Build your own toddler step stool and bring your child to counter height. Features adjustable height platform, removable tip resistant kit, and optional fold flat modification.

Preparation
1 – 1×8, 8 feet long
4 – 1×2, 8 feet long
1 – 1×3, 8 feet long
4 – 1×2 @ 38″ (Legs)
8 – 1×2 @ 15″ (Ladder rungs)
1 – 1×8 @ 15″ (Arches) OR 2 - 1x3 @ 15" (Substitute for arches)
2 – 1×8 @ 16 1/2″ (Front and Back Sides)
2 – 1×8 @ 18″ (Platform)
2 – 1×2 @ 15″ (Platform Supports)
2 – 1×2 @ 16 1/2″ (Bottom Supports)
2 – 1×3 @ 16 1/2″ (Top Supports)
2 – 1×3 @ 24″ (Tip Resistors)
4 – 1×3 @ 3″ (Tip Resistors)
Instructions
Step 1
Cut Arches From the 1×8 that is 15″ long, cut arches as shown in diagram with a jigsaw. Adjust so you can get both arches on the 1x8.
NOTE: Some people just opt for straight boards across as done in this reader submitted photo.
You can substitute for 1x3 instead. This will simplify the building process.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Folding Mod
By placing hinges instead of screwing the front and back pieces to the side pieces, you can make the Little Helper Tower fold easily. Just make sure you use plenty of strong hinges, make the platform fit very tight (adjust the inset on the ends to 3/4″ instead of 1″ in step 4, and regularly check to make sure your hinges are not loose. I personally prefer simplicity, and any time you add hinges, it increases the complexity. But for those of you who require storage for the Little Helper Tower (would slide under a bed easily) this mod if done with care can be the solution.
Comments
iluvsawdusting (not verified)
Thu, 12/30/2010 - 23:11
AWESOME..TOO bad my kids are
AWESOME..TOO bad my kids are to big now..they're taller than me.
chris (not verified)
Fri, 12/31/2010 - 00:46
its looks nice,but just seems
its looks nice,but just seems like an accident waiting to happen.
In reply to its looks nice,but just seems by chris (not verified)
Trishdish
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 21:29
Might help
I thought so too at first...and then I realized that right now my kids stand on a step stool when they help bake and they fall off that all the time! I think having the railing around them would help especially since mine are old enough to grab the rail if they started to loose their balance. I'm gonna try it!
Momma Cunningham
Mon, 05/06/2013 - 08:45
Really? With all the safety
Really? With all the safety features? That's odd you would say that.
Danielle (not verified)
Fri, 12/31/2010 - 02:52
Yay! We have a 3-year-old
Yay! We have a 3-year-old who loves to help with *everything* and this is perfect! I've been eyeing the $200 models and they just are NOT in our budget -- can't wait to get this made for our girl -- thanks SO much!!
Jenna (not verified)
Fri, 12/31/2010 - 02:54
I can't wait to build this!
I can't wait to build this! Thanks Ana--you are the best!
Concretin Nik (not verified)
Fri, 12/31/2010 - 03:25
So glad you did this one!
So glad you did this one! I've been meaning to do this myself ever since I saw a learning tower... and the $250+ price tags... Now I can move on directly to building rather than design. My 3 year old is gonna dig it! Now he can start doin' dishes! HA!
lee (not verified)
Fri, 12/31/2010 - 03:36
just thought you should
just thought you should remind readers that this tower is not only great for getting the kids to counter height for kitchen helping, but with the addition of a blanket it becomes a play house or puppet theatre.
Jess Shevlin (not verified)
Wed, 09/12/2012 - 11:25
Help AND Play!
I love the comment about tossing a blanket over the tower to make it ready for play time! This is such an awesome project! Thank you so much for posting it!
Erin (not verified)
Fri, 12/31/2010 - 03:46
Doing this one TODAY! with a
Doing this one TODAY! with a 1 year old and 3 year old, I have all the "help" I can get!