DIY Deck Storage Bench

Form two planks of 17-inch and two planks of 45-inch 1-by-12 lumber into a rectangular box, with the ends of the 45-inch planks abutting the inside of the 17-inch planks' ends to make the corners of the box. The 17-inch planks are the legs of the bench, with the 45-inch planks are the top support and base of the bench.

Drill four evenly spaced pilot holes through each corner joint of the box and screw together with 2-inch screws.

Slide two planks of 15-inch 1-by-12 lumber evenly spaced between the top support and base planks -- there will be roughly 15 inches between them. Secure the divider planks to the top support and base planks with four evenly spaced 2-inch screws into each end.

Turn the bench so that it is resting on the base plank. The divider planks will make three cubbies in the bench for storage.

Place a 48-inch plank of 1-by-4 lumber upright along the back edge of the bench. Place a 48-inch plank of 1-by-12 lumber (bench seat) on top of the bench, abutting the 1-by-4 plank. There will be half an inch overhang on each end of the bench and around an inch at the front.

Secure the bench seat to the top support plank with 1 5/8 inch screws driven every 5 to 6 inches around the perimeter of the underside of the top support plank into the underside of the bench seat, which will make the screw holes hidden. Secure the back of the bench seat (the 1-by-4 plank) to the bench seat with 2 inch wood screws driven every 5 to 6 inches along the plank into the edge of the bench seat.

Place two 13 inch planks of 1-by-4 on either side of the bench seat, flush with the back of the bench back plank. Secure in place with four 2-inch screws driven through the side plank into the ends of the bench seat. This creates a nice 3-inch lip around the top of the bench seat.

Fill all visible screw holes with wood putty and let dry. Paint the bench in the desired color and when dry position on the deck with storage cubes or baskets inserted into the bench cubbies.