VIntage Crate DIY Footstool - #HDGiftChallenge

It’s finally time for another Home Depot Monthly Gift Challenge! Each month we choose an item from the Home Depot and make a gift for someone. It’s really fun to come up with new and different ideas and use your creativity to make something someone will love.
This month was my pick, and I chose furniture legs. The ladies could use any size or style to make a gift for the parent(s) of their significant other. I was inspired by a footstool I saw on Decor Steals and decided to make my own version. I actually ended up making 2, one for my mother-in-law, and one for me.
This is a pretty simple project to put together and all you need is an old crate, which you can pick up in most antique stores or flea markets, and the following supplies:


– 4 furniture legs from the Home Depot. I used these.


– 4 heavy duty top plates


– A 1/4 plywood project panel like this one, cut to the size of the crate opening. You can pre-measure and have them cut the wood for you at the store if you don’t have a way to cut it at home.


– Fabric of your choice, cut a few inches bigger than the crate lid


– Cotton batting or an old pillow you can remove the batting from


– Glue gun
Here’s how you can make a crate footstool too.


First, line up the metal plates with the corners and mark the screw holes. Use drill bit to pre drill into the wood and then attach the top plates with the screws provided. Next all you need to do is screw the legs into the holes in the center of the top plate. You can choose to paint or stain the legs before attaching.
After attaching the legs, you’ll need to make a lid for the footstool and pad it so it’s comfortable to use. Measure from the out side edges for the width, and from the inside of the top wood piece for the length, and cut the plywood to this size.


Check that it fits and then lay it out on the fabric. Cut around the plywood, leaving 3-4 inches of fabric to attach to the bottom. Then, using a glue gun attach 3 sides of the fabric loosely to the underside of the lid. Use enough glue to get a firm bond. Stuff the fabric with cotton batting to the fluffiness that you want. Then pull the fabric tight on the final side and hot glue it in place.
Bonus! You can use the inside of the crate to store blankets, toys, legos, you name it!


Thanks so much for stopping by today! Be sure to check out the other awesome projects too by searching
Shelly@The Domestic Heart
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Carol Whitehouse Carol Whitehouse on Nov 29, 2015
    Quick question: The plates, do these go directly onto the legs or inside the crate?
  • Bronxgirlcl Bronxgirlcl on Jul 04, 2017

    Where did you find the crate? It's no Michaels wood crate . It's really cool.

  • Jac9966391 Jac9966391 on Aug 08, 2017

    Where did you get the beautiful fabric for the cushion?

Comments
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2 of 49 comments
  • Bert Bert on Feb 10, 2019

    love this idea thank you for sharing now to find crates

  • Michelle Michelle on Apr 22, 2023

    For getting crates.. Try estate sales or some antique stores. Soda crates, beer crates, will work well and are sturdy. Now I know how I will put a couple to good use!

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