Narrow Pull-out Folding Stepstool for Kitchen

[MacBoy]

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.

 

[tjbnwi]

It is a Fabuwood Alure, runs about $2000.00 US.

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

Sorry, double post.

Tom

 

[Mike Goetzke]

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.

 

[Packard]

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:

Google Search

The

 

[ChuckS]

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.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

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 ).

 

[ChuckS]

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.

 

[ChuckS]

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.

 

[ChuckS]

Edit: Found two similar products with detailed dimensions here for a few hundred dollars:

Foldable Ladder, Wooden Step Stool Embedded Kitchen Tower HelperHidden Folding Ladder for Home and Kitchen Use (setp-3ceng) : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

Foldable Ladder, Wooden Step Stool Embedded Kitchen Tower HelperHidden Folding Ladder for Home and Kitchen Use (setp-3ceng) : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.ca

https://www.amazon.ca/AIZYR-Kitchen-Hidden-Folding-Embedded/dp/B0FPMFX8GN

 

[MacBoy]

This talented fellow made his own version of that pull-out ambidextrous step stool.

Via his Instagram, he’s done a lot of creative things for his clients.


Bummer that it requires you to be over 18 of age, and also log into Instagram.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I wish I'd thought to plan for one of these pull out steps when I built the kitchen, would have been really handy.

They're such a great idea.

 

[Cheese]

I wish I'd thought to plan for one of these pull out steps when I built the kitchen, would have been really handy.

They're such a great idea.

I picked up one of these compact aluminum Tivoli TS 52 2-step step stool years ago. It's light weight and folds to only 1-3/4" thick. It can be hidden anywhere and you can't believe how often you use it rather than dragging out one of the heavy, bulky step ladders. At only 7# and 32" long, it's easily manageable so my wife uses it all the time.

 

[tjbnwi]

If you know ahead of time step stools can be planned for.





Tom

 

[ChuckS]

I picked up one of these compact aluminum Tivoli TS 52 2-step step stool years ago. It's light weight and folds to only 1-3/4" thick. It can be hidden anywhere and you can't believe how often you use it rather than dragging out one of the heavy, bulky step ladders. At only 7# and 32" long, it's easily manageable so my wife uses it all the time.

For some reason, I always feel unsafe to step on the upper step of that kind of stool. A slight imbalance of the body may result in a bad fall. It might just be me, but I feel a lot safer if I can keep some kind of contact of my lower body or a leg with the ladder or stool.

To reach for something a little higher up, I usually would try the rolling step stool first: https://www.uline.ca/Product/Detail...MI5fvKxM3KkgMV_Q6tBh2cKStgEAQYAiABEgIke_D_BwE

 

[ChuckS]

If you know ahead of time step stools can be planned for.

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View attachment 380951

Tom

That secret ladder storage still has room for some shelves!

 

[Packard]

That secret ladder storage still has room for some shelves!

They used to put in a fold-down ironing board in those cabinets.

I have one of those aluminum 2-step ladders in a narrow cabinet. It seems more useful than one permanently built in as it can be used anywhere in the kitchen.

 

[Packard]

For some reason, I always feel unsafe to step on the upper step of that kind of stool. A slight unbalance of the body may result in a bad fall. It might just be me, but I feel a lot safer if I can keep some kind of contact of my lower body or a leg with the ladder or stool.

A lot of that unease disappears (for me) when used to access a cabinet (as opposed to, for example, replacing a light bulb) because I can conveniently steady my balance my touching the cabinet or the shelf. That minute amount of added stability makes a huge difference for me.

I am not happy using that same ladder for changing light bulbs or using a duster (I am so unhappy using a duster that I have a house cleaner come in once a week).

 

[ChuckS]

I have made a pair of this folding step stool for family, with a clear instruction and reminder that the top step is for sitting ONLY.

 

[luvmytoolz]

For some reason, I always feel unsafe to step on the upper step of that kind of stool. A slight unbalance of the body may result in a bad fall. It might just be me, but I feel a lot safer if I can keep some kind of contact of my lower body or a leg with the ladder or stool.

Yeah doesn't take much at all to tip those small ladders over and you can do a surprising amount of injury if you do it right!

We ended up taking the step ladder away from mum's as we were just too worried about a fall.