For the fosters that love to play……I was chasing toys! I would have to retrieve toys from under the couch 100 times within a day. Some would just whine and look at me until I fetched their toy; Others would try to scratch at the floor trying to get the toy or pull themselves under the couch. SO I decided I had had enough. With a few scraps pieces of MDF we had around the house and some screws I created a toy catcher. This simple solution prevents the toys from going under the couch where the dogs can not reach them. Ultimately making my life easier. However I did not want something that would not stand out.
Using my miter saw I cut the MDF to the desired length. I Measured the distance from the outside on one leg to the outside of the other leg. I measured from the wall to the back of the leg. I wanted the couch to have a buffer between it and the wall so I added a few inches to this number.
I also had to measure from the outside of the leg to the inside. This is where I attached my side pieces.
I cut braces for each side to help hold the shape. And to prevent the dogs from pushing inwards when rowdy. The front when under the love seat will fit behind the front legs, and the sides inside the the front and back legs on each side.
I am a huge fan of the Kreg jig and pocket screws. I hate to see screws. I feel things have more of a finished look when you do not see the screws.
Due to the length of the couch and the flexibility of MDF I added a rear brace for this one.
To create the braces you simply decide where you want them, and measure. I did not have a pattern for this, I made it up as I went. I fourtyfived the ends of the braces. I screwed them into the front panel first and used a speed square to align my ninety degree angles. Since I only have two hands, I used a pencil to mark off where my edge would line up. Then I was able to screw it into place.
If I redo this project –
- I would paint it black to further help it blend into the background.
- I would use a jig saw or other small detail type saw to taper the front board so it is better hidden behind the legs of the couch and love seat.
- I would add felt, fun foam, or some other type of backing to the surface touching the floor to prevent scuffing and scratching.
Unfortunately I was in a hurry and once I got them in place I decided not to bother with the extras.
