Antique Step Stool Repair and Restoration

-If you would like to watch me repair and restore an old rocking chair, check this one out - • Video
-If you would like to see how I restored an old BB gun that is now at the Smithsonian, check out this video - • 1934 Daisy Air Rifle B...
In this repair and restoration video, I restore a broken, moldy, antique shop step stool that I found at an estate sale for $5. Although functional, it was missing a step, it was moldy, the joints were loose, and the fabric on the seat was ripped and stained (and smelled like mold).
I decided to completely disassemble the stool so that I could repair the loose joints and I discovered that someone used 88 nails to build it. No glue was used in the joints. They were all nailed together and were working loose. After disassembly, I used paint stripper to clean off the mold and old paint followed by sanding with various grits.
I drilled out most of the larger nail holes and used an oak dowel rod to create plugs for the holes. I repaired various cracks and holes in the seat piece and built two new steps from oak. After repairing and painting the step braces, I stained and finished the legs, stretchers, seat, and new steps. I finished by adding non-slip rubber feet to the legs of the stool.
I love the way this step stool looks now and I hope you do too. Leave me a comment, give the video a thumbs up if you enjoyed it, and please share it with anyone you think may enjoy it.
Chapters -
00:00 Intro and disassembly
03:02 Paint Stripping
04:00 Repairing legs and stretchers
05:53 Seat repair
09:58 Fabricating new steps
11:18 Repairing the step braces
13:17 Assembly
14:14 Sanding, staining, and finishing
15:56 Final reveal
If you would like to try any of the tools (or similar) you see in this video, check out the following links. As an Amazon associate, the channel earns a small amount from qualifying purchases.
Paint Scraper - amzn.to/3wUA26V
Ryobi Rotary Sander - amzn.to/3HABNLl
Nail Puller Tool - amzn.to/3X4dlId
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Coping Saw - amzn.to/3DEsJnE
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Wen Wood Lathe (not the one in the video) - amzn.to/3YkoPZ4
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Minwax Polyshades Wood Stain - amzn.to/3YpAiGI
If you would like to see how I restored an old BB gun that is now at the Smithsonian, check out this video - • 1934 Daisy Air Rifle B...
Thank you for watching and I will see you in the next one!

[@Restorology]

Thank you for watching my latest project. Please leave me a comment telling us your thoughts about it. If you would like to watch another woodworking project, then check out this link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqG8fXeIqZuZj5I. See you in the next one! 🍻

[@juliebaker6969]

I own an EXTREMELY similar stool to this, it's even missing the bottom step also. Only the top of mine is PAINTED red (as is the remaining step), not upholstered. But mine has metal cross straps on the opposite side from the steps. It originally belonged to my husband's grandma who died in 1975.

[@juliebaker6969]

The finished product looks good, but I think I prefer the original red and white color scheme. 🤔 But then red's MY favorite color. 😉

[@Restorology]

This one may have been red also given what I saw on the step when I stripped the paint away. The top of this may have been replaced at some point too which is why it had no paint on it and the large gap in the wood.

[@Restorology]

@@juliebaker6969 Right after I found this one, I saw a listing for one just like it at an estate sale and it was red and white. It looked really good and I almost considered duplicating that look but once I saw that most of the stool was nice-grained oak, I decided on highlighting that feature. I am now glad I did. Thanks for the feedback!

[@Maria-zv9wz]

😮😮La mulți 😢😢😅😊😊😊

[@freshproduce4954]

I really appreciate restorations of random things like this that aren't necessarily antiques or impressive machines/tools. The finish looks great. Thanks for the content

[@Restorology]

Hey thanks for the great comment. This is going to be used in my shop so it needed some love. It was a little wobbly and gross to sit on so a clean-up was in order. I am happy you enjoyed the project. ✌🏽

[@cherylbuscema2712]

Your dog looked at the camera after the tape was pulled off. It seemed like he was saying "do you see what I have to deal with!". Too cute!

[@Restorology]

Haha. That is what I thought too!

