Build a wooden ottoman with a lift lid yourself! This easy DIY guide breaks down the process, showing you how to create a functional and attractive piece of furniture with simple tools and materials. Get ready to add valuable storage and style to your home with confidence.
Tired of clutter? Need a place to put your feet up that also hides away blankets, toys, or magazines? Building your own wooden ottoman with a lift lid is a fantastic weekend project. It’s more satisfying than you might think, and you don’t need to be a master woodworker to get it done. Think of it as a simple box with a hinged top – we’ll walk you through every step. You’ll have a custom piece that’s built to last, saving you money and giving you a real sense of accomplishment. Let’s get building and reclaim your space!
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of wood is best for an ottoman?
- For a sturdy ottoman, pine and poplar are great beginner-friendly options. They’re affordable and easy to work with. Plywood is also a good choice for larger panels like the base and lid, offering stability. For a more premium look, you could consider oak or maple, but they are harder to cut and work with.
- How much weight can a wooden ottoman hold?
- A well-built wooden ottoman can typically hold a significant amount of weight, easily supporting several hundred pounds for seating. The strength depends on the wood type, the thickness of the boards, and how securely the pieces are joined. Reinforcing the internal corners with extra bracing will further increase its weight-bearing capacity.
- What tools do I absolutely need?
- For this project, essential tools include a measuring tape, a pencil, a saw (a circular saw or miter saw is ideal, but a hand saw works), a drill with drill bits, screws, sandpaper, and wood glue. Safety gear like safety glasses and gloves are also a must!
- How do I make the lift lid mechanism smooth?
- The key to a smooth lift lid is using good quality hinges. Soft-close or damper hinges are excellent as they prevent the lid from slamming shut. Proper alignment of the hinges on both the ottoman base and the lid is also crucial for a smooth operation.
- Can I add upholstery to the lid?
- Absolutely! Adding upholstery is a popular customization. You’ll typically use foam padding, batting, and fabric. Staple the fabric tightly around the edges of the lid, tucking and securing it underneath. This is a great way to personalize your ottoman and add extra comfort.
- How do I finish the wood?
- Finishing protects the wood and enhances its appearance. You can stain it any color you like, or paint it. A clear polyurethane or varnish provides a durable protective topcoat. Sanding between coats will give you the smoothest finish.
Your Effortless DIY Wooden Ottoman with Lift Lid Project
Hey there, fellow DIYers! Jack Shaffer here, your go-to guy for all things woodworking and nailer-related. Today, we’re diving into a project that’s both practical and rewarding: building a simple, sturdy wooden ottoman with a lift lid. Whether you need extra seating, a footrest, or hidden storage, this project has you covered. We’ll make it straightforward, step-by-step, so even if you’re just starting out, you’ll feel confident tackling it. Let’s gather our supplies and get this built!
Why Build Your Own Ottoman?
There are tons of reasons to consider building your own ottoman. For starters, you can customize the size and style to perfectly match your existing décor. Plus, you get that amazing satisfaction of creating something with your own two hands. And let’s not forget the cost savings! Buying a quality ottoman with built-in storage can get pricey, but building it yourself often means you can get a much better value. It’s a fantastic way to add function and style to your living room, bedroom, or entryway without breaking the bank.
Materials You’ll Need
Gathering your materials is the first big step to success. Having everything on hand before you start cutting and assembling makes the process flow much smoother.
Here’s a list of what you’ll typically need:
Wood: We’ll be using common lumber sizes. For a basic ottoman (around 18″ x 18″ x 16″ high), consider:
1×4 boards (for the sides) – estimate about 24-30 linear feet.
1×2 or 1×3 boards (for corner supports and lid frame) – estimate about 12-15 linear feet.
A piece of plywood (3/4″ or 1/2″ thick) for the bottom and lid – a 2’x2′ sheet should be plenty.
Fasteners:
1 1/4-inch wood screws (about 50-75)
2-inch wood screws (about 8-12, for attaching the lid frame to the top)
Wood Glue: A good quality wood glue is essential for strong joints.
Hinges: Two sturdy cabinet hinges. Soft-close or slow-close hinges are a great upgrade for a safer, more polished feel.
Sandpaper: Various grits, from 80 to 220, for smoothing.
Finishing Supplies: Wood stain, paint, or a clear protective finish (like polyurethane or varnish), plus brushes or rags.
