Introduction: Plywood Potty Pedestal
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.