Narrow Pull-out Folding Stepstool for Kitchen

MacBoy

Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2021
Messages
240
Location
Los Angeles area
This is a nifty ambidextrous stepstool that is stored between kitchen cabinets, and remains connected when pulled-out and unfolded.

In case the SisLaw says “yes I want those stepstools” for her upcoming kitchen remodel, I’ve got several questions:

Is it a ready-made item available for purchase❓

What hardware is used for the pull-out❓

What hardware is used for the fold-out swivel points❓

As usual, the Instagram comments were not helpful to get more information.


You do not need an Instagram account to view the 30-second video. Cancel the prompt for the login.

 
Well @MacBoy since you started this. Years ago when I made cabinets for or kitchen I made a nice matching hardwood fold out step stool from some plans I found. Problem is they are heavy, too wide, and not the most intuitive to open or close. So I'm looking for a nice lightweight foldable step stool. Suggestions welcome.
 
My kitchen has a nearly useless 4” wide lower cabinet. For about $50.00 I found a light weight all aluminum 2 step ladder that fits neatly in that useless cabinet.

It has a capacity of 330 pounds and is about 2-1/16” thick when folded and 26” tall. Just 6-1/4 pounds. And unlike the illustrated ladder, portable to use with any tall cabinet.


Available online from Amazon and Walmart.

According to my buying history from Amazon, made by Culaccino, but no markings on the ladder.
For kids, you are better off with a Montessori kitchen ladder, available from many makers, but easily made in your shop.

Montessori search:




The1768602540490.jpg
 
Last edited:
Well @MacBoy since you started this. Years ago when I made cabinets for or kitchen I made a nice matching hardwood fold out step stool from some plans I found. Problem is they are heavy, too wide, and not the most intuitive to open or close. I'm looking for a nice lightweight foldable step stool. Suggestions welcome.
I've made a set of three step stools (about 17" wide) based on an old issue of Woodsmith. The top step adds a height of almost 20" from the floor. The top rail (attached to the uprights) provides an important safety feature as one climbs up or steadies oneself.

You can make it if you like the design out of ash or oak, lighter than walnut that I used. I substituted the M&T joint featured in the magazine article with dominoes, significantly cutting down the time and effort required to make them.

They can stand upright by themselves or be hooked up on the wall when folded.
 

Attachments

  • Inset - Copy.JPG
    Inset - Copy.JPG
    490.6 KB · Views: 27
  • Screenshot_20260116_154522_Gmail(1)(1).jpg
    Screenshot_20260116_154522_Gmail(1)(1).jpg
    199.6 KB · Views: 27
Last edited:
I've made a set of three step stools (about 17" wide) based on an old issue of Woodsmith. The top step adds a height of almost 20" from the floor. The top rail (attached to the uprights) provides an important safety feature as one climbs up or steadies oneself.

You can make it if you like the design out of ash or oak, lighter than walnut that I used. I substituted the M&T joint featured in the magazine article with dominoes, significantly cutting down the time and effort required to make them.

They can stand upright by themselves or be hooked up on the wall when folded.
That's the one I made years ago but my wife thinks it's too heavy and hard to open (but I have no problems :) ).
 
Yes, its weight could be a problem for some as it is made of solid wood. One can reduce the weight by making the steps narrower (which I wouldn't do because the step stability feels just perfect right now) and/or choosing lighter lumber.

If either or both steps are pinched between the uprights after the glue-up, it can be hard to open (or close). I made sure it wouldn't happen to the step ladders I made during the dry-fitting.
 
Last edited:
This is a nifty ambidextrous stepstool that is stored between kitchen cabinets, and remains connected when pulled-out and unfolded.

In case the SisLaw says “yes I want those stepstools” for her upcoming kitchen remodel, I’ve got several questions:

Is it a ready-made item available for purchase❓

What hardware is used for the pull-out❓

What hardware is used for the fold-out swivel points❓

As usual, the Instagram comments were not helpful to get more information.


You do not need an Instagram account to view the 30-second video. Cancel the prompt for the login.


I saw that product on YT before. Perhaps you might be able to find more info from the supplier, Homa, or catalog:



If I were to make something like that from scratch without any info, I'd do a quick, simple prototype with cardboards (source of free cardboards: Costco). Overall, that stepstool doesn't look overly challenging to make.
 
Last edited:
Edit: Found two similar products with detailed dimensions here for a few hundred dollars:




 
Back
Top