DIY Network

Coffee Table/Ottoman Coffee Table/Ottoman From "Material Girls" episode DMTG-107

In this segment, Kelly and Jon build and upholster a coffee table. They construct a base out of 2x4s and then a frame that sits on top out of 2x4s and plywood. The entire box is then covered with foam; Kelly shows John how to cut the foam with a turkey carver. Then they sew the cover for the coffee table out of faux leather, fit it on and secure it with staples. Finally, the base is screwed to the bottom.

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Upholstered Coffee Table/Ottoman

Materials:

2" deck screws
3" deck screws
nails
power screwdriver
hammer
3/4" precut plywood: 4 pieces (front, back, top and bottom) cut to desired length and width; 2 side pieces cut to desired width and same length as previous pieces
2" x 4" support pieces: 4 pieces cut a few inches less than the length of the plywood
precut 1" foam for the sides and top of the ottoman
2" x 4" base : 2 pieces cut to desired length, 2 pieces cut to desired width
paint or stain
paintbrush
precut 1" foam for front, back, sides and top of ottoman (add 1/2" to each side of the top piece)
spray adhesive
fabric
sewing machine
pins
scissors
matching thread
staple gun and staples

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Nail together five pieces of plywood to form the bottom and four sides. Once they're nailed together, use screws to secure (figure A).

2. Attach a 2" x 4" standing upright in each of the four corners to serve as supports.

3. Fasten the top piece of plywood on with screws (figure B).

4. Adhere precut foam to sides and top (figure C).

Fabric Cover

1. Take the measurements from the top and sides. Add 1" for the seam allowance and 4" to the side pieces (not the top) for stretching (you don't want too much seam allowance because the less fabric, the cleaner the look).

2. Mark and cut out fabric pieces.

3. Pin and sew the top and side pieces together (if you're using faux leather, make sure to have a strong needle).

4. To cover the box, start at the corners and fit the cover over the box, 1" at a time. Make sure to check that the seams are lining up with the corners.

Attach Cover to Bottom

1. Turn frame over so the bottom is face up.

2. On one side, starting at the center, pull fabric taught and staple. Repeat process on each side until finished. Trim of any excess fabric.

Base Frame

1. Screw 2x4 pieces together.

2. Center frame on base, mark, remove frame and predrill holes in the base.

3. Place base back on bottom and secure the base to the frame using 3" deck screws.

RESOURCES :

Fabric.com faux leather