Bathroom Helper Step
In the quest to potty train our son, I designed this bathroom helper step to help him better reach a regular sized toilet. It is designed wide and low to the ground so there is no chance of the step tipping over. The height could be adjusted by added extra footers to the bottom or using a thicker board for the bottom footers. It is also perfect for him to use as a step at the sink when washing his hands. A local walnut wood was used to make this stool. Luckily, my neighbor loves to give me wood that he cuts in his saw mill. Of course, any type of wood could be used for this easy project. This is my first time to digitally design a piece of furniture, so I hope I was able to create a clear plan for you to follow.
Specifications
| Project type | Stools |
|---|---|
| Room | Bathroom |
| Style | Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans |
| Difficulty | Starter Projects |
| Estimated cost | Under $20 |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
2 1x2 boards 8 ft long
Cut List
All cut from 1X2 boards
(5) 17 1/2" Top slats of step
(2) 16" front and back support
(4) 11" Side supports and footers
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- drill
- circular saw
- countersink drill bit
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Make the frame of the step by attaching the 11" side supports to the 16" front and back supports. Predrill and countersink for all screws and glue all joints.
Step 2
Attach the first top slat to the frame using glue and countersinking screws. Be sure to line up the edges of the frame with the top slat. There should be no overhang.
Step 3
Attach the last top slat in the same way at Step 2.
Step 4
Place the remaining top slats on the top of the step with a 1/4" space in between each slat. Glue and coutersink screws.
Step 5
Step 6
Sand and apply finish as desired. On my example I use a spray laquer.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/bathroom-helper-step