How to build a storage bench with flip top and shelf. Free plans from Ana-White.com.

Handmade from this plan >>

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

Handmade by: TheBramFam
Handmade by: lphair
Handmade by: ValerieMcClintick

About Project

Author Notes:

Hi everyone!

Thank you so much for your patience with me as we've been traveling for the past few weeks. It's been fun being on book tour but we are so happy to be on the home stretch.

I wanted to tell you that it's been quite sad to not only be without our child, but our child hasn't wanted to talk to us since we've been gone. Every time we call home, she's distracted and won't sit still to talk to us. Her behavior hasn't been angry - more like she's doing cartwheels or coloring, and doesn't want to be bothered.

I've been quite sad about it, and wondered if she's so grown up now that Mom and Dad being gone just doesn't matter much.

Well, we got the whole story this morning.

Aunt Sherry told Grace that her mama was really sad that she didn't want to talk to her on the phone.

And little Gracie said she DID want to talk to mama. But she was afraid she might start crying.

Now I'm the one crying!

So many of us here are Mom's that get to stay home with our children, as I have been blessed to do for the past five years. But we working Mamas don't have it any easier. There really is no shortcut or easy route to raising children, is there? We are so blessed to be parents and are very much looking forward to seeing our little one tonight!

But first, we are doing our final Home Depot Workshop book signing!

Hello Seattle!!!! I can't wait for our final Home Depot Workshop book signing tonight! If you are in the area I'd love to meet you! We will be at the Home Depot in Southcenter and the book is free with $20 purchase!

Seattle (NOTE STORE CHANGE!!!)
6:00-8:00 PM, Thursday, October 18, 2012
6810 South 180th Street
Tukwila, WA 98188

A special thank you to those of you who made it to our Salt Lake City and Chicago Signings. At our Chicago signing, I met Jackie who asked for the storage bench plans from page 33. We do have these plans, but they are so old, I wanted to redraw for you - so here goes! Thank you Jackie!

One of my very first projects ever was this flip top storage bench. Years later, hundreds of pieces of furniture later, I still can’t part with this bench. I love it’s versatility, with a shelf below for storing shoes and boots, and a top that flips open to hold magazines, books, mittens, or whatever else you need close at hand but hidden neatly away.

So of course it’s inside the book, but now I am even more excited to share the completely redone plans to you!

Dimensions

Dimensions:

dimensions are shown above

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

1 - 1x12 @ 12 feet long
1 - 1x4 @ 12 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long

Cut List

Cut List:

4 - 1x3 @ 17 1/4"
2 - 1x4@ 38 3/4"
2 - 1X2 @ 38 3/4"
2 - 1X2 @ 17 1/4"
2 - 1X4 @ 8 1/4"
2 - 1X2 @ 8 1/4"
2 - 1X12 @ 42 1/2"
1 - 1x4 @ 48"
1 - 1x12 @ 48"

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

When I built my bench way back when, I did not even know about pocket holes. But you’ll find building this bench much easier with pocket hole construction. All you will need to do is make two frames for the front and back as shown in diagram.

Step 2

And then make two frames for sides with the 1x2 legs instead.

Step 3

Then just attach the four frames together, hiding pocket holes to insides.

Step 4

Test fit the shelves inside the frame. You want snug, not tight. If you need to, you can trim down shelves. Once the shelves fit right, drill 3/4” pocket holes around all sides and fit into place. Attach with 1 1/4” pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 5

The back portion of the bench is fixed. Attach with screws and glue to top of bench, overhanging ends by 2” and back by 1”.

Step 6

The top front is just hinged to the top back with narrow profile hinges, installed inside the gap in between the top boards. The easiest way to do this is to position the bench top pieces as if the bench was fully open, and on the exposed inside edges, screw on hinges. Test to make sure bench closes well and adjust if necessary.

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.

May I Suggest a Finish?

Staining and Finishing Tabletops

Minwax Oil Based Stain on Birch

Minwax Water Based Stain on Oak Hardwood Plywood

Not Much >>

What's going on up here in Alaska.

Ana, is the bench in the

Ana, is the bench in the picture 48" wide? The plan calls for 48" wide, but the picture looks longer than that. I want a long bench like what you have in the pic. Thanks.

posted by Maira (not verified) | on Thu, 2012-10-18 20:23

clips

Bench Width

Hi Maira, my bench is actually about 5 feet long. I shortened the plans up a little because I wanted to get all of the boards on a 12 1x12. To modify the plans, just add 12" to all of the horizontal boards. We have not structural problems at the 5 foot length, with adults able to sit on the bench without sagging or any issues. Best luck building it! Ana

posted by Ana White | on Fri, 2012-10-19 14:14

Congratulations on the book

Congratulations on the book and on making it through the tour! My husband travels a lot for work (he's a Cdn. military chaplain), and he often got frustrated when our girls didn't have much to say when he called. As they get older it has gotten better. We don't usually think of talking on the phone as a skill that our kids need to learn, but it does take some practice, especially when they aren't used to talking to you that way!

