How to Make a Storage Bench

A wooden storage bench is a great place to tame all of the extra household clutter. It is especially useful in small spaces. Building a wooden storage box isn't a difficult project with the proper materials and tools. When complete your bench can be painted or stained.

Supplies

• Two  2 x 4 x 12 feet in length 


• Sheet of plywood 


• One 2 x 4 eight feet in length 


• Tape measure


• Saw


• Wood glue


• Screwdriver


• Screws


• Pair of hinges


• Pair of handles


• Sandpaper


• Stain


• Paint


• Brush


• Paint tray

1. Use your saw to cut the lumber to these sizes. Cut the eight feet 2 x 4 into eight pieces one foot in length. This will serve as the sides for the bench. 


2. Cut the additional 12 feet 2 x 4's into four pieces 48 inches in length.


3. Saw the plywood in half to make it easier to work with. From the top piece cut two pieces one foot by one foot. From the bottom portion cut it into four pieces each one foot wide. When cut the pieces will equal one foot by four feet. This will be used for the front back top and bottom portions of the bench.


4. Lay out four of the one foot 2 x 4 pieces into a square. Use your wood glue to glue the pieces together. Add wood screws with a screwdriver to make the bench frame sturdier.


5. Repeat the process to construct the other end with the remaining wood pieces.


6. Allow the squares to dry for at least three hours before proceeding. Put one of the 48 inch pieces on the corner of one of the squares and glue securely into place. Glue the other end of the 48 inch piece to the corner of the other square at the opposite end. Continue this procedure until all three of the remaining 48 inch pieces are attached to the squares. Add wood screw to the pieces for added stability. Set the piece aside and allow it to dry three hours.


7. Attach the plywood to the frame. Start by attaching in place the one-foot by four-foot pieces to the front, back, and bottom. Attach the plywood with your screws. Position on the side one by one foot pieces and screw into place.


8. Use medium grit sandpaper to sand the wood to remove any rough spots.


9. Paint or stain the bench.  Allow it to dry 24 hours.


10. Attach your two hinges to the top of the frame and the top piece of plywood with additional screws. Fasten this last piece of plywood in place with the hinge screws. The hinges should be located six inches from each end. This will serve as the lid for your bench.


11. Attach two brass handles to the top of the lid.