Fun and Easy Milk Crate Chair Modification

Fun and Easy Milk Crate Chair Modification

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We all know how great milk crates are for storing things, and they are also strong enough to support a lot of weight.  They also make for a great improvised chair when other options aren’t available.  Just flip it over and you’re good to go.  However, there’s a very easy way to improve on this idea and make it more comfortable and sturdy.  Take a look at the example below, and see how you can put this idea to good use one day.

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Getting Started

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You will need a milk crate, drill, some plywood, cordage and perhaps a rope or piece of cloth for the handle.  You will also need a saw as well as some sandpaper.  The first step is to measure the area of the bottom of the milk crate.  Once you know its dimensions, then you can cut two pieces of plywood that are about an inch wider than the crate on three sides.  This will give the seat a little bit more balance while also creating a larger surface area that will make it easier to sit on. 

The plywood should be at least ½ inch thick, and it’s up to you whether or not to treat or paint the wood.  Thinner wood will be susceptible to warping, and it will not be able to support the weight of the average adult.  Keep in mind that you can also use a firm and thick piece of plastic or metal instead of wood.  You could even attach a toilet seat to the milk crate if you wanted to.  Choose the material that works best for you while as long as it will be sturdy enough for your needs.  Cut two pieces that are the same size and dimensions.

Once the material has been cut, the next step is to round out the corners.  This is an important step as it will reduce the chances of someone getting poked, jabbed, scratched or cut when they sit down and squirm about.  Use your best judgment in terms of how much material to round out, but make sure that it is enough to make the seat as comfortable and safe as possible.  You also want to give the material a good sanding down before treating and/or installing it onto the crate.

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Installing the Seat

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The next step is to drill two holes about 1-1½ inches apart on either side of the milk crate.  The holes should also be about an inch from the top.  While you can just use the plastic lattice-style frame that comprises parts of the crate to loop cordage around, cutting into the plastic itself will make for a more stable and secure fit.  Next, you want to center one of the pieces of wood, with the rounded edges facing out, over the top of the crate.  Make the back edge of the wood flush with the backside of the crate. 

Once it is lined up properly, cut two holes that are the same width as the ones you made on the milk crate.  Make two holes on each side of the wood.  The next step is to drill a hole through each side of the wood seat.  Make the holes near the center of the wood, in the center of the side.  Insert two wood screws and leave their heads sticking out.  Use wood screws that have tops that are not threaded but smooth.  You will use this to help secure the back of the seat to the crate, and you don’t want threads from the screws eating away at the cordage over time.

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Drill two more holes about 1/3 the way down from the front end of the other piece of wood.  Make the holes about an inch in from the edges, and drill from top to bottom.  Next, drill two sets of holes on either side of the bottom of this piece as well.  You will use these holes to attach the seat back to the crate later.  Next, secure the seat and the back piece with your cordage through the holes you drilled earlier.  You don’t want a lot of slack on these loops, otherwise the seat will move and wobble too much.  On the other hand, you don’t want the loops so tight that the seat won’t go up or down or the material breaks. 

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Once you’ve secured the seat to the crate, take two longer pieces of cordage and loop and tie off one end of each one through the holes you made on the other piece of wood.  Tie off the free ends onto the screws that are sticking out from the side of the seat.  You want the cordage at the right length that will limit the recline of the seat to 90 degrees.  Double check all of the ties and you’re good to go.

The nice thing about this project is that the seat can also double as a lid, and you can still use the crate for storage while sitting on it as well.  While this is a very simple project, it’s worth thinking about and filing away for future use.  It’s also one that is great for kids to get involved with in order to teach them how to improvise and get creative. 

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