Storage Bench
More often than not, our rooms contain unique little spaces that require unique little solutions. Maybe it’s a nook under a dormer window or a new spot created by an irregular piece of furniture. No matter! Here’s an easy, step-by-step breakdown of how to create your own storage bench—equally perfect as a window seat and a tiny display area for photos or books.
Please keep in mind that these instructions are just a guideline. You can adjust your dimensions to whatever you need!
Lumber Required:
- 4x8’ piece of plywood (3/4” thick)
- 8’ piece of 1x6” aspen
Materials List:
- 6d and 3d finishing nails
- Wood filler (paintable and/or stainable)
- Countersink bit
- Paint (or stain)
- Foam paintbrush
Tools Needed:
- Table saw
- Hammer
- Mitre box (and saw)
- Tape measure
Construction Steps:
1. From your 3/4" plywood, cut the two sides of your bench to the following length: 15 1/2" x 25" each. Now mark the shorter sides accordingly—lines at 3" and 3 3/4" on one end, then lines at 4" and 4 3/4" on the other end.
2. Cut the top and bottom of the bench to 15 1/2" x 31 1/2" each. Then, with 6d nails, attach both to the lines you made in Step 1 (The piece attached at the 3" line will serve as the top seat).
3. Mark the center points of your top and bottom boards. Cut your center divider to size (15 1/2" x 16 1/2") and nail into place.
4. For support underneath the seat of your bench, cut two 6x6" triangular braces and attach them at the center of each side.
5. Your piece of 1x6" aspen will provide finishing strips for the entire bench. With a table saw—and then a mitre saw—cut it to these lengths:
- 31 1/2" for the front and back of the top and bottom
- 25" for the front and back of the sides
- 16 1 2/" for the front and back of the center divider
- 16" for the tops of your sides
6. Attach the aspen strips with 3d finishing nails, countersink and fill with wood putty.
7. Finally, apply a paint (or stain) colour of your choice. You can even add a cushion to the top if you prefer!
http://timbermart.ca/projects/around-house/storage-bench
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