How to Build a Window Seat

Preparation

• 1

  Measure your window seat area and record the desired width, height and depth. Use your tape measure to accurately record the information by keeping it flat on the surfaces of the area like the floor and the wall underneath the window.

• 2

  Purchase a wall cabinet (or multiples) that correspond with the measurements taken. Make sure to find one that is capable of holding weight so that it doesn't collapse after someone sits down.

• 3

  Find 2"x4" or 2"x6" pieces of lumber in the desired type of wood you want to use for your project and have two pieces cut the width of your window seat, and 3 to 4 inches short of the length of the depth you recorded.

• 4

  Cut a piece of shelving material that matches the wall cabinet. This will become the top of your window seat. Use the measurements for both depth and width. If the wall cabinet you are using is deeper than your original depth measurement, make sure you add an inch to the depth measurement of this top piece.

• 5

  Find molding that will match either the existing molding along the floorboards of the room you are installing the window seat, or molding that matches the type of window cabinet you are using.

Installation

• 6

  Clean the floor around the area of the install. If it's carpeted, be sure to remove the carpet from the area by folding it back from the area (avoid cutting at this point to avoid a problem later), and take out any existing molding against the wall or other features.

• 7

  Begin installation by creating a frame out of your 2"x4" or 2"x6" lumber. Use nails, a hammer, and a T-frame to make sure the base for your window seat is accurately assembled. Use the shorter depth pieces on the two sides, and one in the middle for added support.

• 8

  Install the frame by laying it in the space you want to use and secure it to the wall by screwing it in place with a drill and screws long enough to go through the wood and into the wall along the back and then into the sides of the features on the side.

• 9

  Place your wall cabinets above the newly installed frame. If there is space on either side of your wall cabinet, be sure to center the cabinet on the frame. If you are using more than one, be sure to secure the cabinets together with a clamp and use wood screws to hold them together.

• 10

  Drill screws into the cabinets through to the initial frame to secure the wall cabinet to the frame instead of through the floor.

Finish Up

• 11

  Use your tape measure to record the distance between the edges of the wall cabinets and the side fixtures (walls or other cabinets). Cut a filler piece for either side of your wall cabinet if you find the wall cabinet does not fill the space exactly. There should be extra wood available with the kit purchased for the wall cabinet.

• 12

  Screw the filler pieces in place. Make sure the top and bottom filler pieces are even with the cabinet. If there is molding at the based of your wall cabinet, use a chisel to create a notch in the filler piece that will fit the molding. Do this for both sides and the top of your window seat.

• 13

  Place your piece of shelving material on top of your cabinet. This should fit snugly in the space above your wall cabinet. Secure this piece in place with clamps and use finishing nails to secure this piece to the wall cabinet below. For a finished look, be sure keep the nails in inconspicuous places along the edges.

• 14

  Caulk the edges of your window seat to the wall to give it a nice polished look. You can opt to apply trim to the top of your window seat along the wall as well to make it look more built in or to hide any imperfections if there is any space between the wall and the top piece.