Lace Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint

Stencil 4 rows of the harlequin on each side of the seat with Serene.

Stencil the distressed harlequin on both sides of the bench

Step 7:

Stencil the French Bakery Stencil in the center of the seat with Relic Chalky Finish Paint

Using the straight edge of the stencil, add a frame around the seat

When dry, coat the entire bench in the Light Satin Varnish

When the varnish is dry, paint on a small amount of creme wax and rub it off with a damp cloth to give it an aged look