Help in Building a Storage Bench

Getting Started

• Create a storage bench by building a box with a cushioned lid. Alter the basic plans to embellish the look of the unit with additional wood pieces. Pine is a cost-effective wood, but since this is a relatively small unit, choosing a higher quality wood can keep this unit affordable. In addition to wood and screws, you will have to have a saw, a drill with a countersink bit and a piano hinge.

Build the Box

• Form the bottom of the unit with three pieces of 1-inch thick wood. The bottom dimensions establish the dimensions of the entire chest. Cut the boards for the sides of the storage bench to match the width of the three bottom boards. Make posts by cutting 2-inch-by-2-inch pine to yield four pieces. Choose your own height; 13 1/2-inch-long pieces will produce a comfortable sitting height. Attach the sides to the corner posts. Take into account space for the bottom.
  Lay two rectangular pine boards on top of two of the corner posts to create the side. Drill holes for screws using a countersink bit. A countersink bit creates a hole that allows screws to sit below the surface and leaves space for a wood plug to hide the screw. Build the other side.

Create the Cushioned Top

• Slip the box over the three bottom boards. Screw the bottom boards to the sides. Attach the piano hinge to one of the long sides of the box. Take two 1-inch thick boards and lay them side by side to create the lid. Lay two 1-inch-by-2-inch posts across the two large boards and screw them in place to hold the two large pieces together.
  Cut a piece of 2-inch-thick foam slightly wider and longer than the top of the storage bench. Cover the foam with your choice of fabric. Avoid lightweight fabrics that will not hold up to the wear and tear from people sitting on the fabric. Use self-fastening strips to attach the foam to the lid. Finish the wood with a wood stain or paint.