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DIY for Homeowners

DIY Stump Foot Rest with Hidden Compartment

1/8/2020

2 Comments

 
text by Vicki     Sign up here to join our weekly email newsletter! ​

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.
We sourced the stump for this project well over a year ago and, it's been hanging out in the garage drying all that time. Steph loves to bring natural elements into her home decor and she thought the stump would make a unique footstool for her living room. 
We found this stump curbside from a tip from our UPS driver.
We have the BEST UPS driver! When he sees a really good curbside wood pile, while out making his deliveries, he tells us about it!

Tools/ Materials:


  • DEWALT ATOMIC 20-Volt MAX Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw (Home Depot)

  • Bernzomatic TS8000KC Premium Torch Kit (Home Depot)

  • Firm Grip General Purpose Large Gray Synthetic Leather Glove (Home Depot)

  • DEWALT Carbon Fiber Tacker (Home Depot)

  • Surebonder Trigger Activated and Normal Mode Manual Staple Gun (Home Depot)

  • Casting Epoxy (Online)

  • Minwax 15210 Clear Aerosol Lacquer Spray, 12.25-Ounce, Satin

  • Wood Underlayment

  • Casters

  • Fabric

This stump had a random branch on it which we removed with the DeWalt Atomic One-Handed Recip saw.
This stump had a random branch on it which we removed with the DeWalt Atomic One-Handed Recip saw. It's compact in size, lightweight and very easy to use.
Sealing the bottom and top of the stump.
Since we didn't know if anything was still living inside this stump, we wanted to seal all the sides as best we could. We are using a clear coat on the bottom and top.
Tracing around the stump top to make the base for the cushioned seat.
To make the seat cover for the top of the stump, we laid it top side down on a piece of underlayment and traced around it.
Using the DeWalt scroll saw to cut out the cushion base.
This could easily be cut out using a jig saw, but the scroll saw is just as handy for me!
We upcycled some soft insulation from the meal delivery service, HelloFresh, to use as our seat cushion.
We upcycled some soft insulation from the meal delivery service, HelloFresh, to use as our seat cushion.
Steph is using the DeWalt carbon fiber upholstery stapler and I'm using the Surebonder trigger fire one.
We found a cute dog print fabric to cover the seat. Steph is using the DeWalt carbon fiber upholstery stapler and I'm using the Surebonder trigger fire one.
'm using the Bernzomatic Premium Torch Kit to give the stump a good char.
Now for the FUN part--torching the stump! I'm using the Bernzomatic Premium Torch Kit to give the stump a good char. This is super easy to use and not scary at all! The instructions about how to use it confused me for a minute as it says to pull the ignition button when I think it should say push. Not a big deal, but if you read the instructions like we do, just be aware.
I'm wearing the BTP Firm Grip Pro-Fit Flex Impact Glove with Touchscreen Compatibility. After using the 'm using the Bernzomatic Premium Torch Kit be sure to brush off the white flaky stuff.
I torched it twice and after each time, I used a brush to remove the white flakes. It was helpful when working with the stump to wear gloves to protect my hands. I'm wearing the BTP Firm Grip Pro-Fit Flex Impact Glove with Touchscreen Compatibility.
Clear coating the stump really brings out the rick dark color of the char.
We are using a spray clear coat to seal the bark in an attempt to keep it from flaking. In time, if this doesn't work, Steph will go back and seal it with epoxy.
We used epoxy to fill in the decayed area.
In the year that the stump was drying, this area started to decay. We decided to make this into a secret compartment. We used epoxy with a little bit of blue pigment to create a flat bottom to the area.
Casters were added to make the footstool easy to move around.
Casters were added to make the footstool easy to move around.
The footstool in place. The greyhound wanted to be in the picture.
All finished and in place.
The lid comes off to expose the secret compartment--I think Mac has discovered the dog treat inside!
The lid comes off to expose the secret compartment--I think Mac they greyhound has discovered the dog treats inside!
We've added something new to the end of this video--an epilogue! It's a short conversation sharing a little bit about the behind the scenes of the making of this project. Let us know what you think. 

We acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with us to participate in the ProSpective 2019 Campaign. As a part of the Program, we are receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are our own words. Our post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don’t claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

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2 Comments
Gail G Stephens
1/9/2020 11:09:48 am

I love the concept but as we all read it so are the criminals. They have so many places to go to look for our valuables!! books hollowed out, fake receptacles, stumps, rocks, soup cans.....
I can't help but comment to Vicki after I read her post on the grandkids visit. They eat ALOT of sausage which is understandable, particularly being gluten free, But only one gallon of milk with that much sausage!!! Are they lactose intolerant also? I am a firm believer in getting you nutrients from the source...calcium from milk and cheese. Guess that is why at 65 I have solid bones. We went thru a gallon a day when my 3 kids were young till they graduated from high school and they all still drink milk! Just a observation on the world today and how there are so many things we have become intolerant of.

Reply
Vicki
1/9/2020 01:51:50 pm

Yeah, that is an interesting observation. No, as far as I know, they aren't lactose intolerant, they just aren't big milk drinkers--don't really know why though. ~Vicki

Reply



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