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Modern Cedar Outdoor Storage Bench

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Submitted by Ana White on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 10:36
Difficulty
Beginner
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Build your own outdoor storage bench for about $40!  This is an easy to build project plans created by Ana-White.com

outdoor storage bench

Do you need some outdoor storage that looks nice and doubles as seating?  For about $40 you can build this cedar outdoor storage bench!

outdoor storage bench

With it's clean, modern design, it looks great in any outdoor space.  It's also a great spot for occasional seating.

outdoor storage bench

And there's a good amount of storage inside for hiding everything from packages to boots and shoes, or sporting equipment and toys.

This is a very easy to build project using inexpensive materials and basic tools.

How to Build Video Tutorial

Please take a second to watch the quick video tutorial of this build.

Outdoor Storage Bench Plans

The plans for this outdoor storage bench are below.  Thanks so much for using our plans, please post a photo when you are done!

Dimensions
outdoor storage bench dimensions
Dimensions shown in diagram

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 7 - cedar fence pickets 5-1/2" wide x 72" long, not dogeared (can also use 1x6 boards)
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - Set of hinges, suitable for exterior use
  • 8 - 2-1/2" long exterior self tapping screws (recommend star bit) I used these
  • 80 - 1-1/4" long exterior self tapping screws (recommend star bit) I used these

NOTE: Can substitute the 1-1/4" long screws for staples or brad nails in matching lengths

Cut List
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 15-3/4" - Frame boards
  • 9 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets or 1x6 boards @ 35-3/4" - Front and Back Paneling
  • 10 - 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets or 1x6 boards @ 15-3/4" - End Paneling and Floor Slats
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 34-3/4" (may need to measure and cut to fit) - Cleats
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 15-1/2" - Lid supports
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 12-3/4" - Floor slats

Cutting Instructions

Cut the longest boards first from the cedar fence pickets

Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Start by building the structural side frames for the outdoor storage bench.

Attach 2x4s together with the longer screws, two per joint, build two identical.

Step 2

Now add the cedar fence pickets to the outside with the shorter screws, two per end.

Hold the first cedar fence picket up by 3/4".

Step 3

Attach the front and back cedar fence pickets to the frame with the shorter screws, matching the side cedar fence picket placement.

Step 4

Attach 1x2s to the inside with the shorter screws to create cleats for the bottom of the outdoor storage bench.

Step 5

Place the slats on the cleats and screw or nail (or staple) down.  Nail or staple length is 1-1/4".

Step 6

Lay the 1x3 board top support boards down on top of the 2x4s, held to the back but with a small gap on the front.  DO NOT ATTACH to the box, this is part of the hinged lid.

Step 7

Lay the lid boards on top of the 1x3 lid supports and attach the lid boards to the 1x3 with either screws, staples or nails.

Attach the lid to the back with small hinges.

Cut out the front access for lifting the lid.

Help Improve This Plan

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Project Type
Coffee Tables
Bench
Toy box Plans
Outdoor Projects
Outdoor Seating and Lounging
Room
Outdoor
entry way
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

mrozinoz

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 15:26

Great plans as always. Would it be too much hassle to post metric plans too? Too difficult for us to follow in metric world. : (

LJMEDIA

Tue, 07/28/2020 - 23:13

Great photos ! I noticed companies are now going to buy instagram followers and likes to get a bigger audience. I have tried it and seems to work. Ill be coming back to check out more of your blogs.