How to Build a Bench with Storage

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a bench with storage. If you want to learn more about building a seat 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 bench plans featured on our website. Plan everything with attention and adjust the size and the shape of the bench 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.

Projects made from these plans

Building a storage bench

Building-a-bench-with-storage

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 6 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 15″ long, 2 pieces – 35″ long LEGS
• B – 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 19 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 46 1/2″ long SLATS
• C – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 45″ long, 9 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 19 3/4″ long BOTTOM
• D – 3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 48″ long, 1 piece – 46 1/2″ long LID
• E – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 48″ long BACKREST

• 12 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 6 ft
• 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 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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How to Build a Bench with Storage

Building-the-sides-of-the-bench

The first step of the project is to build the sides of the storage bench. In order to get a professional manner, we recommend you to build the side legs out of 1×6 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the slats and get the job done with a circular saw.

Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and attach the side slats using 1 1/4″ galvanized screws. Align the components with great care and leave no gaps between the components.

Building-the-face-of-the-bench

Continue the woodworking project by assembling the front and the back faces of bench with storage. First of all, we recommend you to build the components out of 1×6 lumber, after taking accurate measurements.

Leave no gaps between the slats before inserting the screws into place. Add waterproof glue to the joints in order to create rigid joints. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws.

Building the frame of the bench

The next step of the project is to assemble to frame of the bench with storage. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats of the front and back faces and secure them to the perpendicular components. Make sure the corners are right-angled and add glue to enhance the bond of the components.

Attaching the cleats

Attach the 2×2 lumber cleats to the interior faces of the storage bench. Drill pilot holes and secure the cleats to the frame by inserting 2″ screws.

Fitting the bottom slats

Continue the woodworking project by fitting the slats to the cleats. Cut the components at the right size and secure them to the cleats with 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints in order to create a rigid structure.

Fitting-the-lid

Building the lid for the storage bench is a straight-forward process, but you need to pay attention to the instructions described in the diagram. Secure the slats to several 1×2 cleats, making sure you leave no gaps between the slats.

Fit the back support to the back of the storage bench and lock it to the frame  with 1 1/4″ screws. Afterwards, secure the lid to the back supports using several metal hinges.

Building the backrest

Attach the 1×6 slats to the back of the wooden bench. Drill pilot holes through the slats and secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ galvanized screws. Leave about 1″ between the slats in order to get a professional result.

How to build a bench with storage

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the table from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the bench in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a bench with storage. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects.

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