DIY Ladder Chair: How to Build an Awesome Folding Step Stool Chair

Build a DIY 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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Build a Ladder Chair Step Stool

Hey there Remodelaholics, Scott here from Saws on Skates. I love designing and building multi-function furniture. (Take a look at my DIY 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.

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 easy 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 DIY ladder chair is easy to assemble so you can make your own practical folding chair ladder.

How to Build a DIY Ladder Chair

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Step Stool Chair Materials & Tools

Click here 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

Ladder Chair Building Instructions

Click here 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 check out my DIY ladder chair. Please skate over to Saws on Skates to check out some of my other DIY furniture plans and projects!

More woodworking plans

• Build a flip-over Hoosier bar stool ladder
• Build a chunky wood nightstand
• Build a small vanity with storage to fit an IKEA sink
• Build a corner cabinet

Originally published 9 Dec 2017 // Last updated 17 July 2024