How to Build a Cushioned Storage Ottoman With Drawers

Ottoman Base

• 1

  Determine the height, width and depth for your ottoman, and whether you want it to have a square or rectangular shape. Draw a layout on a piece of paper with your measurements.

• 2

  Cut MDF panels for the top, sides and bottom, according to your measurements. Stain or prime, paint the panels and allow to dry.

• 3

  Run a bead of contact cement along the edges of the bottom panel. Use a nail gun to attach the side panels. Clamp the edges of each corner. Add glue to the top edges and attach the top panel. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

Drawers

• 4

  Determine the width and height for the drawer front by measuring from the inner edges of the top and bottom of the open side of the ottoman and the space between the inner left and right sides. Divide this measurement by 2 to get the width and height for the drawers. Then, subtract ½ inch from each measurement to allow for a clearance in between each drawer. Cut four MDF pieces according to your measurements.

• 5

  Measure the length of the side panels of the ottoman to determine the length for the drawers. Measure the rails to determine the length for the sides of the drawers. Cut four pieces of MDF according to your measurements.

• 6

  Use your length and width measurements to cut two pieces of MDF to form the bottom panel for the drawers.

• 7

  Run a bead of contact cement along the outer edge of the bottom panels for each drawer. Attach the back, side and front pieces to the bottom pieces with a nail gun. Clamp the drawers and allow them to dry for 24 hours.

• 8

  Place the slide units on the sides of each drawer and mark the screw locations. Drill starter holes and finish attaching the slides with a screwdriver. Place the bottom drawer inside the ottoman and mark the screw locations for the side rails with a carpenter’s pencil. Repeat for the top drawer. Drill starter holes and attach the rails to the sides of the ottoman.

Cushion

• 9

  Cut the foam for the cushion according to the dimensions of the top of the ottoman.

• 10

  Measure the depth of the foam and multiply the measurement by 2. Add the inches to the width and height measurement of the foam. Cut fabric for the cushion according to your measurements.

• 11

  Apply contact cement 2 inches away from the perimeter edges on the top surface of the ottoman. Place the cushion on top of the ottoman.

• 12

  Lay the fabric on top of the cushion so that it is centered and all edges drape over the sides. Run a thin bead of contact cement on the left side. Tuck the fabric underneath to glue it underneath the cushion on the top surface of the ottoman. Repeat this process on the top, bottom and right sides.