How to Build a Storage Bench

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a storage bench. If you want to learn more about building a storage bench, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are many other designs and plans to choose from when building projects for your backyard, so make sure you take a close look over the related plans that are featured on our site.

There are many plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the table plans featured on our website. Plan everything with attention and adjust the size and the shape of the table to suit your needs. Plumb the legs and make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the galvanized screws into place. Drill pilot or pocket holes to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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How to Build a Storage Bench

Building a storage bench

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 36″ long LEGS
• B – 4 piece of 1×6 lumber – 11 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 35″ long, 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 35″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 11 1/4″x33″ long PANELS
• D – 3 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 35″ long CLEATS 
• E – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 12″x35″ long BOTTOM  
• F – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 13 1/2″x35″ long SEAT
• G –  2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 16″ long, 1 piece – 38″ long TRIMS  

• 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 10 ft
• 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber -8 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x4′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• wood filler
• wood glue
• stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Bench plans
• Wooden bench plans

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Building a storage bench

Building the sides of the bench

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides of the storage bench. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the legs out of 2×2 lumber and the supports out of 1×6 lumber.

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the legs, after aligning the components with great care and making sure the corners are right-angled. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess.

Attaching the side panels

Next, build the side panels out of 3/4″ plywood and attach them to the structure, as described in the diagram. Leave no gaps between the components and add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure. Drill pilot holes and secure the plywood sheets to the structure using 1 1/4″ galvanized screws.

Building the frame of the bench

Next, fit the supports to lock the two sides of the storage bench together. Make sure you cut the components at the right size and drill pocket holes at both ends before securing them to the sides by using 1 1/4″ screws.

Attaching the back

Build the back of the storage bench out of 3/4″ plywood and drill pocket holes along the edges. Fit the plywood panel to the structure and secure it to the frame by using 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess using a damp cloth.

Attaching the front panel

Next, attach the 3/4″ plywood panel to the front of the storage bench. Drill pilot holes before inserting the 1 1/4″ screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess before it dries out.

Attaching the supports

Attach the 1×2 cleats to the interior of the storage bench, as described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the legs by suing 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to enhance the joints and use a spirit level to check if the cleats are perfectly horizontal.

Attaching the bottom

Attach the 3/4″ plywood bottom to the cleats and secure it into place with galvanized screws. Leave no gaps between the components and add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Attaching the seat

Fit the seat the the bench and secure it into place by using several metal hinges. Make sure the seat opens and closes properly before continuing the project. You could attach a cushion to the seat, if you want to add character to the project.

Attaching the trims

If you want to enhance the look of the storage bench, we recommend you to build the top trims out of 1×2 lumber, as described in the diagram. Fit the trims to the top of the bench and lock them into place by using 1 1/2″ finishing nails. 

Top Tip: Add glue to the joints and remove the excess material by using a damp cloth. Smooth the exposed edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a cleaner.

How to build a storage bench

After you have built the outdoor storage bench, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, you have to fill the head of the screws and the holes with a good wood putty. Let the compound to dry out for several hours, before sanding the surface with medium-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: Apply several coats of wood stain, in order to protect the components against water damage and decay.

This woodworking project is about outdoor how to build a storage bench. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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