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How to make a vintage ottoman with legs?

Hi I am thinking of making an ottoman with legs - around 1.2m wide.

The legs should be antique.
I have found out that I need to build a frame first, then do the upholstered part on top and then attach the legs at the bottom.

But I am so confused about what type frame, will allow me to screw in the curvy anique-y legs I want. As I dont' want square legs as it will look modern.

I have watched videos. but it doesn't make sense to me.

Can someone help guide me what materials I need and in what order I should put it together?

I am in SE Melbourne - if you know of any woodworking classes or someone who can guide me, I'd really appreciate it.

Please see image for reference
il_1588xN.6007729433_aco3

Thank you

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Comments

EricL

Hello @emex007

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about making a vintage ottoman.

What a fantastic project to undertake. The building of the frame is not really that complex if you keep it nice and simple. It's basically a rectangle joined with either dowels or angle brackets or your choice of timber joinery cuts. What is challenging is the cutting and shaping of the timber itself to assume the look and feel of an antique piece. You'll need various tools and cutters to cut and carve the wood to your design.

The legs area actually attached with a base plate such as the Adoored 3/8" Vertical Leg Plate. For that easy antique look, I recommend looking at the Adoored 150mm Raw Cabriole Furniture Leg. You also have the option of making your own by using a wood turning tool such as a timber lathe.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @JoeAzza and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

emex007

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/51597#Comment_51597

in terms of "cutting and shaping of the timber itself to assume the look and feel of an antique piece" - I think i want to keep it simple and make the seating shape a straight up rectangle. The vintage look will be achieved via the legs and the upholstery used.

What I am confused about is when I make the frame, how do I attach the legs to it as the middle is hollow?

Will I be using legs with an L shaped mounting face? If I use what you suggest, how will be able to do that with a frame where the middle is basically nothing.

Also if I want to make the length of the ottoman 1.8m, is that too long? what can i do to make sure it doesn't curve in the middle when people sit on it?

Thanks again

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87936#Comment_87936

Hello @emex007

If the ottoman is 1.8m long a center support leg might be necessary. In order to achieve balance with the legs it might be necessary to have four legs at the front and four at the back. The center/middle part of the ottoman will need to be supported with upholstery GRUNT 50mm x 10m Heavy Duty Black Polyester Webbing in a criss cross checkered pattern just like standard upholstered chairs. Support noggins can also be attached to the rectangular frame.

I've placed a sample image of the mounting plate below to show you how the legs are attached to piece of furniture. Please make sure to get the correct size of plate and leg to make sure they fit each other.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Look up Men's Shed's in your area @emex007 if you want to join a group of enthusiastic wood-workers/turners and similar hobby-skillsets to learn from a range of skillsets. The type of legs your after can be purchased as @EricL has posted. You can make these yourself on a wood-lathe which you would learn at the men's shed.

Nailbag

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109569#Comment_109569

Good Evening @emex007

Going through your question I was thinking of how would I attach the legs myself. Then @EricL showed a very nice solution 🙂 I was thinking of a longer bolt down into a threaded hole on the leg itself.

To make your job easier to sort in your mind before you start on a full scale build, how about making a footstool as a first step, From building a support structure, framing and upholstery it will give you a really good step into building an ottoman 🙂 (Cant wait to see that btw)

I sketch up my plans, then do an exploded view on how things will go together and where the connection points are. Viusulising while sketching helps me problem solve parts before I have to chop up timber or try and "fix" something I hadnt forseen.

Here is my outside lounge I built, I drew up the plans in the same way. You question about timber bowing, weight distribution are all very valid. They can all be worked out tho 🙂 from a thicker frame to an L shaped timber frame (35mm*70mm joined on the side like an L with another piece. It will give a very ridgid frame to work with) Upholstery is fun, Ive only done seats so far but would love to make a proper lounge one day.

Looking forward to seein the project, take lots of photos, sketches and hit up the community when part A dosnt want to join to part B. I like timber built frames, some of the crew in here are incredibly good with steel frames. Maybe a mixture of both could work as well?

Dave

JoeAzza

Hi @emex007 , I have just found a simple way to make your ottoman , no joinery required, see link attached

https://youtube.com/shorts/rVd-xhc4oIw?si=_69TvzE6f2JEwcgD

This person is attaching 3 circular panels together, you could do the same with square or rectangular panels then just attach your legs , ready for upholstery.

emex007

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122118#Comment_122118

Hi Dave that's a great idea. I've decided to make a smaller version, a footstool, to test out everything. Thanks heaps. I think this will help me get properly prepped for the big job. Much appreciated!!

Also I want to see your outside lounge but I can't see an attachment. Is it there and i'm not seeing it? or you didn't attach?

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130154#Comment_130154

Good Morning @emex007

Whoops, will go get the link now lol

Outside timber lounge with wheels

Sorry about that, I just forgotto include it 😲

Dave

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