How to Build Your Own Storage Bench (Step-by-Step Guide)

Building a storage bench yourself can be a rewarding DIY project. Below is a general step-by-step guide. (Always take safety precautions with tools and materials.)

• Tools and Materials Needed

Tools: Tape measure, saw (circular or miter saw), drill, screwdriver or drill bit for screws, clamps, pencil, sandpaper, and possibly a pocket-hole jig for hidden screws. You may also want paintbrushes or rollers for finishing.
Materials: Wood boards (e.g. plywood for box and solid wood for frame), screws, wood glue, hinges (piano or toy-box hinges for the lid), and finish (paint or stain). An upholstered bench will need foam, batting, and fabric.

• Step 1: Measure and Cut

Decide the bench size you want. Common sizes are around 48–52 inches long, 16–20 inches deep, and about 18 inches high. Measure twice before cutting. Cut your wood pieces for the sides, front, back, bottom, and lid according to those dimensions. Accuracy is important. Use a saw to cut the panels for the front, back, sides, and bottom of the bench. (You can use pocket holes on the edges for assembly, which makes strong joints.)

• Step 2: Assemble the Frame (Sides and Front/Back)

Build the rectangular frame first. Attach the side panels to the front and back panels. For example, glue and screw the side boards between two legs or vertical posts. Ensure the top edges are level. Use clamps to hold pieces in place while you secure them with screws. The assembled frame will look like an open-top box without the bottom.

• Step 3: Attach the Bottom Panel

After the frame is assembled, fit and attach the bottom panel inside. This will be the storage floor. You might add supports underneath it (1x boards) so it can hold weight. For instance, place two or three support strips across the bottom and screw the bottom panel onto them. Make sure it’s centered and sturdy.

• Step 4: Install Any Interior Parts (Optional)

If you want dividers, shelves, or a middle leg for support, install these now. One design included a central support leg under the middle of the bottom to prevent sagging. This can be crucial for long benches to keep the middle strong. You could also add a fixed shelf or cubby grid if desired.

• Step 5: Attach the Back Panel

Secure the back panel to the frame. Some benches have the back inset slightly to allow for hinge clearance (as one woodworker did, leaving 1/16″ space at the top for the hinges). Simply glue and screw the back into place so it encloses the box.

• Step 6: Sand and Finish

Before attaching the lid, sand all surfaces smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Fill any gaps with wood filler and sand again. Then apply your finish: paint or stain the outside and a durable sealer inside. One DIYer used polycrylic inside to make it easy to wipe clean. Apply two to three coats for durability. Let it dry thoroughly.

• Step 7: (Optional) Upholster the Lid

If you want a cushioned top, add padding. Cut foam to the size of the lid, glue it on, then cover with batting and fabric, stapling underneath. Make the edges smooth and corners neat. (If not upholstering, you may edge-band the plywood edges to hide layers.)

• Step 8: Attach the Lid

Finally, attach the lid to the bench box using hinges. You can use piano hinges for the full length or toy-box hinges. First screw one side of each hinge to the back of the bench, then align the lid and screw the other side of the hinge to the lid. Ensure it opens and closes smoothly. If using soft-close hinges, install them per instructions to prevent slamming.

Key steps summary: Measure and cut wood for the box and lid, assemble the sides/front/back into a frame, add the bottom, sand and finish, then hinge on the lid. The specific details may vary based on your design, but these are the core steps. Always let glue dry between steps and check for square corners.

With patience and care, you’ll have a custom bench built to fit your space.