DIY Network

Build a Storage Bench This roomy box will store all kinds of things and provide extra seating. From "Man Caves" episode DMCV-111

The finished box tucks neatly in a corner.

Materials and tools:

2" x 4" x 8' select grade lumber
3/4" x 4" x 8' plywood
1" x 4" x 8' clear pine (trim)
3" strap hinges
chalk line
miter saw
circular saw
pneumatic framing gun
18-gauge nail gun
hammer drill
3" concrete screws
2' level
framing square

Note: Quantities of the materials listed above will vary from job to job.

Steps:

1. Examine the area you’re going to build in and take all the necessary measurements and notes. Using a chalk line, mark out the area where the bench will sit. Clean and prep the area.

2. Cut the 2x4s to length for your bench frame. As you cut, adjust the length of the uprights to accommodate any changes in the floor, such as low spots. Use a hammer drill to attach the back and right sections of the frame to the walls. Then attach the uprights to the walls so that the bottoms sit on the floor and the tops butt up to the back and side sections.

3. Build the front section by nailing 2x4s to form the front and left sides. Line it up with the marks you made. Attach this L-shaped frame to the back and right side with wood screws. Both ends of this L frame should make contact with the corresponding walls. Make sure it is level with the back section. Attach the ends of the L to the back and side sections with screws. Repeat for the bottom of the front section, but use the hammer drill to attach this lower section to the floor. Measure and cut pieces of 2x4 to fit between the upper and lower L's of the front and left side. Position the uprights between the top and bottom plates of this front section and directly across from the uprights on the back. Hammer them into place and secure them with screws.

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4. Attach another 2x4 to the front of the back support along the wall, effectively doubling it up. Screw a 2x4 flat against the bottoms of the uprights against the wall on the back and right side.

Figure A. Extra supports across the bottom of the frame will allow heavy items in the box.

5. Measure the inside of the bottom of the box. Cut pieces of 2x4 to fit on the floor between the front and back bottom plates where the uprights meet them (figure A). Keep these 2x4 supports lined up and level with the top of the 2x4s you attached to the wall. Predrill the bottom supports so that you can toenail them into the bottom plates. This is where the 3/4" plywood bottom will sit.

6. Cut and attach 3/4" plywood to the outside of the frame. Keep the top edge of the plywood flush with the top of the frame. Cut and attach the plywood bottom to the inside of the frame.

7. For the top, cut a plywood piece 1 inch longer and wider than the plywood-covered frame. Draw a line down the length of this top piece 3-1/4 inches in from the edge. Using a circular saw, rip down this line to separate the top piece.

8. Attach the 3-1/4" top plywood piece to the top of the doubled-up 2x4 back support, using an 18- gauge finish nailer. This is the section of the top to which the strap hinges will be attached.

11. Line up the larger section of the top with the smaller section you just attached. Separate the two top pieces where they meet, using some 3" framing nails as spacers. Determine how many strap hinges you want to use, then mark out their locations. Note: Use one strap hinge every 16 to 20 inches.

12. Attach the stationary part of each hinge to the 3-1/4" section of the top with 1-1/2" wood screws. Note: Make sure these screws sink into the supporting 2x4s. Attach the strap part of the hinges to the flip top. Paint or stain the outside of your bench.

13. Cut the 1x4 clear pine pieces to length, and attach them along the top and bottom of the visible face of the bench to create horizontal trim.

14. Cut some 1x4 pieces (stiles) to fit between the top and bottom trim. Start by covering the plywood corner and work your way out. This style of trim will create a panel look. Note: The number and spacing of the stiles used is a matter of personal preference. Paint or stain the trim.