Galvanized Tub Storage Bench with Furry Upholstered Lid {Lowe’s Creator Idea}

Every month Lowe’s challenges me to create another unique project to share with you. This month’s challenge was creative storage ideas. Have kids? This is a unique storage solution using a galvanized tub and a furry upholstered lid. It’s the perfect place to store and corral all that kid clutter in your child’s bedroom. The storage tub doubles as a bench and a step stool. Don’t be deterred if you don’t have children, the storage bench could be used for magazine storage and much more!

Grab these materials and tools and follow along with me (and my 13 year old assistant.)

Creating the Galvanized Storage Bench and Lid

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Materials for the Galvanized Storage Tub and Lid:

• Galvanized Tub (5 gallon or larger)
• 1/2″ plywood
• 2″ x 2″ lumber (cut to 2 – 8″ and 2 – 4″ sizes)
• Upholstery foam
• Spray adhesive
• Old t-shirt (optional)
• Furry fabric (or cheap throw blanket)
• Staple gun
• 3/8″ staples
• Sharpie marker
• Jig saw
• Clamp
• Eye protection
• Sander with 80 grit & 220 grit sandpaper
• Electric carving knife
• Drill with drill bits
• Philips head bit
• 2″ wood screws

 

Instructions:

Turn the galvanized tub upside down on the plywood. Use the sharpie to mark approximately 1/2 – 1″ out from the edge of the tub.

Clamp the plywood to a work surface and cut along the line with a jig saw.  (Special thanks to my 13 year old assistant! She rocked the power tools on her first try. Go Girl Power!)

Sand the edges of the plywood with 80 grit sandpaper first and then 220 grit to smooth the edges further.

Spray the plywood lid with spray adhesive on one side. Cover the lid with upholstery foam, pressing it firmly into the spray adhesive.

Use the electric carving knife to trim off the excess foam (scissors or an x-acto knife will work in a pinch.)

To secure the foam, cover the foam with the old t-shirt. Trim and staple the edges. Repeat the same process with your furry fabric. (Need more upholstery tips, you can read how I upholstered a roadside rescued bench.)

Pre-drill holes into the center and sides of the 8″ 2×2 lumber. Add some wood glue.

Position the first board approximately 1″ inside the side of the lid and secure with wood screws.

Pre-drill and attach the other boards (checking to make sure the wood fits snuggly inside the tub.

Flip it over and you have an upholstered storage bench!

 

Aged Painting Technique for the Metal Tub

Materials:

• White flat paint
• Red craft paint
• Jar of water
• Elmer’s glue
• Paintbrush

 

Instructions:

Pour Elmer’s glue into water. Aim for a 1:1 mixture.

Stir until thoroughly mixed.

Paint the galvanized tub with the water/glue mix. (I left the inside unpainted.) Allow to dry.

Paint the tub using white flat paint. For an aged and rustic look, don’t paint everything. Allow some metal to peek through. The glue will cause some cracking or resist areas.

After the white paint dries, paint red pin stripes on the bucket. Allow to dry.

Fill the tub with blankets, toys or other kid paraphernalia!

Put a lid on the clutter.

Your child will love this sturdy bench and step.

It’s a great storage and organizational idea for the New Year!

 

You can find more creative storage ideas from the Lowe’s Creative Idea bloggers !

You can also sign up to receive their free Creative Ideas Magazine, which is loaded with inspiration! There’s also a magazine app so you can have inspiration on the go! And, don’t forget to follow Lowe’s on Pinterest or on Instagram!

Disclosure: As a #LowesCreator, I was provided with a Lowe’s gift card to purchase supplies for this post. I was not told what to write. All ideas and words are my own.

***Do you have any other creative storage ideas? Please share them with me in the comments section.***
I love hearing from you ;-).