tweets >>

Follow @_anawhite

Handmade from this plan >>

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

Handmade by: Erik
Handmade by: RoryCummings

Mimi's Storage Bench

Submitted by Ana White on Fri, 2012-02-03 18:55

[View]

Printer-friendly version

Send to friend

PDF version

About Project

Free easy plans to build an entry bench featuring lift top storage compartment. Step by step plans include shopping list, cut list, diagrams, and instructions.

Author Notes:

Hi everyone and happy Friday!!!

This last week, I've had the head cold that so many of us are dealing with. Annoying for sure! May have something to do with going from 80 degrees to -54 degrees in a few hours?

I am so thankful for each and every contributor who has helped me this week, making sure we keep delivering more plans. I truly wish I could post plans for every single request you send our way, and am committed to taking on as many as possible.

Today, I have a special treat for you. Mimi, from Blue Roof Cabin, DIYed this amazing hall tree for charity.

Yep, that's DIY!

And she's been kind enough today to also give us an opportunity to build our own, to use in our own homes, or to build for charity ourselves.

Really pretty, eh? If you love this, I highly recommend stopping over and visiting Mimi at the Blue Roof Cabin for lots more DIY projects. Very inspiring!

Today, we will start with the bench. I wanted to do plans for the bench and hutch seperately to avoid confusion for people out there just trying to make the bench. The hutch plans will come next week.

PS Mimi - I'm with your husband - everything you do DOES looks good :)

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions are shown above.

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x8 @ 6 feet long
1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1/4" plywood scraps or 1/2 sheet - If you are building the hall tree, consider using beadboard
1 - 4 1/4" base moulding 7 feet long
1 - 1x12 @ 28 3/4" long
1 - set narrow profile hinges

3/4 inch finish nails

2 inch finish nails

1 1/4 inch pocket hole screws

wood glue

wood filler

120 grit sandpaper

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

Kreg Jig™

drill

compound miter saw

nailer

sander

Cut List

Cut List:

FRONT/BACK PANELS
2 - 1x4 @ 27"
2 - 1x8 @ 27"
4 - 1x4 @ 17 3/4"
2 - 1x4 @ 7"
2 - 1/4" plywood @ 32" x 17 3/4"

SIDE PANELS
4 - 1x3 @ 17 3/4"
2 - 1x4 @ 7 1/2"
2 - 1x8 @ 7 1/2"
2 - 1/4" plywood @ 12 1/2" x 17 3/4"

TOP
2 - 1x4 @ 15"
1 - 1x4 @ 29"
1 - 1x12 @ 28 3/4"

Optional moulding cut to fit at base

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

You will need to build two - one for front and one for back.

Step 2

Also build two sides.

Step 3

Then attach all four panels to make a box. You can drill pocket holes to attach with pocket hole screws as well.

NOTE: you may wish to attach plywood pieces (next step) before assembly - especially if you are using small scrap pieces.

Step 4

Plywood the insides with 1/4" plywood or beadboard and attach with glue and nails.

Step 5

Build top frame first, then attach. Be careful to attach so that the front opening is square and measures 29" wide as well so your top goes on nice. Another option is to attach top to top frame (see last step) with hinges before attaching to base to make sure everything fits just right.

Step 6

I really like the added moulding. I recommend cutting to fit, mitering corners with a miter saw.

Step 7

You can attach hinges by setting on top (easiest method) or in the joint.

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.

Pin it

Submitted by PghMommaof3 (not verified) on Fri, 2012-02-03 19:59. #

bottom?

As this is built, is it open on the bottom?

Submitted by Ana White on Fri, 2012-02-03 20:07. #

Yes, this is built open

Yes, this is built open bottom. To add a bottom, I'd recommend 3/4" plywood, cut to size and attached on underside with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and glue.

Submitted by PghMommaof3 (not verified) on Fri, 2012-02-03 20:09. #

Thanks!

Great, thanks! I'll add this to my "to-do" list. Which seems to have more "to-do's" on it than I have time "to do" them!

Submitted by Rachael Hubbard (not verified) on Fri, 2012-02-03 21:00. #

Is there an estimated cost on

Is there an estimated cost on this? I LOVE it but am wondering if it would fit in my budget... A total on the whole thing, not just the bench?

Submitted by Joe (not verified) on Fri, 2012-02-03 22:46. #

Fire Truck Bed

Wonderful bed. What will it cost for me to build? I'm happy I found it!

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Fri, 2012-02-03 23:08. #

Build it!

Submitted by YankeeBelle on Sat, 2012-02-04 00:30. #

I Love it!

This is beautiful. What a generous gift for charity. Ordered my pocket hole jig today....this is DEFINITELY going on the list. Thank you Ana and Blue Roof Cabin for sharing these plans!

Submitted by melfosson on Sat, 2012-02-04 00:34. #

Google Sketchup file

Is it possible to make the original google sketchup file available for this plan so I can make some adjustments? I'm going to build this for a friend, but we need to change some dimensions, etc. I'd love to be able to show her the sketchup according to her dimensions instead of having to recreate the whole drawing myself in sketchup.

Submitted by Elle's best friend on Sun, 2012-02-12 04:58. #

I love this!

I was looking for plans to build a window seat for my small kitchen, when I came across your website. I am so impressed and inspired with all the designs and the talent of yourself and your contributers. I have never built anything, but the high cost of particle board furniture with their off gassing fumes along with the ease of your plans has got me believing. I read your website last night, called my best friend shared it with her and bought the kreg jig today. I'm ready to buy wood and supplies, but need some help with modifying the dimensions. I would like to make it 50" long to fit under my window. Any help you could provide would be greatly appreaciated!

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Sun, 2012-04-01 19:28. #

Window bench

I too have been looking for a window bench plan. If Elle's best friend finds a plan or if we can pressure Ana to create one :) let me know.

Post new comment

Not Much >>

What's going on up here in Alaska.

Momplex Cam >>

We are DIYing our moms a Duplex in Alaska! Check out our progress so far as we owner build a home, step by step. Read the Momplex blog here.

Most Viewed Plans

New here? Check out our most popular free, step by step furniture plans.

Laundry Basket Dresser	Flip Down Wall Art Desk
Farmhouse Table	How to Build a Loft Bed
Ten Dollar Ledges	Sausha’s Washer/Dryer Pedestals
Storage Sofa	Simple Outdoor Dining Table
$10 Cedar Raised Garden Beds	Farmhouse Queen Plans
Reclaimed-Wood Headboard, Queen Size	Storage Daybed