DIY - Blog

Making an ottoman that is equally natural and unique is a great way to add interest to a small room or study.


To make your own St. Thomas inspired ottoman you first need:

• tape measure
• pencil
• tablesaw
• eye protection
• four 2" spring clamps
• needle nose pliers
• hammer
• lighter
• hot-glue gun
• tape
• scissors

Material

• 4' piece of 2x2" wood, cut to four, 10 -1/4" lengths
• two 24" diameter pieces of round particleboard
• small box of #18-5/8" wire nails
• 1/8" tempered hardboard cut to make two 11-1/2" x 48" panels
• wood glue
• five ball casters
• twenth 3/4" wood screws
• 200' spool of twisted polypropylene rope.

Step 1 - Cut supports to length

Using the tablesaw cut four 10-1/4" lengths of 2x2" wood pieces. These will connect the top to bottom of the ottoman and provide a framewoork for the hardboard.

Step 2 - Build the framework

Position the four 10-1/2 x 2x2" wood pieces upright between the 24" rounds. Place them equidistant. Align an edge with the edge of the round. Use glue and screws or nails to join the rounds and the 2x2s.

Step 3 - Resize the hardboard

Cut the hardboard to two 11 1/2 x 48" pieces. You'll wrap the frame with these before applying the rope finsh.

Step 4- Mark the panel

Using spring clamps, clamp an 11 1/2" end of the panel to the center of one of the 2x2s. Draw a line on the 2x2 to mark where the panel begins. Bend  the panel halfway aroundand mark it so the panel can be cut to end in the center of another 2x2. This measurement will be aprox. 37". 

Step 5 - Attatch the panel

Remove the panel and cut it to the proper length. Clamp, bend, and maek the second panel. Cut it ot the proper length. Clamp the panel in place with spring clamps. Begining at one end glue and nail it to the 2x2. Continue nailing the edge of the panel to the particleboard, placing nails every two inches. Neddle-nose pliers can be used to hold the nails if the are too small to handle with your fingers. Finish nailing the other end of the panel to the opposite 2x2.

Step 6 - Attatch the Second panel

Step 7 - Fasten the casters

Position the caters equidistant around the perimeter of the base. Make sure they are not too close to the edge. Attatch with  3/4" wood screws


Step 8 - Melt the rope end

To prevent the end of the rope from fraying, use flame to seal the end of it.

Step 9 - Glue the rope to the ottoman

 Beginning at the bottom hot glue the rope around the side of the frame, continuing to glue at the top edge and continue to wrap the rope around the top, spiraling it to the center. Rotate the ottoman on the casters to make wrapping the rope easier.

Step 10 - Cut the rope

When about 1' of the rope is left before reaching the center, wrap it to the center to determine the amount of rope needed, and then wrap a piece of tape around the rope to the inside of where it will be cut. Use sharp scissors to cut rope.

Step 11 - Seal and glue the rope end.

Carefully use a flame to seal the end of the rope to prevent unraveling. Glue the remaing loose rope in place.



Now you have beautiful new ottoman for yourself or for a friend.