How to Build a Padded Ottoman

Get a piece of 3/4-inch plywood cut to the length and width you want your ottoman to be. Get two pieces of 6-inch thick high density foam cut to the exact same size and shape as your plywood.

Affix one piece of foam to the top of the plywood with a spray contact adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Affix the other piece of foam to the top of the first piece to double the thickness. Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer instructions.

Calculate the size of batting and fabric you will need for your ottoman. Add 28 inches to the width and length of the plywood. Cut two sheets of fabric batting and a piece of upholstery fabric to the calculated width and length.

Lay the fabric upside-down on the table so that the back of the fabric is facing you. Stack the two sheets of batting on top of the fabric, making sure all the edges meet evenly. Place your ottoman cushion, foam-side down, centered on the batting. The plywood board should be attached on top of the foam.

Label the top surface of that plywood quadrilateral with letters using a marker. Label two sides that run parallel -- that is, opposite each other -- sides A and B. Label the other two opposing sides C and D.

Fold the batting and fabric up over the edge of the plywood on side A. Pull it taut and hold it down on the top surface of the plywood. Use a staple gun to staple the batting and fabric to the surface of the plywood. Place the first staple 1 inch from the edge of side A, and centered so it is equidistant from sides C and D.

Repeat the process of pulling the batting and fabric taut and stapling it down on side B, placing the staple 1 inch from the edge and equidistant from sides C and D.

Pull the batting and fabric on side C up and over the edge of the plywood. Staple it 1 inch from the edge of side C, centering the staple placement so it is equidistant from sides A and B. Repeat the process on side D. Each side should have one staple holding the batting and fabric in place.

Continue to pull the batting and fabric taught and staple it to secure it around the edges of the plywood. Smooth it and pull evenly as you go to make the sides of the ottoman smooth and wrinkle-free. Secure all the edges of the fabric down with staples.

Trim away the excess fabric that hangs past the staple line with scissors.

Determine the height you want your ottoman using a ruler to measure up from the floor. Deduct 12 inches from the height. The remaining measurement is the length of the furniture legs you will need.

Affix one furniture leg to each corner of the plywood. Some legs come with mounting hardware, while others screw in directly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to affix the legs securely and evenly to the plywood, which is the bottom of the ottoman.

Turn your padded ottoman over and stand it on it's legs. Put your feet up to give it a try.