Build a Movable Storage Seat

If you need a little extra storage space or additional seating, rolling storage cubes are just the ticket. These comfortable, mobile seats are made with decorative fabric and paint, so you can personalize the design. Here's how to make one:

Materials and Tools:

birch plywood (see dimensions in Step 1 below)
3/8-inch pieces of birch (see dimensions in Step 2)
wood glue
1¼-inch framing nails
four caster wheels
cushion insert (19 inches square)
fabric in desired color/pattern
staples
paint
table saw
miter saw
framing nailer
staple gun
paintbrush
scissors

Steps:

1. Cut the birch plywood to the following dimensions for the cubes:

      •four pieces at 16¼ by 15¼ inches for the sides
      •one piece at 17 inches square for the bottom
      •one piece at 19 inches square for the top
      •one piece at 15¼ inches square for the top inset

2. Cut the 3/8-inch birch down to the following dimensions for the trim:

      •eight strips at 2 by 13 inches
      •four strips at 2 by 16 inches
      •four strips at 2 3/8 by 16 inches

3. Glue and nail the side pieces together to create a box, with a consistent wood grain on each side. Each long edge will continually overlap the edge of the adjacent piece to form a crisscross pattern, making the total width 17 inches all the way around.

4. Nail the bottom into place, making sure everything is nice and flush.

5. Glue and nail trim onto each side, with the rails (horizontal pieces) secured inside the stiles (vertical pieces). The 2-by-13-inch strips will serve as the rails, the 2-by-16-inch pieces will serve as the left-hand stiles, and the 2 3/8-by-16-inch strips will serve as the right-hand stiles. The right-side trim is wider (the same thickness as the trim piece itself) in order to cover the edge of the left-hand stile on the adjacent side. Overlap the stiles in the same manner as the cube sides were attached.

6. Once the cube is assembled, paint it the color of your choice.

7. Assemble the top by centering the inset piece on the bottom of the cube top and securing it with nails.

8. Place a cushion insert squarely on top of the cube top. Wrap fabric around the cushion and fold it under the top. Secure the fabric on the underside with staples, and trim away excess material.

9. Attach four casters to the bottom corners of the cube to add mobility to the piece.

10. Place the top onto the cube. The inset should fit snugly inside the cube for seating.