DIY Footstool You Can Make from a Crate

You can turn a crate into a DIY footstool in just minutes….it is so super simple! Grab a crate and get started on your own unique piece of furniture today. Your crate footstool will look great in any room in your home. I added mine to my foyer, but think about this one for an office, playroom, or even a family room. If you need a footstool, why not make your own from a crate?

This was originally posted on August 24, 2015. However, I am reposting it with more information.

DIY Footstool

This project is easy enough for even a novice DIYer. So, look for a crate that is the right size and get creative!

Supplies Needed

• Crate (Can’t find one you love? Try making your own.)
• Plywood cut to the size of your crate
• Paint for crate (if desired)
• Fabric or towel for the top of the crate
• Foam padding
• Staple gun
• Liquid Nails or other high-strength glue
• Rope
• Hot glue and gun

How to Make DIY Footstool from a Crate

Step 1: Paint Your Crate

Start by painting the crate the color of your choice. It took a few coats of this spray paint to get adequate coverage. We also used the sealer once the paint had cured. Be sure to follow all directions on the paint you use and allow your paint to dry completely before continuing.

Step 2: Cut Plywood And Foam Padding For Footstool

For the cushion portion, start with a piece of plywood and foam padding that have both been cut to the size of your crate bottom. We used a kitchen towel to cover the cushion, but you can use the fabric of your choice.

Step 3: Place Foam Padding And Plywood Upside Down Onto Fabric

Turn the foam padding and plywood upside down onto your fabric. This is where you are going to need a staple gun.

Step 4: Wrap Fabric Around Foam Padding/Plywood And Start Stapling

Start by pulling taught and stapling two sides, as shown below.

Step 5: Staple All Four Sides Of Your Fabric To The Pylwood

Continue by pulling the other two sides taught and stapling as shown below. Leave the corners for now.

Step 6: Trim Away Excess Fabric

Trim away any excess fabric at this point. Also, trim the corners as shown in the image below.

Step 7: Fold Corners And Staple Them Into Place

Fold the corners as shown below, pull taught, and staple into place. Repeat for all four corners.

Step 8: Add Additional Staples If Needed

Add additional staples if needed. Your cushion should now look like the image below.

Step 9: Glue Fabric Covered Cushion To Crate

You now need to break out some type of adhesive to secure the cushion onto the crate. It should be something that will be strong and attaches fabric to wood. We used this product from Liquid Nails.

Step 10: Secure The Cushion Into Place While Glue Is Drying

Be sure to follow all directions on the glue you choose. The product that we had chosen suggested that you clamp until it dries. We used some weight on top of the stool.

Step 11: Add Trim Around Cushion

Once dry, you will still have a gap or excess glue sticking out around your stool. We used a hot glue gun to secure the rope around the area.

Your crate footstool is now ready for any room in your home. This is a fun project that is easy to complete and will look great in your home. Be sure to look for a crate that is the perfect size for your stool!

This is perfect for adding to just about any space! Pick colors and fabrics that will work with your home’s decor. You also might want to pick up a few crates and make a few of these for every room!

All that is left is to kick back and put your feet up on your new DIY footstool. I can see this project with a rustic stool and a vintage grain sack on the top.

This is one of my favorite projects of all time! I do say that about most projects, but I love that you can make this in minutes and that it looks so good!

FAQs About DIY Footstool

Here are the answers to some common questions I often get about this project.

Where Can I Buy Wooden Crates?

You can buy wooden crates at any craft store, home decor store, or online! You might even be able to find one at a thrift store.

Personally, out of all those options, I like the craft store because you usually have a wide selection to pick from and can get a decent discount.

Can I Change The Size Of The Crate?

Yes, you can! Remember, this is your DIY footstool, so feel free to change the size of the crate to fit your needs.

The only thing to keep in mind is that you will need more fabric and foam padding to create your cushion.

Where Can I Buy Foam Padding?

You can buy foam padding at any craft store (in the fabric section) or online.

Any foam padding will work for this project, but I do recommend that you pick one that is at least 3 inches high (aka 3 inches thick). This is because you want enough foam padding between your foot and the wood crate so you are comfortable.

While you are searching, you will see that there are tons of foam padding options available, which range in size, use, etc. Due to that, I would pick the one that you like the best, and that works for your budget.

How Do I Cut Foam Padding?

You can cut your foam padding using a serrated knife or an electric cutting knife.

I Don’t Have Tools To Cut Plywood! What Can I Do?

If you don’t have the tools to cut a piece of plywood, you can still make this project!

All you need to do is measure the bottom of your crate or take your crate to your local hardware store. Then tell them what you need, and they will cut the plywood for you!

What Type Of Fabric Can I Use To Create The Cushion?

You can use a variety of fabrics to create the cushion!

If you are on the fence about what to get, you might want to consider where the DIY footstool will be going in your home and how often you are going to use it. For example: Is the footstool going in your living room or outside on your porch? Will you be using it frequently or only occasionally?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you to determine what is the best fabric for you to use.

If you want some fabric ideas, below are a few!

• Cotton
• Canvas
• Duck Cloth
• Waterproof
• Leather

5 More Easy To Make Home Decor Projects

This DIY footstool is so easy to make you can even get older kids involved! Just make sure you are the one who uses the staple gun. Otherwise, let them pick out the paint and fabric, then hold things while you staple. They will love a DIY footstool that they helped to make!

Also, if you are looking for even more easy home decor projects to make, check out the ones below!