SUPPLIES
- 3/4-inch high-quality smooth-finish plywood measuring 8 feet by 4 feet
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Sander
- Wood stain or paint of your choice
- Water sealant
- 1 1/2-inch wood screws
- Screwdriver
Overview
Do you spend time outside on activities like yard work and cars and want a big storage unit for supplies that also serves as a bench for you to sit on? This article walks you through instructions on building a storage bench that is 5 feet long and 2 feet wide with a removable top. All that is required in accomplishing this task are a few carpentry tools, plywood, wood stain or paint of your choice and hardware.
Cutting the Pieces for Your Outdoor Storage Bench
Step 1
Measure out two pieces on the plywood that are each 5 feet long and 3 feet wide for the two sides of your bench. Cut these out with the circular saw.
Step 2
Measure out two similar pieces that are 3 feet long and 1 foot 10 1/2 inches wide. Cut these out for the ends of your bench.
Step 3
Cut out two pieces that are 5 feet long and 2 feet wide each for the top and bottom of your bench.
Step 4
Cut out a piece 4 feet 10 inches long and 1 foot 10 inches wide. This is the bottom section of the lid.
Step 5
Sand all rough edges off the cut pieces. Apply wood stain or paint of your choice to them and allow to dry.
Step 6
Apply water sealant to all cut pieces. Allow to dry.
Assembling Your Outdoor Storage Bench
Step 1
Take all four side pieces and construct the outside of your bench. Lay the two 5-foot-long pieces on the long sides with the short edges on the floor parallel to each other and 2 feet apart. Place the two 3-foot-long pieces on the 1 foot 10 1/2 inch sides in between them to form a rectangle. Screw the frame together by driving five 1 1/2-inch screws through both ends of the 5-foot-long pieces into the sides. You now have a rectangular frame for your bench 5 feet long and 2 feet wide and 3 feet deep.
Step 2
Lay a 5-foot-long-and-2-foot-wide piece over the frame and attach it for the bottom of your bench. Drive a screw through it every 6 inches around the edges into the frame. Turn the completed portion of the bench over on the bottom.
Step 3
Lay the remaining 5-foot-long-and-2-foot-wide piece on a hard surface and center the 4-foot-10-inch piece flat on top of it. The larger piece will extend 1 inch outside the smaller piece all the way around. Attach these pieces together by driving screws through the smaller piece every 10 inches around the edges into the larger one. Also drive a screw through the center of the smaller piece. This portion is the lid and seat of your bench.
Step 4
Flip the lid over and place it on top of your bench so the smaller section of the lid sits in between the sides for a secure fit. The smaller section holds the lid on and provides strength for when your storage unit serves as a bench.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- WARNING : Be cautious when using power tools.
