In this article, I will show you how to build a two-step platform. A two-step platform also called a step box is used in CrossFit and other sports like powerlifting and weightlifting. This is actually the same kind of platform (smaller one) that I use for my home crossfit gym! You can read more about building your own home gym and why on my other blog post. There are many benefits to using a two-step platform in your training program:
The two step platform is very common at commercial construction sites that do scaffolding also known as scaffold. Using it makes working much easier since you can be on a platform with steps and still have access to the ground if something were to happen. It also has some advantages for hiring worker since anyone who can step up and down a platform should be able to work with this one. This is much more important than when you had scaffolding which required workers to go up and down ladders.
🛠️ What This Is About
A small step platform helps you reach raised garden beds safely. You can build one easily from wood or metal. It’s handy for gardening, workouts, or accessing tight spaces.
📋 Materials or Tools Needed
- 2 × 10″-high wooden risers (2 pieces)
- Metal tubing or sturdy wood bars (connect steps)
- Screws or bolts
- Drill with bits
- Saw (handsaw or circular saw)
- Measuring tape, level
- Non-slip treads (sandpaper strips or rubber mat)
⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Plan your platform
- Decide on platform height (10″ per step).
- Typical design: two steps, total height about 20″.
- Cut risers
- Measure and cut two sturdy boards at 10″ height.
- Ensure both steps are same height and width.
- Frame supports
- Attach metal bars or wood between the risers for rigidity.
- Place them centered or near front and back.
- Secure with screws or bolts; use a level to keep everything even.
- Build base
- Add cross supports beneath for stability.
- Use 2×4s across the length and width.
- Screw securely at all joints.
- Add treads
- Top boards should be at least 12″ deep for a foot.
- Attach non‑slip material on top and tread edge.
- Sand and finish
- Sand all edges smooth and remove splinters.
- Apply outdoor paint or sealant if used outside.
- Test it
- Step on it gently to test strength.
- Adjust screws or supports if it wobbles.
✅ Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple design, easy to build | Needs solid wood or tubing |
| Portable and lightweight | Extra work sanding & finishing |
| Customizable height and width | Outdoor ones need weatherproofing |
💡 Expert Tips
- Pre-drill holes to avoid splitting.
- Add rubber feet to keep it stable.
- Use exterior-grade screws for outdoor use.
- Double-check level after adding treads.
📌 Quick Facts
- Standard step height ≈10″ for comfort.
- Platform depth ≥12″ gives good foot space.
- Can be built entirely from scrap wood.
👷 Who Should Use This
- Gardeners with raised beds
- DIY fitness enthusiasts
- Anyone needing a safe boost for jobs around home
Choose a sturdy material for making your step platform out of wood or metal. Make sure that it is strong enough not to break under pressure from heavy weights such as people stepping on it or off it during exercise routines.
Make sure that your platform has plenty of room between its top and bottom surfaces so that people don’t come into contact with each other’s feet when using it for aerobic exercises like jumping jacks or running up and down stairs on it repeatedly until they’re exhausted
Build a two-step platform by using two 2x4s or two 4x4s. If you’re building a platform for a single step, use one 2×4 or one 4×4. The size of the lumber will depend on the height of your platform. For example, if you want to build a 6-inch step, use 2x4s that are 8 feet long.
Build the frame for the steps with four 2x4s or four 4x4s. Lay them down parallel to each other and secure them with screws along their edges so they are tightly connected together.
Drill holes into each side of the frame where you want to attach the boards that make up your steps. Attach these boards with screws and add more screws every few inches along each edge of each board so they stay firmly attached in place once they are in position on top of your frame.
Place a piece of plywood over top of your frame and attach it with screws as well; this will serve as your first step once it is inside your home or workshop!
Step platforms are used for a variety of reasons, but most commonly for exercise. If you want to build your own step platform, it’s important that you consider how you’re going to use it and what your fitness goals are.
Step platforms can be built in many different sizes. The size of your step platform depends on the number of steps you want and how high you want them to be. For example, if you’re looking for something that can act as a bench or seat while doing aerobics or stretching exercises, building a small platform with one or two steps would work best.