[@c.a.chambers68]

I wasn’t going to watch this one because from the thumbnail I presumed it was rusty metal, but I’m glad I did it was a revelation to see wood - your attention to detail is awesome + it came back to life brilliantly

[@Restorology]

Thanks!! There were parts of it that I thought were metal also! I use this almost every day now!!

[@paulosborne6517]

Your doggo is lovely.

[@Restorology]

She's cute for sure and mostly a good girl! Thanks!!

[@mariaassante620]

Great job. Love the natural wood. thanks for saving it from the landfill. It deserves a new life

[@Restorology]

Thank you! I was surprised at how well the wood turned out. I am happy most of it was good oak. It should last a while.

[@GT_Racer347]

Now that's craftsmanship! Absolutely beautiful.

[@Restorology]

Thank you! That is very kind of you to write. I appreciate the great feedback. ✌🏽

[@jillmenter5628]

This is the most amazing restoration I have ever seen. You really did restore and not just remake.

[@Restorology]

Thank you so very much. That is incredibly nice of you to write. I hope you have a great day and thank you for the feedback! ✌🏽

[@Tictac-37]

@@Restorology Very beautiful ! I also restored one from the 60s but with metal legs and arms!

[@paulabodine5317]

I’ve never seen a step stool like this. Circa, please? Excellent restoration!

[@Restorology]

Thanks! Not sure of the year but other commenters suggested it is circa 1940s.

[@jebsails2837]

Nice! At first glance I thought it was made of metal, like the one in my Aunts kitchen, same ivory color and red seat. She kept in under the wall phone to sit on for those long conversations. Thanks. Narragansett Bay

[@jaynerichards7527]

Lovely to see your gorgeous dog lending a paw ❤

[@Restorology]

She is always there to help! 🐶

[@MrJono1999]

I am really impressed with your restoration. I would never have thought to use black paint, but it really works well. Simply amazing finish. Well done.

[@Restorology]

Yeah I was unsure of the black at first but knew I had to do something different to cover the plywood piece that had the weird veneer or whatever it was. The textured matte finish looks pretty good in person against the stained grain of the oak pieces. It almost just blends in if that makes sense. Thanks for the nice feedback! 🍻

[@c.d.jenkins3504]

Beautiful job. I have the exact same stool from my parents. It is from the early 50's, an wonderful memento from my childhood.

[@Restorology]

Thanks for sharing. I could not place a date on this stool before now. I am glad to know it has survived so long. I use it almost every day in my shop now.

[@matthiasweigel311]

Anyone who loves their puppers that much....automatic upvote!!!

[@Renville80]

My grandparents had one of these exact step stools in the garage. Very handy little thing. That one had a padded seat too.

[@Restorology]

Thanks for sharing. I thought about recovering the seat but once I saw how nice the wood is, I decided to leave it for now. I can always recover it later if it is uncomfortable to sit on.

[@markduncan6690]

Reminds me of a “Nursing Rocker” that I restored! It still sits in a little corner undisturbed!

[@Restorology]

I repaired a rocking chair on this channel last year and it has since sat in a corner undisturbed as well. I hope to get more use out of this piece in the shop!

[@gayazmusin1334]

Молодец !!! 👍👍👍👍👍 УВАЖУХА !!! Вот это реставрация !!!

[@Restorology]

Большое спасибо! ✌🏽

[@shawnataylor7998]

That is a proper reconstruction...well done sir.

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!

[@founderist]

Just happen to watch this one. I have always been admirer of your work but this one was exceptional. Thoroughly enjoyed watching the whole restoration process. It’s quite detailed and the end result was pristine. Will watch it again soon.

[@Restorology]

Thanks!! This is one of my favorite pieces and I use it almost every day.

[@andrewgrace4410]

Beautiful restoration and love the dog 🐶

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much! She is good company when I am working.

[@mickihipp]

I absolutely love this! I want one of them metal ones that look like a chair. but this one I may like even more.

[@Restorology]

I just found another one of these in pretty good condition at a thrift store near me. It is identical to this one but does not need work.

[@lindawallace6750]

BEAUTIFUL JOB !!

[@Restorology]

Thank you!!

[@annabellevaughn5968]

What a beautiful wooden stool.

