How to Build a Storage Unit in a Minute and a Half

Stacy Davis
by Stacy Davis
3 Materials
$88
2 Hours
Easy
Last year, I came up with how to build a bench in sixty seconds and I’ve always wanted to create another similar idea. So, without further ado, here it is. Yesterday, I showed you how to build a simple cubby dresser using four crates. Today, I am showing you how to add three stair treads and create an amazing storage unit. This storage unit can be used as many things. I plan to use it in my daughter’s room as a dresser. My daughter hates to put her clothes in drawers. I hope this is a solution that wI’ll both of us happy. I seriously wouldn’t mind one for myself. It would be great in a mud room using each crate for a child or an item. Such as one bin for hats, one for gloves and so on. icon Maybe a bin afor rain gear. icon
Here is a super simple cubby dresser. I have some ideas on permanently attaching the pieces but I wanted to post this tutorial first.
Using a hammer, I removed two slats from each crate. This created a “cubby” looking crate.
I attached cup pulls to make them appear more like drawers.
Here are the bed risers, four crates and three stair treads (one is blue and two are dark brown stained.
Step 1: Place one stair tread on the 4 bed risers, Step 2: Add two crates and put another stair tread on top, Step 3: Add two more crates and put last stair tread on top.
I‘m going to add real feet but for the video, I wanted something easy. These are bed risers and I painted them to match.
These are fence post tops. I am going to stain them and use them as feet on my unit. They will replace the bed risers. Haven't had the chance to do this step yet. **UPDATE:** The last picture shows these added to the unit and I love it. I can not tell you how much charm these fence post tops add to the unit. icon
Because of how I positioned my stair tread on the crates, it left a small roughly 1 inch gap. I trimmed a 1 by 4 to the same length as my stairtread. I painted it to match.
I love it. I haven’t attached the pieces yet because I need to clear space in my daughter‘s room for it. When I permanently attach them, I will give another tutorial on how to accomplish this task.
It even looks good from the back.
It is so pretty, I am 😍 in love with it.
Here is a short video on how easy it is to assemble this project.
More ways to style it!
Entirely, having too much fun with decorating this piece
And here it is with the fence top feet added. LOVE IT!
Just a little stop motion video to show how quickly you can assemble and decorate it.
Suggested materials:
  • Stair treads   (Home Depot)
  • Wood Crates   (Home Depot)
  • Bed Risers   (Walmart)
Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Luanne Luanne on Jul 24, 2018

    Sorry but I don't see where/why the stair treads are used? Love the finished product!

  • Marilyn Allegretti Marilyn Allegretti on Nov 19, 2019

    Why am I not getting "Hometalk" in my emails anymore?

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