DIY Plastic Crate Stools with Storage
I wholeheartedly believe we can never grow too old for “story time”. Of course, you could never actually call it that in a 6th grade classroom, but the philosophy behind an intimate interaction with others and a text remains the same. Let’s instead call it a meeting area (completely appropriate and acceptable in the eyes of a middle school student.)
The meeting area is my favorite area in my classroom. It’s a place where 20-25 6th grade bodies can relax on the floor and participate in meaningful conversations about literature. Because middle schoolers grow like weeds, this area can easily become constricted and intertwined with lanky legs and bodies. To free up some room, I created these milk crate storage stools for less than $10 each. An added bonus, they store all those supplies that you never have room for at the beginning of the year! (Don’t worry, the Kleenex will be gone by November, and you’ll have free space to store something else.)
Supplies you’ll need:
- 1/4″ plywood
- plastic storage crates *I bought these Sterlite crates from Walmart for $3 each!
- 1″ thick foam
- fabric
- thick ribbon
- staple gun
It was super easy to make these. It probably took about 2 hours total to make all six of the benches. Here’s a rundown of the steps:
Measure and cut 1/4″ plywood to fit inside the lip of the top of the crate. Cut a piece of 1″ foam to the same size as the plywood.
Staple sides of fabric to the back of the plywood, folding corners neatly.
Post by Jenny Leads
Jenny is the voice behind Refresh Living. She has a passion for helping people to create a home they love without spending a lot of money.
Thanks so much for adding me.Great stuff
This is a great idea. I kust bought 4 at walmart, they are 2.00 now, to put toys in for my granddaughter.
$2.00? That’s great! It’s amazing how sturdy they are.
I love these, such a great way to make a storage box multi-functional and add value. Happy New Year. Popping by from Inspire Me Monday
This is a great idea!
Kate | The Organized Dream
This is such a fabulous idea! I’m going to make one for each of my kids to store their individual coloring books and crayons in. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday this week!
I think these would be great for camping! Use it to store pots/pans and then sit on them around the camp fire. Maybe oilcloth to make it water resistant and easily sponged off.
Hi, Jenny – these are so awesome! I want to give it a try with my collection of old plastic crates – one of the cutest upcyled ideas I’ve seen in ages!
Great idea, thanks for sharing. Gonna do a few for the grand kids when they come to play!
What a great idea! Saving this one for later, for sure! Thanks for linking up with us at Funtastic Friday.
Where did you get the foam from?
Hi Brandi, I found mine at JoAnn Fabrics, but I know most stores that carry fabric will have it.