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Storage Bench

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Storage Bench

About Project

I was looking for a storage bench for our playroom that had a flip top lid, but wasn't going to be a bottomless pit for tiny pieces of toys...been there done that! Then I saw just what I was looking for! I made a few mods including leaving off the drawers because I plan to build some crates out of scraps to fit, and creating 3 sections on the bottom instead of the 2. ***Previous version sat flush to the floor, but i couldn't bring myself to leave it that way!!!***

Dimensions

Dimensions: 
18H, 45W, 17D

Materials and Tools

Shopping List: 

1- 2x2, 6ft
1- 1x3, 8ft
1- 4x8 plywood
this plan was designed for plywood that actually measures 3/4in

hinges for lid

1 1/4 inch finish nails
2 inch finish nails
wood glue
wood filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
paint
paint brush
Tools: 
measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
circular saw
compound miter saw
nailer
sander
level

Cut List

Cut List: 

Sides
2 - 13.5x16
4 - 2x2x18
4 - 1x3x13.5

Back
1 - 41.5x16

Bottom and Shelf
2 - 41.5x 16.25

Front
1- 41 1/2 x 7 3/4

Divider (you could do 1 or 2)
1- 16.25x6.75

Lid
1 -1x3x45(measure to fit)
1- 45 x 14.75 (you might want to cut this last to measure for perfect fit)

Cutting Instructions: 
Sorry I planned this for 3/4 in pieces, but i realized later that if you are using plywood its going to be slightly off, but it should only be off for the lid.

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

Storage Bench

Make all your plywood cuts (see diagram)
I'm planning to get my plywood cut in-store into 2 4'x4' pieces.

Step 2

Storage Bench

Assemble Sides using glue and 2" nails

Step 3

Storage Bench

Add the 1x3 trim at top and bottom. Secure with glue and 1 1/4" finishing nails

Step 4

Storage Bench

Once you have completed both sides, attach the back piece with glue and 2" nails
Make sure top edges are flush and check for square

Step 5

Storage Bench

Next add the bottom, and then the shelf
Make your marks for the shelf placement at 9 1/2 from the bottom (or 6 3/4 inches between the top of the bottom shelf and the bottom of the middle shelf). clear as mud?

Step 6

Storage Bench

Add the dividers

Step 7

Storage Bench

add the front
Don't forget to nail from the underside of that shelf!

Step 8

Storage Bench

Now add that 45" 1x3
Measure to fit

Step 9

Storage Bench

ok so i think my graphic shows the lid as 14.5 wide, that was before it dawned on me that you need a little overhang to lift the lid...duh.
So it should be 14 3/4 or 15
Add the lid using whatever hinge hardware you decide upon.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions: 
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

I plan to top mine with a long seat cushion and some toss pillows.

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Mrs. Mary D. Santos's picture
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Wow!

I love this plan! Thanks for sharing!

 
Ana White's picture
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What a great idea to put the

What a great idea to put the shelf under the toybox! We've got a bottomless pit of toys :) and it's no fun! Thank you for sharing, really nice plan!

 
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Any finished pics?

Do you have any pictures of this finished project? I love it and am working on it now as my first build on my own! Thanks for the inspiration!

 
biz_kid1's picture
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I think we'll use this as our son's "train table"!

Adding this to my "To-do" list! Thanks for sharing!

 
flydoos's picture
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This is exactly what we need!

This is exactly what we are needing in our playroom, possibly for the entryway as well. Thank you so much!

 
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turn into landing solution?

Ana, would it take a lot of structural work to extend the back of this up to add a hutch for coat hooks? We have a split-level entry, and need a behind-the-door solution for shoes, coats, and storage that doesn't require bolting to the wall or ceiling (halfway up the landing "wall" it turns into open railings around the top level living room). This storage bench would be perfect (shoe bin cubbies plus hinged storage lid), if only it had a higher back on it for coat hooks. No heavy shelves on top, just a back. Kind of like this concept (not necessarily this design): http://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Hall-Storage-Hx39-75-CHERRY/dp/B002644UBI...
Thanks!

 
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Look at her other lockers,

Look at her other lockers, entry way and mudroom pieces. I'm pretty sure I remember seeing one that had the top cubbies, coat hooks, a storage bench AND shoe space.

If not, just extending the rear legs and the back piece up higher, and framing it across the top with 1x something boards for the place to screw the coathooks.

The lift top on the bench would have to be notched around the rear supports instead of resting over them, or (easier) you could use a 2x4 across the inside of the upper box at seat height to make a place to attach hinges.

 
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could this be used for seating?

I'm wondering how much weight this could hold. I would love something like this for our eat in kitchen bench but I'm not sure if it could hold up two people?

 
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It's made of 3.4 inch plywood

It's made of 3.4 inch plywood and 2x4s ... that box on top provides plenty of support for 2 adults.

 

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