Storage Benches are stylish and space saving in smaller kitchen spaces. These storage benches can also be used under windows too! You can easily modify the dimensions to fit your space. The guide below is for reference as the exact dimensions should be cut to fit while building.
Kitchen Nook Storage Bench DIY
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Supplies
- Kreg Screws
- Wood Screws 2 Inch
- Furniture Felt Pads
- Wood Glue
- Sand Paper
- White Paint + Primer
- Piano Hinge
- Bench Lid Hinge
- Soft Close Dampers
- Safety Glasses
- Ear / Sound Protection
- Disposable Gloves for Painting
Tools
- Power Drill
- Brad Nail Gun
- Circular Saw
- Miter Saw
- Router
- Orbital Sander or Hand Sanding Block
- Paint Sprayer
- Corner Clamp
- Tape Measure / Ruler
- Clamps
- Kreg Jig
Estimated Cost: ~$100
Instructions
Step 1: Building 2 x 4 Frame
2 x 4 x 8 Lumber
- 11.5 Inches (6)
- 50 Inches (4)
- 13.5 Inches (6)
2 x 4 x 8 Lumber
Attach the 50″ boards to the 13.5″ boards using wood glue & 2″ wood Screws from the top and bottom (Pre-Drill Holes first before fastening ). Use 1.5″ Pocket Holes on the bottom of the frame and attach with wood glue & 2.5 inch kreg screws.
In the video you can see I built the frame differently but learned from my mistakes. I created a 3D model of how I wished I built it in the first place (see below). Its less cuts and uses less screws.
Step 2: Side Panels
I made my own Circular Saw Jig to cut straight lines. These are very inexpensive to make and works great!
Step 3: Bottom Panel
As before attach the bottom panel measuring 50″x 19.5″x 0.5″ using wood glue and brad nails.
Step 4: End Panels
Attach the side panels measuring 17″ x 19.5″ x 0.5″ with wood glue & brad nails.
Step 5: Shaker Trim
- 3″ x 17″ x 0.5″ (2)
- 2.5″ x 17″ x 0.5″ (2) –> The reason one side is 0.5″ shorter is because the front Panel will have 0.5″ edge and once painted white it will blend in for a 3″ look to match the other side.
- 3″ x 14″ x 0.5″ (4)
Use wood glue and brad nails to assemble.
- 17″ x 3″ x 0.5″ (3)
- 21.5 x 3″ x 0.5″ (4)
Step 6: Framing the Bench Lid
To create the bench lid you will want to cut out 2.5″ x 20.25″ x 0.75″ (2) and round over the edge. Attach to the top with wood glue and brad nails. The back border piece will need to be cut to length 2.5″ x 46″ x 0.75″.
Step 7: Bench Lid
Attach the bench lid with a 30″ piano hinge. The bench lid measures ~17.5 x 46″ x 0.75″. Recommend to cut to fit during the building process. A router was used to round over the edges.
Step 8: Bench Feet
Cut (2) 3″ x 20″ x 0.75″ pieces to use as the feet for the storage bench. This is especially important if you plan to place the benches over air vents. Attach using 1.25″ wood screws and wood glue. Apply furniture felt pads to prevent floor damage. The felt pads will also level your bench.
Step 9: Hole Filling / Sanding / Paint
Fill in all your brad hole nails with caulking or wood filler before painting. Do a light sanding on all surfaces. I used a Paint Sprayer to apply white primer & paint.
Step 10: Hinge Support & Soft Close Dampers
I bought these Gas Hinge Supports that hold the lid open. They were simple to install just 5 screws total (always pre-drill holes). Then to top it off add some soft close dampers. This will help prevent the lid from slamming down.
I am a self taught do it yourself project / woodworker. I want to demonstrate that DIY project can be doable and simple. I hope to inspire others to try to build and create new things! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and this blog for more DIY projects! Thank you.
| Visit: RYOBI Nation at https://www.ryobitools.com/nation |
Use all power tools with caution. Do not copy what you see in the video / instructions without proper safety precautions.
