Handmade Ladder Chair: How to Build an solid Folding Step Stool Chair

The steps below follow the order of the work for this furniture project.

Build a Handmade ladder chair — a folding chair step stool combination originally invented by Benjamin Franklin (sometimes called a Franklin chair or Franklin ladder). This clever step ladder chair combination is a convertible chair, ideal for small spaces.

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Get the printable ladder chair plans HERE

Build a Ladder Chair Step Stool

Hey there Bekob, Scott here from Saws on Skates. I love designing and building multi-function furniture. (Take a look at my Handmade kitty litter cabinet and an outdoor coffee table with four hidden side tables.) My version of Benjamin Franklin’s ladder chair has an updated, modern look, but hints at his original design in this fashionable household ladder chair with steps.

Handmade Ladder Chair, Folding Step Stool Chair Woodworking Plan

See more woodworking plans here.

What is a Ladder Chair?

A ladder chair is a dual-use ladder stool: it’s both a wooden chair for sitting and a step ladder for reaching an upper shelf. The ladder chair is though to have been invented by Benjamin Franklin and is often called a library chair – because not everyone has the library shelves and the space for a Beauty and the Beast style rolling ladder!

In chair position, this step ladder chair provides a comfortable seating surface for use as a dining chair or desk. The chair back easily folds over to match the legs of the chair and add extra stability for climbing. In ladder position, the folding stepstool chair provides a sturdy ladder with 4 steps for handy lower shelf access. Either position allows for straightforward storage for this lightweight step ladder chair.

This handy step ladder is durable, and built from scratch so you can make your own library ladder chair to reach even the top bookshelf! The original ladder chair would have been constructed with mortise and tenon joints, but, thanks to pocket hole joinery, this Handmade ladder chair is straightforward to assemble so you can make your own practical folding chair ladder.

How to Build a Handmade Ladder Chair

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Handmade Ladder Chair, Folding Step Stool Chair Woodworking Plan, Chair Ladder Blueprints

Step Stool Chair Materials & Tools

open this to purchase and download the printable ladder chair plans.

Converted metric building plan available here. *Metric measurements are our best approximations.

Supplies

(3) 5/4x2x8 (see notes below)
(1) 5/4x3x8
(1) 1x2x8
(1) 1x2x8
(1) 1x3x6
(1) 1x4x6
(1) 1x5x6
(1) 1x6x6
1-1/4″ pocket screws
1-1/2″ pocket screws
1-1/4″ wood screws
2″ wood screws
Wood glue
1-1/2″x12″ piano hinge

Notes: A 5/4x2x8 measures 1-1/8″ thick x 1-1/2″ wide x 96″. I was not able to locate 5/4×2 at my local big box store. Instead, I ripped 5/4×4 to 1-1/2″.

Tools

Tape measure
Drill
Kreg Jig
Miter saw
Jig saw, circular saw or band saw
Table saw
Countersink drill bit
Pocket hole plug cutter (optional) or pocket hole plugs

Interested in a step ladder chair combination that’s simpler to build? Our Hoosier step stool can be built by a first-time for under $20!

Ladder Chair Building Instructions

open this to download the printable building plan.

Converted metric building plan available here. *Metric measurements are our best approximations.

This Benjamin Franklin Ladder Chair is assembled in 5 main sections:

front legs/rails
front steps/cleats and front seat
back legs/rails and stiles
middle legs and cleats
steps/seat and back seat rails

The printable building plan includes the materials list above, detailed cut list and assembly instructions, and tips for accurate placement and clamping during assembly.

Since you’ll be making a lot of angled cuts and precision is important to this design, I highly recommend you review my tips for adjusting your miter saw for accurate cuts and the best way to adjust a table saw blade for precision cuts.

TIP: For a tailored, professional look, I used my pocket hole plug cutter to make plugs to fill the holes. Apply glue to the pocket holes and insert the plugs. Trim flush once dry. Then sand and finish as desired.

Thank you for stopping by to look at my Handmade ladder chair. Please skate over to Saws on Skates to look at some of my other Handmade furniture plans and projects!

Need a smaller stepstool? Build an straightforward farmhouse stool.