How To Make an Entranceway Storage Bench

Entranceway storage benches are popular in interior design. They offer a great focal point and conversation piece. They can store blankets, pillows and shoes to help keep clutter in the entryway down, while maintaining a pleasant decor style. They are easy to create and can become a long-lasting reminder of a fun afternoon project.

A great afternoon project with long-lasting usefulness is learning how to make an entranceway storage bench. These benches are fairly easy to construct and can be done on a beginner level. There are a few tools and items needed and most of the work can actually be done at your local home improvement store, for no additional fee.

Things you will need to make an entranceway storage bench:

• Six sheets of plywood or wood of your choice.


• Two decorative hinge kits


• Measuring tape


• Nail Gun


• Drill


• Screwdriver


• Paint or wood stain


• Weatherproof wood sealer

Step 1- Measure and draw out a design plan for the entranceway storage bench. Most entranceway benches are long, but have a shallow width. You will need measurements for the back, front, bottom, sides and top.

Step 2- Take your measurements and design to your local home improvement store. Choose the wood you would like to use for the entranceway storage bench and have the lumber department cut the pieces, according to your measurements. You can usually have the wood cut to your measurements, with no additional charge.

Step 3- Purchase two decorative hinge kits. These kits will come with all the hardware you need and simple instructions for connecting the hardware to your storage bench. You can use more hinges to attach the top of the bench and create a lid; however, two decorative hinges add a perfect touch, without overdoing the design.

Step 4- Using your nail gun; connect the front panel to the sides of the entranceway storage bench. Use the nail gun to connect the back panel to the sides and finally, the bottom to the entire unit.

Step 5- Connect the decorative hinges to the back of the storage bench. Make sure that the hinges are an equal distance from the sides of the bench. You will need to drill holes and connect the hinges, using the screws provided in the hinge kit.

Step 6- Connect the top of the bench to the hinges, to create the lid. Make sure that the hinges work and the lid shuts completely.

Step 7- Paint or stain the wood to the desired tint or color. Let the paint or stain dry for several hours.

Step 8- Coat the entranceway storage bench in weatherproof sealer. This is to protect from dampness in the house harming the wood. Let the sealer dry overnight.

Step 9- Begin using the entranceway storage bench and enjoy your project.