Storage Bench

Project 2:  Building a Storage Bench
 
Materials & Tools:  
  •  2x4x8’s Select Grade
  • ¾˝x4x8 Plywood
  • 1x4x 8 Clear Pine (Trim)
  • 3˝ Strap Hinges 
  • Miter Saw & Circular Saw
  • Pneumatic Framing & 18 Gauge Nail Guns
  • Hammer Drill W/ 3˝ Concrete Screws
  • 2ˊ Level & Framing Square  
  • Note:  Quantities of the materials listed above will vary from job to job.   
 
 
Getting Started...
 
  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.  Note: Our bench was built to fit into a corner wall     
  2. Make a Cut-List for your bench frame.   
  3. Clean and prep the area.   
 
 
Building the Bench...  
 
  1. Cut your 2x4’s to length for your bench frame according to your cut-list.   
  2. Build the front & left sections of the frame of your bench using your framing gun.  These front & left sections resembles a half wall build to the length and height of your bench minus the ¾ ˝ plywood.  Nail these two sections together to form an “L”.   
  3. Place the “L” shaped section of the bench frame on the floor, lined up with the marks you made.  Both ends of this “L” frame should be making contact with the corresponding walls.  Level this frame in place then attach it to the floor and both walls using the framing gun or hammer drill depending on the makeup of the substrate your attaching to.   
  4. Attach two lengths of 2x4 (back support) to the back and side wall to complete the top of the frame.  Keep these 2x4’s lined up and level with the top plates of the “L” shaped frame.  Repeat this process for the bottom of the frame, where the plywood bottom will sit.   
  5. Attach another 2x4 to the long (back support) 2x4 you attached to the wall, effectively doubling it up.  This gives you a more substantial surface to attach the plywood & hinges to.   
  6. Repeat step #5 to the bottom of the inside of the “L” shaped frame.  Keep the extra 2x4 supports lined up and level with the top of the 2x4’s you attached to bottom the wall.  This is where your ¾˝ plywood bottom will sit.   
  7. Cut and attach the ¾˝ plywood to the outside of the “L” shaped frame.  Keep the top edge of the ply, flush with the top of the frame.   
  8. Cut and attach the plywood bottom to the inside of the frame.    
  9. Cut the top plywood piece 1˝ longer the length and width of the plywood covered frame.  Draw a line down the length of this top piece 3¼˝ in from the edge.  Using a Circular saw, rip down this line to separate the top piece.               
  10. Attach the 3¼˝ top plywood piece to the top of the doubled up 2x4 back support, using the 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 there locations.  Note:  Use 1 strap hinge every 16˝ - 20˝.   
  12. Attach the stationary part of each hinge to the 3¼˝ section of the top using 1½˝ wood screws.  Note:  make sure these screws sink into the supporting 2x4’s. Now attach the strap part of the hinges to the flip top.   
 
 
The Finishing Touches...   
 
  1. Paint or stain the outside of your bench.   
  2. Cut your 1x4 clear pine pieces to length and attach them along the top and bottom of the visible face of the bench.  This is your top and bottom trim.   
  3. Cut some 1x4 pieces (stiles) to fit in-between the top and bottom (rails) trim.  Start by covering the plywood corner and work your way out.  This style of trim will create a panel look.  Note: The # & spacing of the stiles used is a matter of personal preference.   
  4. Paint or stain the trim and enjoy.

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