Tools for the Job
Now, let’s talk tools. You don’t need a professional workshop, but a few key items will make your life a lot easier and ensure cleaner results.
Here’s your essential toolkit:
Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
Pencil: To mark your cuts.
Saw:
A miter saw or circular saw is ideal for making straight, clean cuts.
A hand saw can work if you take your time and use a guide.
Drill/Driver: Essential for pre-drilling holes and driving screws. Make sure you have drill bits that are slightly smaller than your screws for pre-drilling pilot holes.
Clamps: A few bar clamps or pipe clamps are very helpful for holding pieces together while glue dries.
Safety Glasses: Non-negotiable! Protect your eyes.
Work Gloves: To protect your hands.
Optional but Recommended:
Sander: An orbital sander speeds up the sanding process significantly.
Wood Filler: For hiding screw holes or small imperfections.
Planning Your Ottoman Dimensions
Before we cut, let’s plan. The dimensions we’ll use as an example are for a fairly standard ottoman: approximately 18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches high. This size is versatile for most living spaces.
Here’s a breakdown of the cuts you’ll be making:
Sides: Four pieces of 1×4 lumber, each 18 inches long.
Internal Support (Optional but Recommended): Two pieces of 1×4 lumber, each about 13.5 inches long (this accounts for the thickness of the other two side pieces).
Lid Frame:
Two pieces of 1×2 or 1×3 lumber, each 15 inches long.
Two pieces of 1×2 or 1×3 lumber, each 18 inches long.
Plywood Bottom: One piece of plywood, cut to 16.5 inches x 16.5 inches. (This allows for the thickness of the side walls to sit on top).
Plywood Lid: One piece of plywood, cut to 18 inches x 18 inches.
Important Note on Lumber: Lumber dimensions are a bit confusing. A “1×4″ board is actually about 3/4″ thick and 3 1/2” wide. Our calculations account for this. Always double-check your actual lumber dimensions.
Step-by-Step: Building the Ottoman Base
This is where the magic happens! We’ll build a sturdy box frame.
- Cut Your Side Pieces: Using your saw, cut four pieces of 1×4 lumber to exactly 18 inches long. Measure twice, cut once!
- Cut Internal Supports (if using): Cut two pieces of 1×4 lumber to 13.5 inches long. These will sit horizontally inside your box to add rigidity and support the bottom panel.
- Assemble the Side Panels: Take two of your 18-inch 1×4 pieces. Apply a bead of wood glue along the long edge of one piece. Place the other 18-inch piece on top, creating a corner. Pre-drill pilot holes and secure with 1 1/4-inch wood screws. Aim for two screws per foot of length, evenly spaced. You should now have two assembled side panels, each two boards high and 18 inches long.
- Join the Sides: Lay one of your assembled side panels flat. Apply glue to one end of the other assembled side panel. Stand it up at a 90-degree angle to the first panel, forming an “‘L” shape. Pre-drill and screw these together. Repeat for the remaining two sides to create a four-sided box frame that’s 18 inches long and 18 inches wide.
- Add Internal Bracing: Now, install the two 13.5-inch internal support pieces. Apply glue to the ends and position them horizontally inside the box, about halfway up your side panels. They should span the gaps between the side panels you’ve already joined. Pre-drill and screw them into place from the outside of the side panels. This creates a strong internal grid.
- Attach the Plywood Bottom: Flip your box frame upside down. Apply a bead of glue around the bottom edges of the frame. Lay your 16.5-inch x 16.5-inch plywood piece on top, centering it. Pre-drill and screw the plywood to the frame using 1 1/4-inch screws, spacing them about every 4-6 inches around the perimeter.
You’ve just built the base of your ottoman! From here, we’ll work on the lid.
Step-by-Step: Building the Lift Lid
The lid adds the finishing touch and the crucial storage access.
- Cut Lid Frame Pieces: Cut your 1×2 or 1×3 lumber: two pieces at 15 inches and two pieces at 18 inches.
- Assemble the Lid Frame: Similar to the base, we’ll make a frame. Apply glue to the ends of the 15-inch pieces. Butt them against the inside of the 18-inch pieces to form a rectangular frame (18″ x 18″). Pre-drill and screw them together.
- Attach Plywood Lid: Apply glue to the top surface of your assembled lid frame. Center your 18-inch x 18-inch plywood piece on top of the frame. Flip the assembly over so the plywood is on the bottom (facing down). Pre-drill and screw the plywood to the frame using 1 1/4-inch screws, spacing them every 4-6 inches. Make sure the screws go into the frame pieces.
