How to Build a Built-in Storage Bench

Storage benches are the ideal piece of furniture for a front porch, mudroom or cloak room as they provide seating while you remove your shoes, as well as a place to store them out of site. While an entranceway is a traditional place for a built-in storage bench, the bench would not be out of place in a bedroom, living room or kitchen, and would certainly come in handy.

2 planks 3/4-inch plywood, 15 inches by 16 inches
2 planks 3/4-inch plywood, 16 inches by 48 inches
Wood glue
1 5/8-inch deck screws
Drill
1 plank 3/4-inch plywood, 17 inches by 48 inches
40-inch piano hinge
1/2-inch deck screws
Paint and paintbrush
Stud finder
2 5/8-inch deck screws

Instructions

- 1
  Form two planks of 15-inch by 16-inch plywood and two planks of 16-inch by 48-inch plywood into a rectangular box with the smaller end pieces abutting the inside edges of the larger pieces to make the corners of the box.
- 2
  Glue the corner joints of the box together and secure them with 3 evenly spaced 1 5/8-inch deck screws through each joint.
- 3
  Center one side of a 40-inch piano hinge along the 48-inch edge of a piece of 17-inch by 48-inch plywood, which is the lid of the storage bench. Secure the hinge to the lid with 1/2-inch deck screws. Center the lid over the box, which will have a 1/2-inch lip at the front, and secure the other half of the hinge to the back panel of the box.
- 4
  Paint the box and lid and leave to dry according to the paint manufacturer's instructions.
- 5
  Locate the wall studs where you want to install the bench. Place the box in position pressed right up against the wall, and secure it to the wall through the inside of the back of the box into the wall stud positions with 3 evenly spaced 2 5/8-inch deck screws.

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