DIY Wooden Cubes from Old Chairs | Upcycled Seats 2026

These DIY wooden cubes aren't designed for a single specific purpose, but they can come in handy in many different situations: you can assemble a temporary shelf or use them as individual stools. Crafted from the frames of old beech seats with joints still in good condition, this project is a fantastic way to upcycle materials into versatile home improvement pieces.

Why Build These Wooden Cubes?

The frames measure 400×400 mm. It's not worth disassembling them to recover slats that would be too short for any other construction. Instead, it's better to think about how to use them as they are, just giving the surfaces a quick sanding. Once freed from the old upholstery, they proved ideal for making these wooden cubes. By joining the frames with metric screws and nuts, you can assemble the cube structures and complete them with a 10 mm plywood top cut to size. These cubes work perfectly as extra seating, makeshift shelving, or for any other creative use you can imagine.

Step 1: Removing the Upholstery

The old seats need to be stripped of their fabric covering, padding, and elastic straps. The most tedious part is removing the staples—about 150 per seat. You need to try to lift them without denting the frame while prying, being careful that the embedded part doesn't tear the wood fibers. For this kind of detailed work, having the right garden supplies and tools on hand makes all the difference.

Step 2: Preparing the Wooden Cube Frames

Sand the surfaces to expose the fresh wood underneath. The staple holes could be filled with wood putty, but here we choose not to, letting the piece hint at its recycled origin. The structure of each wooden cube consists of 4 frames assembled in a running bond, joined with 8 M6x70 mm screws inserted from the outside into Ø 6.5 mm pilot holes, countersunk to recess the head, and locked from the inside with matching nuts. Once your cubes are assembled, consider using them as unique side tables or stacking them to create a modular bookcase or shelving unit.

Step 3: Finishing the Wooden Cube

The particleboard panels are fixed to the structure with 4 wood screws of adequate length. Staying in the spirit of recovery, for the finish we used what was available in the workshop from leftover supplies—in this case, a water-based protective coat in a light walnut shade. This gives the cubes a polished look that pairs well with any sofa or bed in your home.

Creative Uses for Your DIY Wooden Cubes

These cubes are incredibly versatile. Use them as standalone nightstands next to your bed, as a makeshift coffee table, or even as extra seating for guests. Stack them in a corner to create a unique display shelf for plants and books, or use them in a child's room as toy storage. You can even place them on your outdoor patio furniture for a rustic touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wood is best for this project?

This project specifically uses reclaimed beech wood from old seat frames, but any hardwood or softwood frame of similar dimensions will work. The key is having sturdy corner joints.

Can I use these cubes outdoors?

If you plan to use them outdoors, you'll need to apply a weather-resistant finish. They would make great accents for your pergola or gazebo area, but be sure to protect them from the elements.

How much weight can each cube support?

When properly assembled with four frames and a plywood top, each cube can comfortably support the weight of a person sitting on it. For use as a shelf, they can hold books and decorative items with ease.

What tools do I need for this project?

You'll need a screwdriver or drill, sandpaper, a saw for cutting the plywood top, and a countersink bit for the screw heads. A staple remover or flathead screwdriver is essential for the upholstery removal step.

Can I paint or stain the cubes a different color?

Absolutely! Feel free to paint or stain the cubes to match your decor. A light walnut finish was used here, but you could choose any color that complements your wall decor or rugs.

Similar Projects

• DIY Playhouse with Slide
• Upcycled Pallet Coffee Table
• Reclaimed Wood Wall Shelves

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