If you want to use your step platform as part of an exercise routine where you’re jumping up and down on it repeatedly, then having more than three or four steps may not be practical because they could get slippery when wet from sweat.
How to build a two-step platform
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
Plywood | Material: Plywood is a versatile and sturdy material ideal for building platforms. Dimensions: Use ¾ inch thick plywood for structural integrity. Selecting: Choose exterior-grade plywood if the platform will be exposed to moisture. |
2×4 Lumber | Material: Commonly used lumber for supports and framing. Quantity: Approximately 8-10 pieces will be needed depending on your design. Choosing: Opt for straight, clean pieces without significant knots to ensure durability. |
Steps Height | Standard Height: Each step is 4 inches high, a common height for easy access. Customization: Adjust the height according to specific user needs or applications. |
Dimensions of Platform | Platform Size: The overall platform is 8 feet long and 4 feet wide. Usage: This size provides ample space for various activities or equipment. |
Tools Required | Tools List:
|
Assembly Steps | Step by Step:
|
Finishing Touches | Options:
|
Materials:
Plywood – one sheet of 3/4 inch exterior grade plywood will be enough for this project
2x4s – four pieces at least 10 feet long
2x6s – two pieces at least 10 feet long (optional)
Staples – 1/2 inch staples or screws
The step platform is a very popular project in the DIY world. It can be used as an entryway or placed next to the steps on your deck. The function of a step platform is to provide additional space for people who need it, such as elderly people or those with disabilities. The platform also makes it easier for them to enter and exit your home safely.
Once you have decided that you want to build a small step platform, you will need to know how much room you have available for it. If your yard is large enough, you may want to consider building a larger platform than just one step high. This will allow you more room for storage underneath the platform, and make it easier for friends and family who are visiting your home to use the steps safely when entering or leaving your home.
The following steps will show you how to build a two step platform.
Step 1
It is recommended that you start with a platform that is at least 9 inches wide and 10 inches deep.
Step 2
Next, measure the length of the steps that you want on your platform. The steps should be no more than 12 inches from top to bottom, as this will make it easier for people to climb onto them.
Step 3
Using a tape measure, mark out where each step will go on your platform’s surface. Make sure that there is enough room between each step so that people have plenty of room to stand on them comfortably without feeling cramped or crowded together.
Step 4
Use the drill to punch holes through the plywood where you have marked out where each step will go, then use screws or nails to secure the plywood in place (this will be the bottom layer of your two step platform).
How to Build a Small Step Platform
Step platforms are a great way to get up into a tree stand or onto a roof. They’re also handy for gaining access to hard-to-reach areas like the top of your deer feeder. If you need help getting high, here’s how to build a small step platform.
Building Steps
Steps are built from 2x4s and 2x12s. The 2x12s are used as headers for the steps and for framing out the landing at the top of each step. The 2x4s are used as stringers that run horizontally along the face of each step (the side facing down). You’ll also need some plywood scraps to make shims that fit between the stringers and stabilize them.
For convenience sake, I’d suggest having all of your materials ready before starting work on this project. It’s not difficult, but there’s no point in making yourself do extra work by having to stop in between steps to find something that you forgot or didn’t have when it was time to start building again.
The picture above is a DIY step platform. It is easy to build and very functional. The best part is that you can build it with 2×4’s and 2×6’s. The steps I have are 4 ft long and the risers are 6 inches tall.
Here is how to build your own two step platform:
You will need:
2x4s and 2x6s
Hammer
Nail gun or hammer
Measuring tape (or ruler)
How to Build a Step Platform
Steps made from pressure-treated lumber can last for decades. Here’s how to build a simple two-step platform suitable for use as a porch or deck step.
Materials:
Wooden step risers (eight total; three are optional)
6 x 6-in. cedar boards (two 12-ft.-long pieces and two 10-ft.-long pieces)
5/4 x 6-in. cedar boards (two 12-ft.-long pieces, one 8-ft.-long piece and one 4-ft.-long piece)
1 x 12 cedar board (12 ft.)
3/4 x 1 1/2 in. galvanized metal corner braces (eight)
3/4 x 2 in. galvanized metal corner braces (two)
1 1/2 in. screws (three boxes of 100; 2 1/2 in., 3 1/2 in., 5 1/2 in.)