Building A Footstool: A DIY Guide
A footstool is a handy piece of furniture that adds both functionality and style to your living room, bedroom, or any other space in your home. Not only does it provide a comfortable place to rest your feet, but it can also serve as an additional seating option or even as a small side table.
If you’re looking to add a footstool to your home, building one yourself is a great way to save money and customize it to your specific needs and design preferences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of building a footstool from scratch.
Materials Needed:
- 1x12x6 board
- 4 wooden legs
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint
- Paintbrush or rag
Tools Needed:
- Table saw or circular saw
- Jigsaw or coping saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Sanding block or orbital sander
Step 1: Cut the Board
Start by cutting the board to the desired size for your footstool. A 1x12x6 board is a good option for a standard-sized footstool. Using a table saw or circular saw, cut the board to the desired length and width. A standard size for a footstool is around 18 inches long and 12 inches wide, but you can adjust these dimensions to your liking.
Step 2: Cut the Legs
Next, you’ll need to cut the wooden legs for your footstool. You can either purchase pre-made legs from a hardware store or cut them yourself from a larger piece of wood. Using a jigsaw or coping saw, cut the legs to the desired length. A standard height for a footstool is around 9 inches tall, but again, you can adjust this height to your preference.
Step 3: Attach the Legs
Using a drill and wood screws, attach the legs to the underside of the board. Make sure to use wood glue to secure the legs in place before screwing them in. This will provide extra stability and prevent the legs from wobbling or coming loose over time.
Step 4: Sand the Footstool
Using sandpaper or an orbital sander, sand the entire footstool until it is smooth and free of any rough edges or splinters. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit for a smooth finish. Be sure to sand the edges and corners of the board and legs as well for a clean look.
Step 5: Stain or Paint
Once the footstool is sanded and smooth, you can apply a stain or paint to finish it off. Use a paintbrush or rag to apply the stain or paint, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the footstool to dry completely before using it.
Optional Step 6: Add Cushioning
If you want to add extra comfort to your footstool, you can attach a cushion to the top. You can purchase pre-made cushions or make one yourself using foam padding and fabric. Attach the cushion to the top of the footstool using a staple gun or fabric glue.
Final Thoughts
Building a footstool is a simple and rewarding DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours. By following these steps, you can create a custom footstool that is both functional and stylish. Whether you use it as a place to rest your feet, an extra seat for guests, or a small side table, your footstool is sure to be a useful addition to your home.