How to Make a Hallway Bench

Stand two pieces of 14-by-16 inch, 3/4-inch plywood 20 inches apart, resting on a 16-inch edge. These are cubby dividers for the cubby hallway bench.

Abut two pieces of 14-by-60 inch pieces of 3/4-inch plywood on either side of the two cubby dividers. They should be centered and run parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the cubby dividers. The dividers should separate the length of the 60-inch pieces, which are the seat and base of the bench, into three equal parts of 20 inches.

Glue the ends of the dividers pieces to the 60-inch pieces. Secure them with three 1 1/2-inch wood screws driven through the seat and base panels into the ends of the dividers.

Turn the unit over, so that it is resting on one of the 60-inch pieces, which will become the base. Abut two pieces of 14-by-19 inch plywood over each end of the base and seat panels for the ends of the bench. The ends will be flush at the base, back and front of the bench, but extend up past the seat 2 1/2-inches, making stops on either end to hold a bench pillow in place.

Glue the end two panels in position, then secure with three evenly-spaced 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the end panels into the ends of the base and seat panel.

Place a sheet of 19-by-61 1/2-inch plywood over one side of the bench for the back panel. It will be flush at the top with the top of the end panels, flush with the base and make corners at the back with the back edge of the end panels. Secure in place with wood glue and 1 1/2-inch wood screws every 5 to 6 inches through the back into the base, dividers, seat and end panels.

Fill all the screw hole tops with spackle and let dry before painting the hallway bench. Finish the hallway bench once in position with a bench cushion on the seat, and a storage basket in each of the cubbies.