A step stool is one of the most versatile home accessories you can own. It has a place everywhere from the garage to the bathroom and is handy not only for bringing overhead objects within reach, but also for making it safer to store and access them. However, not all stools are created equal. With different heights, step configurations, and construction qualities, think about how and where you will be using the stool before deciding which one is right for you.
For heavy-duty tasks in the garage or workshop, err on the side of more stability and height. That means a solidly built three-step stool to reach higher into the rafters or overhead shelves with a load of lumber, cased power tools, or other bulky items destined for long-term storage.
In a kitchen with standard 8-foot ceilings, a two-step stool will usually suffice. That’s enough to get you into position to safely change a light bulb, retrieve appliances, or do a little touch-up ceiling painting or bug swatting without having to haul in a regular step ladder.
If anyone needs a leg up now and then, it’s the little ones. Whether that’s for standing at the counter while assisting in the kitchen, or to access the wash basin, or even for reaching target height during potty training, a 10- to 12-inch stool with one or two steps is just the right call.
