How to Make a Carousel Ottoman With Storage

Cost: Low
Skill Level: Easy
Time: A few hours

Step 1: Cut MDF

Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut the MDF into two 18” x 18” pieces for the vertical cross pieces. Stack and then clamp both pieces together so you can cut both channels at the same time. Make a mark for the 1/2” channel. Start by finding the center point of the board, it should be 9”. Make a mark 1/4” on each side of that point then draw a line at those marks to one end of the board. This should give you a 9” x 1/2” channel. Use a jigsaw to cut out the 1/2” wide channel on both pieces.

Step 2: Interlock the Boards

Apply wood glue to the inside of the channels and interlock them, sliding the cutouts into each other.

Step 3: Mark “X” Placement

Mark the center point on both the 24" pine round boards. Center the MDF “X” on that center point and trace the entire “X” shape onto both rounds. Pre-drill holes on the rounds along the center of your traced shape.

Step 4: Attach Lazy Susan Hardware

Center the lazy Susan over the center mark on the bottom 24” round and trace the square shape onto the board. Mark the center point of the 18” round board and center the lazy Susan over the center mark and trace the square shape and the holes onto the board. Predrill the screw holes and then attach the lazy Susan to the 18" board using the manufacturer’s provided screws.

Step 5: Cut Foam and Plywood

Trace the 24” pine round onto the 2” foam using a marker and cut it out using scissors. Set the foam aside for a later step. Repeat the process for the ¼” plywood; trace the 24” round onto the plywood then use a jigsaw to cut out the shape. The plywood will be the base for the cushion.

Step 6: Assemble

Line up and center the MDF “X” onto one of the 24” pine rounds and attach it using wood glue and 2” wood screws through the pre-drilled holes. Then flip it over and attach the other 24” pine round.

Step 7: Mark the Lazy Susan for Attachment

You will need a way to attach the 18” round to the bottom of the 24” round. On the 18” pine round (with the lazy Susan hardware attached), turn the lazy Susan so that the bracket looks like a star and then use a marker to mark one hole. Use a large drill bit to make a hole all the way through this mark. Through this hole is how you will attach the 18” round to the 24” round, so make sure the hole is big enough to accommodate your drill bit and screws.

Step 8: Attach 18” Round to Ottoman Bottom

Flip the 18” round upside down and place it on top of the bottom side of the ottoman. Use the hole you just drilled to see where the wood screws need to be fastened. Rotate the 18” round until you have fastened all the lazy Susan screws.

Step 9: Seal the Ends

The rough ends of MDF can be very porous so it’s best to apply wood filler over the exposed ends to prevent the paint from over-absorbing. So, before painting, apply wood filler to the ends MDF using a putty knife. When the filler dries, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.

Step 10: Paint

Paint the base of the ottoman and let it dry.

Step 11: Attach Seat Cushion

Use spray glue adhesive to attach the foam cushion to the 1/4” plywood.

Step 12: Attach Fabric to Seat

Lay the fabric face down and place the foam and plywood piece onto the fabric (foam side down). Cut around the foam and plywood making sure it’s 2” to 3” larger than the circle so you can pull it over the side and staple it in place.

TIP: Iron the fabric to remove wrinkles and creases before you staple to your ottoman top.

Step 13: Attach Fabric

Staple the fabric to the plywood. Work your way around the circle pulling the fabric taught as you go. Cut off the excess fabric and discard the scraps.

Step 14: Attach Seat to Ottoman

Attach the upholstered top to the ottoman base from underneath using glue and 1-1/4” wood screws. Make sure to pre-drill the holes so you can countersink the screws to so they will lay flush with the board.

Step 15: Fill

Add books and take your new ottoman for a spin!