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Bathroom Helper Step

January 12, 2012 |

6 Comments

posted by elizabethlynnellis

PDF version

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.

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Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions:

17.5" X 11" X 3.75"

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

2 1x2 boards 8 ft long

1 1/2 inch screws

wood glue

120 grit sandpaper

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

drill

circular saw

countersink drill bit

Cut List

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

Cutting Instructions:

Cut in order listed. If you find you want your step a little taller cut two additional 11" footer boards and add them to the bottom of the existing footer. If you find you need a shorter step, do not use the footers.

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

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

Flip the step upside down and secure the 11" footers to the right and left sides of the step. Glue and countersink screws.

Step 6

Sand and apply finish as desired. On my example I use a spray laquer.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Finish Used:

Since the wood I used was walnut, I didn't want to take away from the beauty of the wood by usig paint or stain. To acheive a nice shine I applied several coats of spray lacquer.

May I Suggest a Finish?

Coffee Stained Antique White

Minwax Oil Based Stain on Birch

Express Color with Minwax Stain

Stools, Bathroom, Starter Projects, Under $20, Children's

6 Comments

step

It's too pretty so step on! :)

posted by spiceylg | on Thu, 2012-01-12 17:45

Love it!

This is my kind of project .... simple & sweet! Nice job!

posted by Lori E. (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-01-16 22:26

Bathroom

Thank you for providing this interesting and useful project.I've recently started my bathroom renovation and I bought some great items from http://www.decorplanet.com/Bathroom_Accessories_s/4.htm.My son helped me to make a bathroom helper step by following your instructions and it looks great.

posted by Ranina | on Tue, 2012-08-21 07:17

Where did you get the wood

Where did you get the wood for the project? It really doesn't look difficult to build, I could certainly do something like this. A bathroom helper step is exactly what was missing from my stage bathroom to make it look perfect!

posted by james22 | on Mon, 2013-02-25 08:51

clips

WV wood

Hi James,
The wood is from my neighbor, who cut it in his saw mill from a walnut tree in Elkview, WV. He is an ole timer that likes to mill wood. Lucky for me, he doesn't like to build things, so he ends up sending it my way. Very nice man. I'm afraid it would be hard to find walnut 1X2's in stores. You should be able to find other types of wood easily.

Betsey Richardson

posted by elizabethlynnellis | on Wed, 2013-03-13 09:26

Thanks for this great

Thanks for this great article, I always wanted to build a bathroom helper step like that but I didn't know how. I wanted to do a bathroom makeover for a long time and this is the perfect moment.

posted by milkyway | on Thu, 2013-03-14 14:47

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