Making a Bed Bench

Build the base frame. Lay two 48-inch 2x4s on a flat surface horizontally. Lay two 15-inch 2x4s vertically, one at each end of the 48-inch 2x4s. Apply wood glue to the edges of the 15-inch 2x4s, and glue them along the inner edges of the 48-inch 2x4s to create a rectangular base. Hammer two 3-inch nails into each end to secure the pieces in place.

Attach interior plywood. Lay rectangle base on a flat surface and gently drop the 15-inch by 45-inch section of plywood into the frame. Nail it into place along the base of the rectangle by placing 3-inch nails every 6-inches around the outer frame.

Attach bench legs. Apply wood glue to the top of each baluster and firmly press one into each interior corner of the frame. Stand the bench up, and drive two 3-inch nails through the plywood into each leg.

Paint the frame. Stand the frame on the drop cloth and paint it to the desired color. Be sure to fill in any detailed areas completely so no wood shows through. Allow frame to dry and continue to next step.

Assemble seat top. Select the 18-inch by 48-inch plywood, 18-inch by 48-inch foam, fabric, rubber cement and staple gun. Apply a layer of rubber cement to the top of the plywood section, and press the foam to the plywood. Lay the fabric out on a flat surface, and center the plywood on the fabric with the foam side facing down.

Connect the fabric. Pull the fabric over the edges of the plywood and pull tight. Staple the fabric to the plywood, working from the center towards the corners of the plywood to form a tight fit, stapling every two to three inches along the surface.

Attach the seat to the frame. Examine the seat base to ensure it has a nice smooth surface. Set it on top of the frame once the paint is dry. Nail the seat to the base by hammering 1-inch nails along the inner perimeter of the frame plywood up into the seat base.