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.

DIMENSIONS

SHOPPING LIST

• 2 1×2 boards 8 ft long

COMMON MATERIALS

• 1 1/2 inch screws
• Elmer’s Wood Glue
• 120 grit sandpaper

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

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 5

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

FINISHING 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.