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This storage bench can have a variety of uses and in my case it will be used as a toy box. Additionally, as our boys grow up, this bench can be utilized as storage for activities they grow into and it will always function as additional seating if needed.
This is a beginner friendly project that will get you comfortable with a few common DIY tools!
Here is a little before of the area!
Tools needed:
All of the tools I used for this project were provided by HART tools! They have an amazing product line that are perfect for DIY projects and can be found at your local WalMart!
Check them out here!
Materials needed:
- 8 ft – 2×3’s
- 8ft – 1×6’s
- 8ft – 1x4’s
- 1 1/2″ screws
- 3/4″ plywood
- L-piece molding
- Caulk
- paint
- 1″ batting material or canvas
- casters
- hinges
Plans and Cut List:
I started out by making a basic frame. I used 2×3’s for this part and cut the following lengths:
4 – 2×3 @ 36”
4 – 2×3 @ 17”
4 – 2×3 @ 15”
Building the frame
I added pocket holes to both sides of all my 15” and 17” pieces. (This is preference and not necessary but I think they create a stronger joint! This is a great beginner kreg jig)
Once I had my frame pieces cut, I began to assemble the front and back sides first, connecting two 36” pieces to two 15” pieces.
After that I connected those two frames with the 17” pieces horizontally to create the box!
Assemble the walls
Now I cut my planks. In my case I used left over hard wood floors that I had but to get the same look you can use pine boards which are pretty affordable. To get the correct height you just have to decide what width of boards you want, in this case we will use 3 1×6’s and 1 1×4 on each side so that the total height will be 20”.
You will need to cut:
6 – 1×6 @ 36”
6 – 1×6 @ 20”
2 – 1×4 @ 36”
2 – 1×4 @ 20”
Now you can assemble, one side at a time. I chose to use liquid nails to secure my planks because I didn’t want to have to fill a ton of nail holes and glue is very strong and highly underrated! The only downfall is you need to allow time for each side to dry before going on to the next!
I would let mine dry about half a day each, so two days of waiting but very little work during those days. If you would rather use a Brad Nailer to avoid the wait time, HART tools makes a great one!
Once the sides were all paneled I secured a base to the bottom using 1” screw and liquid nails for added support. For this step you need to cut your 3/4” plywood to 19”x35”.
Add wheels
I chose to add casters that I had to the bottom so that we have the option of easily moving the bench around for seating somewhere if needed.
You will want to equally measure out the placement to your preference and drill a hole slightly smaller than the caster. I went 2″ down and 3″ in at each corner. Hammer in place.
Add Molding
Next to give it a more finished look add L-piece molding to the four sides of the box, using liquid nails and a few brad nails. Lastly caulk these seams.
Create the lid
For the last piece you need to cut the last plywood piece to make a top 37” x 21”. Set aside.
Lightly scuff the surface of your box before you prime and paint it to the color you choose. I chose to use left over paint I had on hand, which was “Mandi White” from Sherwin Williams.
Cover the bench top
Before attaching the top we need to make the cover. Take cotton batting and cut to size slightly bigger than the plywood top about 5” overhang on all sides. I attached this using staples all the way around the perimeter of the top.
Now you want to take your material, in my case I got some clearance material for 9 bucks but I was going to use this canvas drop cloth and cut it approximately 16″ longer than the plywood top. About 54″ X 38″.
Lay it upside down and you want to pull very snugly and staple along the entire edge. Keeping the same tightness throughout so it looks even.
For the corners you want to wrap sort of like a package as seen below.
Now attach the top to your bench base with hinges. I used 2 of these hinges and attached them to the top of the bench first and then the outside of the bench in the back.
Fill it up!
Now fill it up with whatever you desire, in this case toys and sit back and enjoy your new storage bench!
Like always you can catch me doing these projects in real time over on my Instagram page in stories! Happy building!
