DIY Crate Seats

I finally made my crate seats!  I have seen many teachers make these and I decided that one project I wanted to complete this summer was to make a pair for my classroom.  I wanted to make them as cheap and easy as possible.  So, below are the steps I followed to make them!

Step 1: By Press Board!

So, plywood is extremely expensive!! But, hardware stores carry what is called press board which is plenty durable for this project. I went to Lowes and got a huge piece for $9. They then cut it for me for free. Just take the crate in with you and they will do all the work!

Step 2: Round the Edges

Unfortunately, your board will not fit into your crate until you round the edges with sand paper.  Luckily my sweet husband taught me how to do this part!

Step 3: Make sure your boards fit!

Make sure your boards will fit into your crates. You may even want them to be a little loose because they do get tighter when you add the foam and material.

Step 4: Attach the Foam

I bought this foam for $8 dollars at Walmart and have enough left over to probably do four more seats!

I put the board on top of the foam and cut around the edges. I then put some duct tape around the edges just to hold it in place.

 Step 5: Cut out the fabric

Again, I just laid the board on the fabric and cut around the edges. Make sure you have extra fabric around the edge so you can fold it under. I bought this fabric at Hobby Lobby. I bought a yard and a half but a yard would have been plenty to make two seats and I still would have had extra fabric!

Step 6: Attach the Fabric

The person I know who made these attached her fabric with a staple gun. However, I did not have one and this duct tape did the trick. It is not beautiful but you will not be able to see this side anyways and it makes for easy removal if you want to change the fabric!

Step 7: Put cushion in the crate and add some flare!

My cushion was tight so I really had to push mine hard to get it to fit.  I added an orange ribbon to mine but you can decorate however you like. Many people put a ribbon going across the cushion to use as a handle to get into the crate for storage. At the moment, I am not storing anything in the crates so I put my ribbon on the outside!

Good Luck and happy teaching!!!