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!!

[@colleenmccarthy-evans3149]

Beautiful! Cutest little step stool in all the land. 😁

[@Restorology]

Thanks! I use it almost every day now. I love it. 🌻

[@trtsndrnggr]

A very impressive wooden job. Your hand work is so great, you watch every part of it and fix it. From the smallest hole to the wooden fault fault, you fix them one by one and last you compile them like a new wood just made. I really like your work, man, good job.❤🍻🍻🥂

[@Restorology]

Hey thank you very much. I am happy you enjoyed the video. Cheers! 🍻

[@thesehandsart]

I have a really similar one but it has a back on it, now you're making me want to take it all apart and refinish it LOL

[@Restorology]

Go for it! It can be a great project to start off the new year!! Good luck!

[@tracy6998]

Truly beautiful. I would love this stool in my kitchen. Thank you for showing us.

[@Restorology]

I haven't yet decided where to put it. It was going to be my shop stool but it might be too pretty for that now!

[@tracy6998]

@@Restorology definitely has to go in the house somewhere👍🏼

[@lisagrafton2529]

It is so relaxing watching your videos. Thank you for putting such a big effort into making them enjoyable. I'm sure it isn't easy to edit them, to make them look seamless.

[@Restorology]

Thank you! Editing can take as much time as the actual completion of the project. Thank you for acknowledging that. These videos are incredibly time-consuming. I am very happy to know you enjoy it. Makes it all worth it. 🤙

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

I think it's beautiful. I agreed with each step you took, no pun intended.

[@Restorology]

Ha! Nice one. Thanks!!

[@Mrsangierice]

You are a wonderful artist, a genius, dedicated artisan, I loved your knowledge about wood , Thank you for sharing this magnificent work

[@Restorology]

Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. I am happy you enjoyed it. Peace! ✌🏽

[@jt9498]

That's what I call a perfect restoration!

[@Restorology]

I don't know about that but thank you very much!! 🍻

[@elainetwum3465]

Fantastic. Thanks for saving almost all the wood.

[@Restorology]

This is the way.

[@lindsey6169]

Beautiful work!

[@Restorology]

Thank you so very much!

[@romeldphillips3146]

Awesome restoration, glad you got rid of all those nails

[@Restorology]

Thanks. It took me way too long to get them all.

[@goodgrieflouiser5807]

Very nice restoration. Nice details to the finished product.

[@Restorology]

Thank you so very much!

[@user-si4yp8wh8k]

Ціную людей, які у своїй справі досягають майже досконалості.. Клас!

[@Restorology]

Дякую за теплі слова!

[@hemarabadia5890]

I really like the colour way chosen. And I’m glad you chose to show of the natural wood grain rather than paint it as it was.

[@Restorology]

Thank you. I almost chose to paint it again but once I saw the grain of the wood I knew I had to try and keep it natural.

[@dannyhenson2298]

Excellent restoration. It came out fantastic

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it. Happy New Year!

[@m.pav.8397]

Beautiful piece

[@Restorology]

Thank you. I like how it turned out too.

[@marywiklander-williams6493]

The black pops. Looks super

[@Restorology]

Thanks!!

[@ladytron1724]

Beautiful restoration,could be nice see to display plants or ornament’s.😍

[@Restorology]

That is a great idea. My plan was to use it in my shop but you are much more creative than me. I never would have thought of that. Thanks!

[@rachealsmith5138]

Wow! That looks so wonderful!😊

[@Restorology]

Thank you! I love this and use it almost every day. 😊

[@nadinepartridge2570]

Incredible transformation! Thanks for sharing.

[@Restorology]

You are welcome...thanks for watching!

[@chandarussell]

Wow. This really turned out well. It looks great.

[@Restorology]

Thank you so very much!

[@montserratporto4147]

Wonderfully!!!

[@joshwhitehead2262]

Great restoration! So much to learn from this. From removing nails to stripping paint to staining. Thanks so much for posting!

