How To Build a Storage Bench

A storage bench is the perfect addition to any entryway or mudroom, and gives homeowners a cozy place to sit and additional space in which to store their items. Building your own storage bench allows you to tailor the construction of the bench to your space and needs, which means the finished product will fit seamlessly among your existing furniture. Read how to build a storage bench in the step-by-step guide below.

Materials and Tools Needed

You must gather the right tools and materials before you begin constructing your bench. Invest in robust plywood, poplar lumber, and professional tools to make your project especially successful. 

Below is what you’ll need. 

Materials

• 1/2-inch cabinet-grade birch plywood
• 3/4-inch cabinet-grade birch plywood
• 1-inch pin nails
• 1-inch screws
• 1 1/4-inch pocket screws
• 1 1/2-inch brad nails
• 2 1/2-inch drywall screws
• Crown molding
• Decorative coat hooks
• Paint or stain
• Sandpaper (120-grit)
• Poplar lumber (1×8, 1×4, and 1×3)
• Wood filler
• Wood glue

Tools

• Clamps
• Drill/driver
• Jigsaw
• Measuring tape
• Miter saw
• Pencil
• Pneumatic brad nailer
• Pneumatic pin nailer
• Pocket hole jig
• Random orbit sander
• Router with a quarter-round stepped-beading bit
• Table saw
• Track saw

Preparing the Materials for a Storage Bench

Prepare for your project by making necessary cuts and organizing your components. Follow the steps below. 

Cut the Plywood

Follow the steps below to correctly cut the plywood. Accurate cuts will lead to pieces that fit snugly.

1. Use a table saw to rip the plywood sheets to widths you want for the storage box’s back, sides, bottom, and divider.  
2. Use a track saw to crosscut the plywood pieces to the lengths you want. Be precise to make the bench more durable.

Cut the Poplar Lumber

Follow the steps below to cut the poplar lumber. 

1. Use a miter saw to cut the poplar boards to lengths you want for the stiles, rails, and trim pieces.
2. Make precise and square cuts so that you can easily assemble your pieces later. Double-check your measurements.

Constructing the Bench’s Back Panel

The storage bench’s back panel is the foundation of the entire piece, and keeps your construction stable. It also contributes to the bench’s overall look. 

Create the Frame

The bench’s frame provides necessary support, and helps you to align other components. Follow the steps below to create the frame:

1. Lay out the poplar stiles and rails on the plywood back panel and use them to outline the structure.
2. Use a pocket hole jig to drill holes in the rails so that you can join them to the stiles. This technique will make a strong and invisible connection.
3. Assemble the frame using 1 1/4-inch pocket screws. Make sure everything is square and flush. The frame must be square for you to properly align it with other parts of the bench.

Attach the Frame to the Plywood

Follow the steps below to attach the frame to the plywood: 

1. Apply wood glue to the back of the frame you’ve assembled. Wood glue enhances the bond between the frame and plywood.
2. Position the frame on the plywood back panel and secure it with 1-inch screws.
3. Use a router with a quarter-round stepped-beading bit to add a decorative edge to the inside of the frame. The decorative touches add sophistication to the bench’s design.

Building the Bench Storage Box

The storage box forms the lower portion of the bench, and provides space in which you can store shoes, bags, or other items.

Assemble the Box

Follow the steps below to assemble the storage box precisely. 

1. Cut notches in the rear corners of the plywood center divider to accommodate the back panel’s frame. 
2. Assemble the storage box using 2 1/2-inch drywall screws. Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting and maintain the wood’s integrity. 
3. Attach the box you’ve assembled to the plywood back panel using 2 1/2-inch drywall screws.

Add the Face Frame

Follow the steps below to add the face frame, which improves the bench’s appearance:

1. Construct a face frame for the storage box using poplar 1×3 beams. Join the pieces with pocket screws.
2. Attach the face frame to the front of the storage box using wood glue and 1 1/2-inch brad nails. 
3. Use the router to add the same decorative edge to the inside of the face frame that you added to the back panel. This will lead to a cohesive look.

Creating the Bench Legs and Top

The legs and top of the storage bench determine how functional your bench will be, and how professional it looks.  

Craft the Legs

Follow the steps below to carefully craft the bench’s legs: 

1. Cut poplar boards for the bench’s legs, and use a jigsaw to add a decorative curve at the bottom.
2. Create a layered effect by cutting a second piece for each leg that’s 3/4 inch narrower than the first.
3. Glue and nail the leg pieces together using 1 1/2-inch brad nails.

Construct the Top

Follow the steps below to construct the top of the bench: 

1. Cut a piece of plywood to serve as the bench’s top. Make sure your measurements are accurate. 
2. Attach poplar trim to the edges of the plywood top to hide the exposed plywood edges and create a thicker appearance. 
3. Secure the top to the storage box using glue and nails.

Finishing Touches on Your Storage Bench

Complete your project by adding decorative elements and preparing the surface of your construction for paint or stain.

Add Crown Molding and Shelf

Follow the steps below to add crown molding and the shelf: 

1. Install crown molding beneath the top shelf using 1-inch pin nails. The crown molding frames the bench and adds elegance.
2. Secure the shelf to the top of the plywood back using pin nails and brad nails. Shelving makes the bench more functional.

Sand and Finish

Follow the steps below to sand your piece and create a smooth finish:  

1. Sand all surfaces of the bench with 120-grit sandpaper. This will give your bench a polished appearance.
2. Apply the paint or stain you’ve chosen according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
3. Once the finish is dry, attach decorative coat hooks to the back panel.