Step 1: Watch an Overview Video

Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Tools

Materials and Tools:

1/2-inch plywood
2-inch wood strips
wood screws
power drill with wood bits
sander
staple gun
hot glue
wood glue
paint
2-inch brush
4-inch foam
quilt batting
upholstery fabric
ribbon
(4) feet

Step 3: Choose a Size

A padded ottoman can double as a pet stepping stool and extra storage.

Start by choosing the size of your ottoman. Standard height is 20 inches, including height of feed.

The padded ottoman can be square or rectangular.

Step 4: Cut, Sand and Attach the Panels

From 1/2-inch plywood, cut front, back, and side panels.

Sand all edges.

When measuring bottom, allow 1 inch in length and width to accommodate thickness of panels.

Using wood glue and screws, attach front and back panels to bottom. Tip: Pre-drill holes, using counter bore to countersink screw heads so they won’t tear upholstery.

Wipe away excess glue.

Screw on side panels.

Step 5: Attach the Lid and Feet

Measure outside dimensions of box and cut lid from 1/2-inch plywood.

Cut 2-inch wood strips to fit around edges, glue them on, and secure with finishing nails

Screw feet on bottom from inside box.

Tip: Offset feet toward center to allow for overlap of padding and upholstery.

Paint interior of box and underside of lid.

Step 6: Add the Padding and Fabric

Cut foam to fit top of lid and box exterior, overhanging edges by 1/4 inch.

Tip: For extra comfort, double foam on lid.

Glue foam to lid and box.

Cover foam with batting, overlapping sides and stapling in place on underside.

Cut fabric to cover box, overlapping sides by 2 inches.

Tip: Staple top edge of fabric to inside of box and bottom edge to bottom of box.

Cut fabric to cover lid, overlapping sides by 4 inches.

Tip: Use hot glue to glue ribbon over fabric edges and staples.

To stabilize ottoman, put self-adhesive, non-slip decals on bottoms of feet.