Boy's Red, White & Blue Themed Room | Pretty Handy Girl

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Materials for the Galvanized Storage Tub and Lid:

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

 

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.

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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!)

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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.)

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

Flip it over and you have an upholstered storage bench!

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

 

Aged Painting Technique for the Metal Tub

Materials:

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

 

Instructions:

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

Stir until thoroughly mixed.

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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.

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

Put a lid on the clutter.

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

Your child will love this sturdy bench and step.

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

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

Galvanized Tub Storage Bench for Kids | Pretty Handy Girl

 

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

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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!

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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 ;-).

 

7 replies
  1. Lynda M Otvos
    Lynda M Otvos says:

    Perfection in a day–I love this idea !~! So cute, easy and can be any color scheme one wants. You did great with the red, one of my faves for splashes of color here and there.

    Reply

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. […] wait to share with you all the other projects I completed in my son’s room. You can see the storage tub/bench I made in the picture above. And the star pillow I made for […]

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