This project was sent in to us by Christian Kocmick from Texas.
It is a very easy project and we thank Christian for sharing this project with us and our visitors.
To go to a step-by-step photo gallery click here

Introduction
For this project, I used pine 2 x 4 studs and pine 1 x 2 boards. It is a step, so one can do step aerobics or stair steps or put their hands down on the top behind them and do tricep presses. Stair Steps or Step Ups are an officially recognized aerobic exercise by the Cooper Clinic.

You will need...
two 2 x 4s x 8 and one 1 x 2 x 8 plus about eight to twelve 2 1/2 inch #12 screws, thirty-six 3/4 inch #10 screws (Button Head), and sixteen 1 1/2 inch #10 screws. You will also need four 90 degree brackets, as pictured.

The step bench has the same dimensions as a Reebok step, which is 12" tall, 40" long, and 17" deep, including the legs. The bench top itself is 40" long x 14"deep. Putting the legs on the outside is the secret to the bench's stability.

Step One:
Cut the 2 x 4 studs to four 40 inch pieces for the top and four 12 inch pieces for the legs. Cut the 1 x 2 lumber into 17" lengths.

Step Two:
Clamp and glue the 2 x 4 x 40 inch top.

Step Three:
Draw a line 1 1/2 inches from the ends of the 2 x 4 top. You will place the 1 x 2 strips behind this line. Working from the outstide ends toward the middle, glue and screw in the 1 x2 strips.

Step Four:
Place the 12 inch 2 x 4 legs at a 90 degree angle from the top and against the 1 x 2 strips. Make sure to check all the angles, then pre-drill the holes and screw in the legs. Underside, mount the angle brackets.

Step Five:
Place the two remaining 1 x 2 strips beside the 2 x 4 legs. Glue and screw down the strips.

Step Six:
Flip the bench over, sand off any rough edges, and you have a step bench! Add some paint or stain, and you are done!

To see a step-by-step photo gallery click here

Author Christian T. Kocmick