How to Build a Small Step Stool
with Tom McKenna

Build a Small Step Stool

The step stool project is a through lesson in wedged mortise and tenon joinery.

Tom McKenna

Wallingford, Connecticut

Tom McKenna is a senior editor for Fine Woodworking magazine and regular blogger on FineWoodworking.com. He was introduced to woodworking in high school. While studying journalism in college, McKenna started making bigger things from wood, working part-time building decks and additions to pay for expenses at school (books and beer).

After working various journalism jobs, McKenna landed at Fine Homebuilding in 1991 and then at Fine Woodworking in 1998, where he's been re-engaging his woodworking hobby in earnest.

In this video workshop, he'll show you step-by-step how to make this small step stool. It's the perfect beginner's project and a great introduction to wedged mortise-and-tenon joinery. The small piece is ideal for giving small children a boost or giving anyone a spot to rest their feet. Beef up the parts to transform it into a bench project.