Here's a stepstool-cum-toolbox that's built to be tough... tough enough to support a big guy
Tough stepstool toolbox
Most standard stepstools offer little in the way of support for big guys and gals, but we designed a tough stepstool that can easily take the load - plus it has a built in storage compartment for tools or supplies. Simply load up and step up!
The stepstool-cum-toolbox is made using pine, and doesn't involve any specialist tools or fancy angles. It's built basic to make it an easy project for everyone.
YOU WILL NEED:
The stepstool is made using a combination of 19mm laminated pine shelving and 44 x 44mm pine.
Large step:
4 of 44 x 44 x 330mm pine - legs
2 of 44 x 44 x 280mm pine - top rail
2 of 44 x 44 x 192mm pine - leg rail
3 of 32 x 94 x 452mm pine - top slats
Storage compartment:
2 of 19 x 364mm x 123mm lam pine - compartment front/back
2 of 19 x 123 x 192mm lam pine - compartment sides
1 of 19 x 192 x 326mm lam pine - compartment base
Small step:
4 of 44 x 44 x 130mm pine - legs
2 of 44 x 44 x 280mm pine - top rail
2 of 44 x 44 x 192mm pine - leg rail
3 of 22 x 94 x 340mm pine - top slats
1 pair 250mm ball-bearing drawer runners and 16mm screws
2 Eureka full overlay concealed hinges (incl screws)
Eureka 4 x 40mm smooth shank screws [18]
Eureka 4 x 60mm smooth shank screws [14]
Eureka 35mm Forstner bit
Wood glue
Woodoc 5 or 10 interior sealer and paintbrush
TOOLS:
Drill / Driver plus assorted bits
Quick clamps
Orbital sander plus 120- and 180-grit sanding pads
Tape measure and pencil
HOW TO:
GOOD TO KNOW: All holes are pre-drilled with a 3mm bit and countersunk.
1. Assemble the storage compartment using wood glue and 40mm screws.
2. For the small stool, pre-drill 3mm countersunk pilot holes through the side rail into the legs. Secure with wood glue and 60mm screws.
3. Repeat this for the large stool.
4. On both the small and large stool legs, measure up 41.5mm.
5. Use the mark as a guide for attaching the leg rails. The bottom of the rail must be in line with the mark.
6. Glue together the slats that form the tops for the small and large steps.
GOOD TO KNOW: Clamp the glued tops to ensure a good bond.
7. Small stool: Glue the legs to the slat seat and leave for a couple of hours.
8. Flip over and drive 60mm screws through the top into the leg assembly.
9. Large stool: With the storage compartment upside down, glue the leg assemblies onto the side of the compartment. Pre-drill countersunk holes through the leg assembly into the compartment and secure with 60mm screws.
BELOW: Completed storage compartment without lid.
10. Sand all uneven edges with 120-grit and then sand smooth with 180-grit sanding pads. Wipe clean with a cloth lightly dampened with mineral turpentine.
GOOD TO KNOW: Use the sander to give a chamfered edge around the bottom of the legs.
11. Secure the 250mm drawer runners to the leg rail on the large stool.
12. Insert the small stool and pull out the runners to be able to secure to the leg rail of the small stool. Drive in [2] screws at the front end of the drawer runner.
13. Release the drawer runner from the track in order to drive [2] screws at the back end of the drawer runner. Slot the runners back together.
14. Draw a line 3mm in from the back edge of the slat top and drill [2] holes for the concealed hinge. You will need to use a Eureka 35mm Forstner Bit for this. Drill to a depth of 11mm.
Eureka have launched a range of concealed hinges in a variety of styles for almost every type of door profile. Visit the website to see the full range.
15. Secure the concealed hinges onto the top with [supplied] 16mm screws.
116. For added strength, a couple of supports were added to the lid for the large step. These are scrap 22 x 44mm pine strips glued and screwed with 40mm screws.
Finishing
Three coats of Woodoc 10 interior sealer were applied to the finished stepstool. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the can for proper application.
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