Asked on Sep 13, 2016

Reinforcing a collapsible ottoman for seating

BEVERLY
by BEVERLY
I have these collapsible ottomans for temporary seating in a studio apt. Want to make them sturdier and add legs to make them higher. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
  14 answers
  • Arlene Arlene on Sep 13, 2016
    I have two of these. They are remarkably sturdy and I've used them for seating often. If you put a cushion on top they become high enough for seating at a table. No need for legs.
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 14, 2016
    I have one and I decided to paint it with chalk paint, turned out well, it is a lot more sturdy now, even stiff, if that is what you want!
  • Edward Edward on Sep 14, 2016
    Hi Beverly, you can also try making your own metal frame for the ottomans. Home Depot or any other home center carries what's called angle steel. All you do is measure your ottoman,length by width by depth then off to the store. They'll cut the pieces you need,the pick up the proper sized boots and nuts,make the box you need and place the ottoman on top. You just have to decide how high you want them to be.
  • Beverly Beamon Beverly Beamon on Sep 14, 2016
    Beverly, I would cut 1/4 Lauan to fit sides , bottom and top. Glue it to the ottoman on the inside then you will be able to put some legs on it if you wish.
  • Sheila Kelley McIntyre Sheila Kelley McIntyre on Sep 14, 2016
    I would go with the pillow on the bench idea for added height ...colorful pillows and can be used in any area for sitting...I also have two and they are sturdy enough....but they are not collapsible...good luck on your prject
  • B. Enne B. Enne on Sep 14, 2016
    a plywood piece inside the bottom? I don't think you would need legs.
  • Kathy Lovenburg Kathy Lovenburg on Sep 14, 2016
    Home Improvement store or lumber yards have different types of furniture 'feet' that can be screwed into the bottom corners.
  • Linda Linda on Sep 14, 2016
    Opt for something that's designed to carry a good load weight of 200-300 #. Otherwise, your person might end up in the floor, sue you and it gets worse from there. Recycle these to another duty.
  • Joanne Joanne on Sep 17, 2016
    I would build a frame for inside using 2"x2" pieces of lumber and possibly put a piece of plywood on the top unless you want to use them for storage.
  • Helen Helen on Sep 18, 2016
    I am over 300#'s, unfortunately, but have sat on these many times, without any issue.
  • Mumamafia Mumamafia on Apr 07, 2021

    HI ALL. SORRY FOR LARGE TEXT BUT IM PARTIALLY SIGHTED...

    I AM ALSO HOPING TO ADD SOME STURDY FEET TO THE BOTTOM OF MY COLLAPSABLE OTTO FOR THE GARDEN.. AND I THINK I SHALL CUT 4 2X2 AND GLUE STAPLE TOGETHER PLACING IT INSIDE.. I AM ALSO GOING TO TRY A MAKING A WATERPROOF OVER WHICH I CANT WAIT TO TACLE... ONLY PROS IS NOT TOO SURE HOW TO MEASURE THE HIEGHT OF THE FEET.

    THANK YOU

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on May 31, 2021

    I would build a frame for inside using 2"x2" pieces of lumber and possibly put a piece of plywood on the top unless you want to use them for storage.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Aug 31, 2021

    I would paint with chalk paint and wax it

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Sep 29, 2021

    I have one and I decided to paint it with chalk paint, turned out well, it is a lot more sturdy now, even stiff, if that is what you want!