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A Super Simple Easy Storage Bench

November 18, 2009 |

13 Comments

posted by Ana White

PDF version

This super simple bench can find uses anywhere in your home. Special thanks to one of our readers for sharing their photos of this exact project plan.

Handmade from this plan >>

Projects built from this plan. Thank you for submitting brag posts, it's appreciated by all!

Handmade by: osuzannesky
Handmade by: kristilmay
Handmade by: Shellipsm

About Project

Author Notes:

Dimensions

Dimensions:

38" long x 11 1/2" wide X 18" high

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

1 - 1"x10" length 10'

4 - 1"x2" length 8'

1 - 1"x12" length 4'

wood glue

wood filler

120 grit sandpaper

primer

paint

Tools:

measuring tape

square

safety glasses

hearing protection

circular saw

nailer

sander

Cut List

Cut List:

A) 2 - 1x10 @ 17 1/4"

B) 2 - 1x10 @ 34 1/2"

C) 4 - 1x2 @ 17 1/4"

D) 4 - 1x2 @ 33"

E) 1 - 1x12 @ 38"

Step 1

"Build the box" as shown above. I left a 3" clearance under the bottom shelf. Use 2" nails and glue. Nail through the sides of A into the edges of B, as illustrated in the above diagram.

Step 2

Nail the 4 leg trim pieces, C, in place as shown above. Keep the outside edges flush with the bench side. Nail through C into the edges of A and B.

Step 3

Nail the pieces D in place as shown above. Keep the top edge of the bench flush. You can add a lip to the bottom shelf if you desire (to keep things from sliding off the shelf. This is shown above.

Step 4

Glue and nail the top piece on, centering the top on the bench. Use 1 1/4" nails.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Fill all holes with wood putty and let dry. Sand and paint or stain as desired.

May I Suggest a Finish?

Espresso Stain

Staining and Finishing Tabletops

Medium Warm Stain

Bench, Coffee Table, Bookshelves, Bedroom, entry way, Kids and Toys, storage and organization, Beginner, Under $20, Children's, Cottage

13 Comments

This was my second project

This was my second project ever, and I was shocked when I realized that not only did I finish it in one night, but that it actually HOLDS ME UP, too! LOL- Instant gratification, and I am suddenly looking at the world in a whole new light- (Why CAN'T I make all my furniture to suit me?! A few of these would make great window boxes!) I would highly recommend this as a very first project. There were no snags, tricks, or snafus. Very basic and very rewarding! Thank you, ANA! *Beth in NY

posted by Anonymous (not verified) | on Fri, 2010-02-19 06:05

I just made this as my first

I just made this as my first project (still needs paint), and I agree, super easy! I am fairly slow, and completed the build in under 3 hrs. That's using hammer and nails, I think I need a nailgun! Would've made this bench doable in easily under an hour, I think. It also holds my weight, and I'm very excited to finish it so I can share! The only change I made was to set the top piece flush with the back of the unit, so it's only centered on 3 sides. This was my first project, but will NOT be my last! Thanks a million Ana!

posted by Amanda in Albany (not verified) | on Sat, 2010-02-27 17:15

forgot to add- I only bought

forgot to add- I only bought 3 (not 4) 1x2s @ 8 feet. From the first one came all 4 Cs, and then I had 2 Ds cut from each of the remaining two. Only saves a couple bucks for that 4th board, but every bit counts!

posted by Amanda in Albany (not verified) | on Sun, 2010-02-28 17:32

I just bought the lumber for

I just bought the lumber for this today! I'm so excited to build the bench - my first project!

posted by JillT (not verified) | on Wed, 2010-03-03 10:57

I bought the lumber for this

I bought the lumber for this today and completed it in under 2 hours! That's having to redo the box part with thicker nails because my hubby made me get nails that were just too small. It was wobbly and I was certain I did it wrong. Last time I listen to Hubby LOL. Thanks a ton for the super simple plans! It was
easy and very straightforward. I am a visual learner and the pics helped immensely!

posted by Christine (not verified) | on Sun, 2010-05-09 17:33

I just did this bench as my

I just did this bench as my first project. I was terrified, but...WOW! I finished it in one night, with a lot of guidance and support from my husband. I used hammer and nails too. It would be a lot faster with a nail gun, but was still VERY doable. Yes, this is definitely a GREAT first time project. And it looks SOOOO cute under my window. It is amazing that I actually built something that looks cute and doesnt fall a part! WOW!!!! Thanks Ana!

posted by Cami Koralewski (not verified) | on Sun, 2010-08-01 20:16

Would I be able to make this

Would I be able to make this bench using screws instead? Similar to the Kid's Country Bench?

posted by Sarah (not verified) | on Tue, 2010-11-30 12:26

Absolutely!

posted by Ana White (not verified) | on Sun, 2010-12-05 23:54

I finished making all the

I finished making all the cuts last night. I'm so excited to be working on my first woodworking project! I can't wait to post when I've assembled and finished it! Thank you so much for your inspiring website!

posted by Suzanne (not verified) | on Wed, 2011-02-02 07:20

I'm about to make it, and

I'm about to make it, and will used screws and glue, so it will last, with two kids jumping on it! :). I'm also making it 2" shorter, and will upholster the top, using 2" foam. I can't wait to get started, and will post pics when dine! LOVE your site!!

posted by Shelli (not verified) | on Fri, 2011-11-18 09:06

fitting the bench to a table

This is my first project. I'm gogin to make two for my preschool table and am trying to figure out how to adjust hte seat to the right hight. How do I know how much room to leave between the bottom of hte table and hte top of the seat so they will be in hte correct position to write?

posted by Aliciaphelps (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-07-14 17:58

I just finished mine! Made it

I just finished mine! Made it 2" shorter, and upholstered the top, using 4" foam and fabric,

posted by Shelli Aderman (not verified) | on Tue, 2012-08-21 23:59

On the way!

Dear Ana! Thank you sooo much for this site. I have been looking at it for months; dreaming of projects to do, but too scared to try any. My husband's birthday, necessity and lack of funds finally forced me to pick up a drill and just go for it. And it worked. The earth didn't swallow me up- It was even easy! I have to sand and paint and then I will send a picture of thefinished bench. I learned so much in making this, I am going to attempt some more projects (I will get a kreg jig someday). Thank you again! It really is wonderful that you have made it possible for people to learn how to make nice wood furniture exactly the way they want instead paying for overpriced crap. THANK YOU!!

posted by Angela E | on Sun, 2013-04-14 03:16

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