[@Restorology]

Thank you sir. I appreciate you taking the time to watch the project and leaving nice feedback. 🍻

[@calhoun1925]

This is lovely. I like the results. And the puppy😊

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much! 🤙

[@beatamichalska6220]

Very nice result. Congrats !

[@Restorology]

Thank you!

[@bigboy9706]

Fantastic job. Looks beautiful

[@Restorology]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

It’s a lovely stool!

[@Restorology]

Thanks! I use it almost every day now. I love it.

[@andrewverbil3518]

It came out looking great 👍

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!

[@kathleengertzberg5405]

How nice is that! Loved watching the restoration.

[@Restorology]

Thank you so much!! I really loved how this one turned out. I use it almost every day now.

[@nataliakhartskhaeva7446]

Мне все очень понравилось, совершено новая вещь получилась. Спасибо за видео.

[@Restorology]

Спасибо за очень хороший комментарий. Я рад, что вам понравилась последняя часть. Прошу прощения, если мой перевод неверен. С Новым Годом!

[@jodyjones8155]

Really like this one. Great thoughts, and an awesome job!

[@Restorology]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!!

[@marywiklander-williams6493]

superb. Love the two one look!

[@Restorology]

Thanks. I was a bit hesitant to use the black coating on the step mount but the veneer on it demanded I do something different. I like how it turned out.

[@rycho662]

Bardzo, bardzo dobra robota i bardzo, bardzo dobry film.

[@Restorology]

Dziękuję Ci bardzo. Cieszę się, że podobało Ci się wideo.

[@jackymac2446]

Beautiful restoration 🦋really lovely useful piece of furniture again!

[@Restorology]

Thanks! I almost hate to use it in my shop and get it all banged up again. Cheers!

[@marcianogueirademoraes4790]

Very beautiful

[@Restorology]

Thank you!

[@thecreativecardinalbyl.bet7012]

Thank you for showing us so much of this process as I have learned a lot and will apply it to my restoration projects! I really appreciate it.

[@Restorology]

You are welcome...thanks for the nice words and good luck with your projects!

[@maried3717]

My dad made one of these in his high school shop class. Probably 1936. I wish I still had it, but it disappeared

[@Restorology]

I have no idea how old this one is. As I was disassembling it, I thought to myself how easy it would be to make a new one from scratch. I bet your dad's was cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@lynettemayhew1723]

That turned out great! Thanks for sharing this with us 👌From Sacrament, CA

[@Restorology]

You are welcome. Thanks for visiting the channel and for the great comment. ✌🏽

[@christinebritcher-viviyan5080]

Very nice work, lovely restoration, an enjoyable watch.

[@Restorology]

Thanks!! I am happy that you enjoyed watching this. I use this stool almost every day now.

[@yana1955]

Wonderful job. I enjoy the variety of your restorations and the different skills you utilize.

[@Restorology]

Thank you. I am slowly learning as I pick up each new project. Cheers!

[@fleurjardin1012]

Beautiful, meticulous job!

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much. I am happy you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@leahsdreams]

Much nicer without the cushion. Amazing work!

[@Restorology]

Thanks! My original plan was to replace the padding and cover but that changed after I saw how nice the wood is underneath. It is still comfortable without it so good choice! ✌🏽

[@sharonromer6606]

WOW beautiful

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!

[@SewFrancine6120]

WoW Very beautiful restoration

[@Restorology]

Thank you so very much!

[@barbannco]

that is amazing a really nice restoration ...well done ...I would love that in my house

[@Restorology]

Thank you! I use this stool almost every day now. I love it.

[@mauromarinelli6449]

Speachless

[@Restorology]

Thank you. I am happy you enjoyed it. ✌🏽

[@judytulk6535]

Lovely!

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!

[@oscaroses1278]

Hermoso tu trabajo te felicito

[@Restorology]

¡Muchas gracias!

[@giuseppecolombo4701]

Ottimo lavoro di restauro

[@Restorology]

Grazie mille!

[@theresegagne994]

Tres belle restauration il est tres beau

[@Restorology]

Merci beaucoup!

[@dannyhenson3141]

Excellent 👌👍 restoration

[@Restorology]

Thanks! 🤙🍻

[@netashio]

wow! love what you did.