And while he has been away a lot, I haven't been away from them for longer than 3 nights. Eleven would be hard even now & my girls are 10 and 7!

I also wanted to say a huge thanks for all you do. I have been following you blog for several years now and in the last year have finally started building. I love it, and would never have considered doing it without your plans and the inspiration I get from the blog and other builders here. My collection of Ana White furniture is growing, and whenever anyone asks me about how I started doing this I tell them that there was this stay-at-home mom up in Alaska who decided to build her own furniture and show others how. She even posts plans for free! How amazing is that? It's not an exageration to say that you have changed the way that I look at my home, and what I put into it. I am no longer limited to what I can find or afford, and can customize things to suit my space. I now have a great new creative hobby that I love. I get a thrill every time I sit on a chair or sleep in a bed that I made! I truly can't thank you enough.

I hope your book does fabulously well and can't wait to see what you have in store for us next!

Sherry

posted by storchinsky | on Thu, 2012-10-18 22:49

Hi Sherry! Thank you so much

Hi Sherry! Thank you so much for the encouragement and inspiration! When something is handmade, it means so much more, especially when you make it for you family! I agree! I can't help but be thankful after this trip that I have been able to be with my child all these years - a blessing for sure! We met up with her at the airport last night, and we were fighting over who gets to hold her, sit next to her, hug her! Thank you for the lovely comment! Ana

posted by Ana White | on Fri, 2012-10-19 14:30

Hi anna... great geautiful

Hi anna...
great geautiful design and great tutorial

regards
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posted by siblek31 | on Tue, 2013-04-23 01:55

Ana! I haven't commented yet

Ana!
I haven't commented yet on how excited I am about your book and how excited I am FOR YOU! You deserve it! And it is terribly hard to leave the little one. At that age they def are awfully busy for the phone! Hopefully someday you make it closer to me, but I live in the sticks so it will probably be on book tour #3 or something. haha.
Anyway, I too am interested in the bench and am halfway through building the cubbies on pg 33. I noticed the plans were a bit older for the bench so thanks for the update! Can't wait to make it this weekend! :)

THank you thank you thank you! You rock X1000.

posted by Christa/DakotaTransplant (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-10-19 09:32

Hi Christa! Thank you so

Hi Christa! Thank you so much! Wish we could have done more dates, maybe next time! I am so glad the bench plans are useful to you! Thanks again! Ana

posted by Ana White | on Fri, 2012-10-19 14:37

Hello Ana Just wanted to tell

Hello Ana

Just wanted to tell you that your book arrived for me, in the UK, today! Like a kid in a candy shop, I can't decide which plan I want, or need, first?! To say I am excited is not an understatement and want to say Thank you for inspiring and giving me confidence through your blog to go out and achieve what IS possible. Nita UK

posted by Nita (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-10-19 10:01

YAY!!! Thank you so much for

YAY!!! Thank you so much for ordering the book! Hope to see a project from you soon!

posted by Ana White | on Fri, 2012-10-19 14:20

Yea!

I just finished my first project from your book! I still have to paint...then I will do my brag post. So I was flipping through your book, again, and this bench caught my eye, and I was determined to find it on your blog today...and here it is all updated and ready for me to print! Yeah hoo! Thanks Ana!

I am so happy you get to go home soon to your little one, Kids are the purest blessings! You made me cry.

Mindi@ http://mylove2create.blogspot.com/

posted by dmcarwin | on Fri, 2012-10-19 10:58

Hi Mindi! Yay! I am so glad

Hi Mindi! Yay! I am so glad you've built a project from the book - can't wait to see!!!! Glad the bench plans are useful to you!

This trip has really made me see how blessed we truly are to have a child. We are so thankful! She was quite happy to see us!!!

Ana

posted by Ana White | on Fri, 2012-10-19 14:18

congrats

congrats on your book and going on tour without your daughter for 11 days. It must have been hard! Even though your are a mom, you still have to nurture your mind and your soul by following your own dreams and your own path even if that entails being away from your daughter for a time. By doing so it will only make your relationship with your daughter stronger. You have inspired so many with your gift and dedication, and in the process; inadvertently taught valuable life lessons to her. She has a great remodel and even though may have been sadden by (and you - her absence) your absence will one day exhibit your characteristics and may just inspire more individuals just you have done. Congrats!

btw thanks for the plans may just have to make this for our front hall.

posted by angeleyes | on Fri, 2012-10-19 20:12

I love this bench! I have

I love this bench! I have been on a search for a new piano bench that had storage for our music sheets. I just couldn't find something worth what price people were putting on them. I just need to bring the length of this down some and we will have our new piano bench! Anther great build!

posted by Kristi R (not verified) | on Sat, 2012-10-20 12:25

Thanks!

