How to Build a Kid's Storage Bench

Cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood into four pieces measuring 48-by-16-inches and two pieces measuring 14 1/2-by-16 inches.

Assemble a box by sandwiching the two smaller pieces between two of the larger pieces.

Drill three 1/16-inch pilot holes into each corner, through the side of the outer piece of wood and into the end of the sandwiched piece.

Assemble the box with three 2-inch wood screws per corner. The pilot holes will help to prevent the wood from splitting.

Lay one of the remaining pieces on top of the box, lining up the edges.

Drill pilot holes every 4 inches along the edge of this piece, then screw it to the box with wood screws.

Flip the box over. The piece you attached in the last step is now the bottom.

Screw a 48-inch piano bench hinge along the top of one long side of the box, drilling pilot holes first as needed.

Screw the other side of the hinge to the edge of the final piece, forming a lid. Your screws for this connection must be no longer than 1/2-inch to ensure that you cannot pierce through the surface of the lid.

Sand the entire box with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any splinters or burrs.

Prime and paint the bench as desired. If you prefer bare wood, skip this step.

Cut a 48-by-16-inch piece of 3-inch thick upholstery foam with scissors.

Select a fabric for the cushion cover and cut out a piece that measures 56-by-24-inches.

Drape this fabric over the upholstery foam with an equal amount extending over each side.

Fold the fabric under the bottom of the foam and secure it in place with straight pins.

Remove the pins one by one and hot glue the fabric in place against the underside of the foam. Do not touch the foam itself with the hot glue gun or it will melt.

Apply a generous amount of hot glue to the lid of the bench and press the covered foam pad in place. This turns the top of the bench into a comfortable place to sit.