A perfect cubby bench, featuring three cubbies sized to fit standard fabric drawers.
Preparation
2 – 1×12 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1×3 @ 8 feet long
Scrap 1/4″ plywood for the back (optional)
2″ screws or 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
1 1/4″ brad or finish nails
wood glue
wood filler
sandpaper
paint and primer
3 Fabric Drawers (make sure yours fit!)
2 – 1×12 @ 21″ (Sides)
3 – 1×12 @ 34 1/2″ (Shelves)
2 – 1×3 @ 34 1/2″ (Footer/Back)
2 – 1×12 @ 11″ (Cubby Dividers)
2 – 1×12 @ 2 3/4″ (Top Cubby Dividers)
1/4″ plywood or other backing @ 36″ x 21″ (Back, optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Box
Start by rounding off the top corners of the sides with a jigsaw. Clamp the two cut edges together and sand as one to get the same curve. Then mark then sides for the placement of the shelves. Predrill holes and attach the shelves to the sides with 2″ screws and glue or pocket hole screws and glue.
Step 2
Front/Back
Attach the front and back as shown in the diagram. For the bottom piece, make sure you also attach from the top into the top edge of the footer.
Step 3
Back
Attach the back with 1 1/4″ finish nails and glue. If you have some smaller nails on hand, attach to the top. Otherwise, glue and clamp in place. Don’t worry, we’ll be adding more shelves to help with attaching the back better. The back is also optional.
Step 4
Cubby Dividers
This should be pretty easy – just mark, place your cubby dividers in place, and predrill holes. Screw down.
Step 5
Step 6
Top Dividers
Now this step isn’t so much as tricky, but will require some trust in glue. Measure out the placement of the final dividers and apply glue. Slide the dividers in place. Screw the dividers down through the seat and with 2″ screws. Let dry. They won’t budge. Not when the dividers are that s
Comments
vpihoney
Thu, 04/14/2011 - 20:23
I made this bench!
This was my first project! I stumbled upon this website looking for a storage bench that would fit my small laundry/backdoor entryway room. I've been looking for one for a few years now and realized that I'd never find exactly what I needed. They were all so big and/or expensive. Now that my kids are 2 and 4 yrs old, organizing this room is priority. Shoes, books, backpacks, and other junk are everywhere. Kids are always squatting on the floor as soon as we walk in to take their shoes off; meanwhile, I'm stumbling over them. I'M THRILLED TO HAVE FOUND THESE BENCH PLANS AND WEBSITE. Thanks, Ana...you've unleashed the inner carpenter in me that's been dying to get out! I want to build everything now! I'm building an overhead, hanging storage shelf to match! The kids want a tree house, but that may be a few dozen projects away...
JennyH (not verified)
Fri, 01/20/2012 - 13:01
I love this! Do you have a
I love this! Do you have a plan that is two feet deep and three feet long? That would be perfect for my entryway. But, I want to make this, and your Braden entryway lockers and bench. I have never built anything, and I don't even have tools. But, Pinterest has made me think I can do things I would have never thought of before. Plus, you are so good at specific instructions with diagrams that it makes me believe that I actually may be able to try building and actually succeed. Then my mudroom and entry will be organized and gorgeous! Will post photos if I manage to build it right. You are awesome! Thanks for sharing AND empowering!!