Just made the bench this afternoon, turned out great and am using it as a fireside bench.

Thanks for all the free plans, I'm enjoying all the new ones in your book too!

Blessings,

Valerie

posted by ValerieMcClintick | on Sun, 2012-10-21 02:05

Thank you!

Thank you so much Ana for these plans, finished the build yesterday and will post pics once I stain. It looks great and can't thank you enough for redrawing them! It was such a wonderful experience meeting you in Chicago! You're so sweet & patient!

Jackie

posted by Jackie Bramel (not verified) | on Mon, 2012-10-22 09:57

Type of Wood

Congrats on the book, the tour and your success overall!!!

I was just wondering what type of wood would work for this bench. Would Pine Softwood?

I am soooo new at this type of thing and just trying to get my husband on board so I can buy all of the needed things.

posted by ~Sara~ (not verified) | on Tue, 2012-10-23 11:38

Ana, where do you get your

Ana, where do you get your narrow profile hinges from? I looked at Lowes, but they didn't seem to have anything like that. Thanks!

posted by Jessica F (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-11-02 21:37

posted by Jessica F (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-11-02 21:44

Bench for your modified square farmhouse table

Hi Ana,
I am wanting to build 2 storage benches that would fit underneath your modified 8 person square farmhouse table. Would this plan work for that? If not, could I modify it to make it work?

posted by Carly (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-11-09 10:17

Plans for Wall Cabinet?

Ana,
I build this bench and it turned out great. Thanks! I'm trying to find some plans for the wall cabinet shown above the bench in your picture. Are those plans available?

posted by Stebbit (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-11-30 01:57

first build!

okay. One Miss Jen Woodhouse (of the House of Wood) directed me here. And I know it's ballsy - this doesn't look like a beginner project - but methinks this is going to be my first one. Here goes nothin'! I'll post some pictures when it's done...that is, IF it's photoworthy. If not...well, I'll have some scrap wood to work with when I start over, right?

Eeeeee!

posted by AmyKoopman (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-11-30 12:42

Edges

Ana, how did you go about finishes the edges? Roundover bit set shallow or something? We have several pieces of a brand name furniture that is a "attic" farmhouse styling so I'm looking at replicating the distressed finish to an extent. Plus something that will withstand a 7 year and 3 year old!

posted by Gary (not verified) | on Thu, 2013-01-03 08:41

Please help. I just spent

Please help. I just spent about 2 hours trying to figure out a cut list to make the bench a 5' bench like mentioned above. I added the 12" to all the length boards, but I'm unable to figure out how to make them fit in the smallest # of boards possible. I'm also trying to add the height to be 24" so I made each height board 23.25". But my brain just won't let me go from there. Is there a website or a program that helps this? Or is just the ol' calculator? Also, on the cut list you've got 2 - 1x2 @ 17 1/4 should there be 4 of these? if not, where am I coming up with my other 2 sides? are they a different width board? Thanks for your help!

posted by BrandyK (not verified) | on Thu, 2013-01-03 14:07

Same thing

I am trying to figure that out too. I am just going to have more cut. Just in case. Unless Anna sets us straight soon :)

posted by Angela J. | on Wed, 2013-01-30 03:11

posted by BrandyK (not verified) | on Thu, 2013-01-03 14:11

Storage shelf plans?

Ana, love the flip top bench plans. We have something similar in our breezeway. With three kids it's so helpful to have a place to sit and store all of our shoes. I love the shelf you have shown above the bench. Do you have plans for that? Need to build a storage/organizational space for all those coats, mitt, toques we seem to collect on our four season location.

posted by Elisha (not verified) | on Tue, 2013-01-08 12:10

Going to Attempt this

So I am building this bench with side storage, the bench will be 40" long but the supports will be 57" apart. If this makes sense should I add a 3rd support piece like the end pieces to the bench to make sure it is sturdy? or does anyone have any suggestions? Buying my supplies tomorrow. Thanks for any help :)

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Getting Started

Plan Catalog

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Flip Top Storage Bench New Plans

Handmade from this plan >>

About Project

Dimensions

Materials and Tools

Cut List

General Instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Finishing Instructions

May I Suggest a Finish?

Bench, entry way, Beginner, farmhouse

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