Now you have a base and a lid! The next vital step is attaching them.
Attaching the Hinges for a Smooth Lift
This is where your ottoman goes from being a cute box to a functional storage solution. For a smooth, safe operation, hinge placement is key.
- Position the Lid: Place the lid on top of the ottoman base. Ensure it’s centered and aligned perfectly.
- Mark Hinge Locations: Decide where you want your hinges. Typically, two hinges are placed about 3-4 inches in from each side edge of the back of the ottoman. Use a pencil to lightly mark their positions on both the lid and the base.
- Attach Hinges to the Lid (First): It’s often easier to attach the hinges to the lid first. Place the hinge on the marked line on the lid, ensuring it’s flush with the back edge and square. Pre-drill pilot holes for the hinge screws in the lid. Secure one side of the hinges with the provided screws.
- Attach Hinges to the Base: Now, carefully align the lid (with the attached hinges) back onto the base where you want it. Make sure the back edges are flush. Mark the screw holes for the hinges onto the base of the ottoman. Remove the lid, pre-drill pilot holes in the base, and then attach the other side of the hinges to the base of the ottoman.
- Test the Lid: Gently open and close the lid several times. It should open smoothly and close without binding. If it’s a little stiff, double-check that your hinges are square and securely fastened. If you opted for soft-close hinges, you’ll feel how they gently slow the lid down as it closes.
That lift lid mechanism is critical for safe and easy use. For more insights on selecting and installing hardware, the Woodworking Handbook offers fantastic guidance on various hinge types and installation techniques.
Sanding and Finishing: Protecting Your Work
This is the part that takes your project from “homemade” to “professionally made.” Sanding and finishing are crucial for looks and durability.
- Initial Sanding: Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (like 80 or 100 grit) to smooth out any rough edges, pencil marks, and minor imperfections on all your wood pieces. Pay attention to those cut edges.
- Moving to Finer Grits: Gradually move to finer grits (150, then 220). This progressively smoother grit will create a silky-smooth surface that’s ready for finishing. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. After each grit, wipe down the wood with a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth to remove all dust.
- Optional: Wood Filler: If you have any screw holes you want to hide, now’s the time to fill them with wood filler. Let it dry completely according to the product instructions, then sand it smooth to match the surrounding wood.
- Apply Your Finish:
- Staining: Apply your chosen wood stain with a brush or rag, working in the direction of the grain. Wipe off any excess stain after a few minutes (check your stain’s instructions for specific timing) to achieve your desired color depth. Let it dry completely.
- Painting: Apply a coat of primer if painting. Once dry, apply your chosen paint color. You may need two coats for good coverage.
- Top Coat: Once the stain or paint is fully dry, apply a protective top coat. Polyurethane or varnish are excellent choices for durability. Apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing adequate drying time between each, and lightly sanding with 220-grit sandpaper between coats for a super smooth finish.
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has great resources on wood finishing, which apply directly to furniture projects like this. You can find helpful tips on their education section.
Table: Wood Choices and Their Characteristics
Choosing the right wood can make a difference in your project’s look, durability, and ease of use. Here’s a quick comparison of some common choices suitable for building an ottoman:
| Wood Type | Pros | Cons | Difficulty for Beginners | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine | Lightweight, soft, easy to cut and sand. Takes stain and paint well. Widely available. | Dents and scratches easily due to softness. | Easy | $ |
| Poplar | Relatively straight grain, good for painting. Stable and durable. | Grain can be slightly uneven. Can be softer than hardwoods. | Easy to Medium | $$ |
| Plywood (Birch/Hardwood) | Very stable, strong, resists warping. Smooth surfaces. Good for large panels. | Can be heavier. Edges require finishing or banding. | Medium (for cutting large sheets) | $$ |
| Oak | Very strong, durable, attractive grain. Excellent for visible parts. | Harder to cut and sand. Can be more expensive. | Medium to Hard | $$$ |
Customization Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basic build, you can get creative!
Upholstered Lid: Add a layer of foam and batting to the plywood lid, then wrap it in fabric and staple underneath for a soft, comfortable top.
Decorative Trim: Add decorative molding or trim pieces to the outside of the base for a more elegant look.
Legs: Instead of a solid base, you could attach furniture legs to the bottom for a different style.
Casters: Add heavy-duty casters to the bottom for easy mobility.