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!

[@MrsJax304]

Excellent work

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!

[@alexanderalbach468]

Great work. Turned out a high class piece 😍👍🏻

[@Restorology]

Thank you! I like how it looks now too. I am happy I did not paint it like it was before. ✌🏽

[@MrThetaphi]

Well done!

[@Restorology]

Thank you 🍻

[@MisTop5_paulalopez]

Fantastic job 👏 Thanks for sharing

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!! I appreciate the great feedback. 🤙

[@jamesalsup9135]

Excellent!

[@Restorology]

Thank you!!

[@dshey6802]

Just wow!!

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much! ✌🏽

[@coolamberdog]

Amazing work 👍

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much! ✌🏽

[@markphillips6154]

Well worth the effort

[@Restorology]

Thanks!!

[@efrenthemad5087]

Esto es simplemente PERFECTO

[@Restorology]

¡Muchas gracias! Estoy feliz de que hayas disfrutado el video. ¡Salud!

[@user-wo5ty1td9g]

Вы большой Молодец !

[@michaelparkinson3254]

your a skilled craft man

[@Restorology]

Thanks 🤙

[@markneo1]

Trabalho excelente. 👏👏👏🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@Restorology]

Muito obrigado! 🤙 🍻

[@josephgail204]

Amazing.

[@Restorology]

Thank you so very much!

[@jannamarie3990]

Beautiful 😊

[@Restorology]

Many thanks! I use this stool almost every day now. I love it. ✌🏽

[@BR5494]

Job.very.well.done.10s.all.around BRAVO 👏🏴‍☠️🇺🇲😃

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!!

[@arthurkestner2254]

Awesome job buddy!

[@Restorology]

Thanks!!

[@hanasladka7213]

Moc děkuji za úžasné video, líbí se mi že vše děláte venku za účasti domácích mazlíčků. A ta spousta praktického nářadí, jste moc šikovný a je vidět že vás to baví. 👌 👍

[@Restorology]

Ano, mazlíčci se vždy zajímají o to, na čem pracuji. Musím však být opatrný, protože někdy utečou s kousky, zvláště když vypadají jako dřevěné tyče! Děkuji za milé komentáře. Na zdraví! ✌🏽

[@Restomaniac]

What a lot of work! It was great my friend, I love it 👌👌👌 I also love your assistant 🐕

[@Restorology]

Thanks! It was a lot of work for such a little stool. It has been so long since I've posted I am just happy to have it finished. My assistant is not much help in the shop but it is nice having her around to talk to sometimes. 🐶

[@sharong8511]

KZbin is reading my mind! 😮 I was just thinking about these stepstools earlier, remembering the avocado green one we had in the 1970s. Slightly different from this model but essentially the same design, just different materials. Since you popped in to my recommendations I shall certainly watch and listen. It’s the least I can do for someone with such a cool channel name. Who knows, I might have to subscribe. 😊

[@Restorology]

KZbin/Google knows everything. Always listening and watching! I bet avocado green looked cool on a piece like this and would have made a good alternative to the textured black I used here. You are the first person to ever comment on my channel name. Thank you so much!! I hope you stick around and I'll see you in the next one. ✌🏽

[@teacheme]

Impressive restoration.

[@Restorology]

Thanks!!

[@mkemp5983]

Love it!

[@Restorology]

Thank you!! I appreciate the feedback.

[@VioletJoy]

I loved this video - the editing, the skill, the restoration, and the pup. Very nice.

[@Restorology]

Thank you very much!!

[@ErnestoRodriguez-fn1sh]

Sí señor un buen trabajo y un buen resultado y bonito 👌👍🇪🇸🌿

[@Restorology]

¡Muchas gracias por las bonitas palabras! ✌🏽

[@joesony5196]

excellent work .Happy new year .

[@Restorology]

Thank you! I hope you also have a great year coming up. ✌🏽

[@sylviacortes3251]

Muy lindo y bien ejejutado su trabajo ...... su mascota adorable❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Restorology]

Muchas gracias. Ella es muy linda, estoy de acuerdo! 😍