Q: I have been looking for a metal or plastic umbrella can (or similarly, any tall bins up to 16" high) that can be converted to a seat when not in use. I can't seem to find such a product on the internet. Therefore, I am thinking of using a metal/plastic cylinder can (e.g. the one in the picture by Container Store), but I have no clue where to find the appropriate lid (e.g. a wooden lid). Any DIY solutions?
Sent by Ken
Editor: Leave your suggestions for Ken in the comments - thanks!
• Got a question? Email yours with pic attachments here (those with pics get answered first)
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Try it out with a board or something around the house first...I wouldn't think that it could support an adult's weight..if they do, you could always flip the cans over.
you could try one of those storage ottomans, and insert a metal canister on the inside (so it's umbrella/rain proof)
Home Depot sells various sizes of wood rounds for table tops, etc. If you find the right size and route the edge with a router to make a lip on one side, it could work.
Is that this? Do you think "durable polypropylene" would be sufficiently sturdy? I'd feel a little better about this idea if you simply flipped the can itself over, rather than fitting a lid to the top. If you can find a wooden round that fits into/against the bottom, that would be pretty easy, too. Though you'd have the added complication of keeping the bottom clean (unless the wooden round stayed detachable).
A wooden lazy susan perhaps? Its already a circle shape, and the wood ones tend to be pretty thick.
I would get a wooden circle that fits fairly snuggly in the top of the can (or make one by glueing some boards up and getting out the jigsaw) and then get or make a wooden circle that's at least 4" bigger in diameter, screw the two together from the bottom, and cover it with fabric or get a cushion to fit on top.
You should invent one! I would buy such a thing for my tiny apartment. Everything does double or triple duties in my place!
Just go to your local cabinet maker and have them cut/rout/make the piece you are looking for.
These questions are really starting to get frustrating as it seems to show customers need to by something ready made or manufactured. There was a time when people didn't go to Target to get what they wanted, they would go to a craftsman to get exactly what they were looking for. Heck a cabinet maker is probably closer than any other solution.
P.S. you'd be surprised how far a 6 pack of good beer will go in this instance!
I've been lusting after one of [url=http://www.amazon.com/Blomus-Laundry-Bin-Hamper-35/dp/B00008W6JA]these[ /url] for a long time, it might be what you're looking for if you are willing to pay that much.
Trace the circle onto a piece of 1/2 inch plywood or something equally strong. Cut out the circle with a jigsaw or band saw or something, making sure you are making the circle LARGER than the inner rim, not smaller. (If you want an overhang, add that dimension to the circle.)
Trace a second circle and this time cut it a quarter inch smaller than the shape (or whatever dimension makes it smaller than the inner diameter of the can, without a lot of slack).
Glue or screw or nail this board centered on the other circle so this one fits down into the can and the other one rests on the rim. Paint, sand, stain or upholster as desired...