The purpose of this instructable is to create an in-expensive stool that serves two purposes. The first purpose is to test the theory behind the current bathroom alignment fad (Is squatting better?). The second purpose is to serve as a step stool for my newborn son when he is old enough but not tall enough to use the bathroom.

Step 1: Gather the Materials

To complete this instructable you will need:

3/4 ACX plywood at least 18 1/8" x 24" ($11 for a 2' x 4' sheet enough to build this 'ible twice)

10 Pocket hole screws 1 1/4" coarse thread

Wood Glue

Pocket hole Jig

Table Saw

Jig Saw or Band Saw

Handheld drill and bits

Pocket hole jig

Assorted clamps

Stain

Polyurethane

Step 2: Trim Your Plywood

Lets get things started by cutting a 18 1/8" by 24" piece of plywood. I used 3/4" ACX Pine plywood.

Step 3: Plywood Cuts Overview

In the next few steps you will be cutting the plywood as pictured above. steps 4-7 can be skipped if you simply cut this layout.

Step 4: Cut a 3 1/2" X 14 1/2" Strip

-Set your rip fence to 3 1/2" and cut a strip of plywood 3 1/2" x 18 1/8"

- Using your miter gauge cut the same piece down to 14 1/2" long

- Discard the scrap

Step 5: Resize Remaining Plywood

Resize your plywood to be 18 1/8" x 20"

Step 6: Cut Your Plywood in Two

- Set your rip fence to 11"

- cut your plywood into two pieces

- 11" x 20"

- 7" x 20"

Step 7: Cut Two Legs 7" X 9"

Cut the 7" x 20" plywood into two 7" x 9" legs and discard the scrap.

Step 8: Shape the Legs

Using a 4" diameter cup I cut U-shaped legs by placing the top edge of the cup 3 1/2" from the top of the legs and tracing the arc. It would be great to have an oscillating sander to smooth out those arcs.

Step 9: Shape the Top

I have included the dimensions I used to shape the top, however, since each toilet is different I suggest tailoring the shape to your needs. I used the same cup from the previous step as a stencil to round all corners.

Step 10: Sand, Sand, Sand

Sand all these parts in steps down to 220 grit until you are happy with the appearance.

Step 11: Drill Pocket Holes

Drill three pocket holes at the top of each leg and two pocket holes on each end of the support brace.

Step 12: Assemble!

I will let the pictures do the talking for assembly. I used 10 pocket screws and wood glue. I had intended to center the cross support, however, I failed to plan ahead when drilling my pocket holes and ended up offsetting the center support. The offset does not seem to make any difference in overall quality.

Step 13: Stain the Potty Pedestal

I stained this ible using Minwax water based tintable stain tinted to Rosewood. There are many people better suited to give advise on staining, however, I will say that this stain was very easy to use and very low odor. Two coats of stain will give you more even coverage, however, I was happy with the look after one coat so that is where I left it.

Step 14: Always Use Protection

Minwax polycrylic is a great top coat to protect your potty pedestal and it is very low odor. I applied two coats of Polycrylic and sanded with 220 grit sandpaper before applying a third coat. For good measure I sanded again with 800 grit sandpaper before applying a fourth and final coat.

Step 15: Conclusion Indeterminate

Does squatting relieve pressure and expedite the poopin' process? Well, I have no idea... I enjoyed the challenge of building this 'ible and I learned a-lot along the way, but like most 'ibles this was more about the joy of making than anything else.