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Simple End of Bed Storage Bench

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simple end of bed bench plans
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Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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We designed this bench to fit at the end of a bed, but this super simple bench can find uses anywhere in your home. This is a free woodworking plan to help you build your own bench.

This bench is built using 1x12 and 1x10 boards, with 1x2 trim to add strength and finish edges.

Reader submitted photo by  BHOPPY  features modifications

Dimensions
Simple Easy Storage Bench
38" long x 11 1/2" wide X 18" high

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 - 1x10 - length 10' 
  •  4 - 1x2 - length 8' 
  •  1 - 1x12 - length 4'
Common Materials
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
paint
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"
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

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.
Project Type
Coffee Tables
Entryway Furniture
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
Seating
Bench
Room
Storage Solutions
Bedroom
Entryway and Mudroom
Kids and Toys
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Anonymous (not verified)

Fri, 02/19/2010 - 03:05

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

Amanda in Albany (not verified)

Sat, 02/27/2010 - 14:15

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!

Amanda in Albany (not verified)

Sun, 02/28/2010 - 14:32

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!

Christine (not verified)

Sun, 05/09/2010 - 15:33

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!

Cami Koralewski (not verified)

Sun, 08/01/2010 - 18:16

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!

Suzanne (not verified)

Wed, 02/02/2011 - 04:20

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!

Shelli (not verified)

Fri, 11/18/2011 - 06:06

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!!

Aliciaphelps (not verified)

Sat, 07/14/2012 - 15:58

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?

Angela E

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 01:16

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!!