How To Construct A Storage Bench In 8 Straightforward Steps!

Let’s Construct an Outside Storage Bench!

You may go quite a lot of other ways for materials for this storage bench however I went with an exterior rated MDF known as Armorite. I do know, I do know, it’s usually a cardinal rule you can’t use MDF in conditions the place it may get moist, as customary MDF swells and is perpetually ruined. Simply have a look at how a lot that expanded? This Armorite isn’t solely moisture resistant however can be handled with zinc borate to withstand rot and termites. plus it machines so clear in comparison with customary MDF, that is straight off with none sanding.

I’ve created a set of construct plans to assist making constructing your outside storage bench easy.

Supplies I Used to Construct the Outside Storage Bench:

Step 1: Organizing Storage Bench Components and Pre-Drilling

I first organized my components on certainly one of my work areas earlier than getting began. To start out the storage bench meeting, I first be part of collectively the entrance to one of many sides. Since this mission can be going outdoors, I’m utilizing an exterior wooden glue on all of the joints then pre drilling and working in a screw. I place my items close to the top of my workbench in order that I don’t have interference with my drill when pre drilling. After getting the primary aspect join, I repeated to attach the opposite.

Step 2: Putting the Backside Between the Storage Bench Partitions

Now earlier than attaching the opposite aspect, I’m going to slide within the backside, this could match excellent between the 2 quick sides. As soon as in place, I run across the three sides and add in screws to connect it. With that executed, now the ultimate fourth aspect of the field will be added in the identical method. Good and simple. Needless to say I’m making mine for outside however you can also make yours right into a finish of the mattress bench or a keys toy chest, or something the place you want ornamental storage.

Step 3: Including Legs to Get it off the Floor!

The storage bench physique is finished. Lets add some legs to it. All the things is produced from Armorite and to differentiate the legs some, I took all of the items to the miter noticed first to chop in a slight angle. Now they are often added to the physique. Two items will make up the leg, one is narrower than the opposite in order that each look the identical width as soon as they’re hooked up. I’m utilizing wooden glue as soon as once more however now converted to utilizing 1 1/4” brad nails as an alternative of screws. To ensure that the legs to return out trying the identical width, they should be hooked up correctly. Which means the small aspect must be positioned on first.

Nicely whereas I’m fixing my mistake I’d as effectively present you a tip to take away brad nails. As an alternative of clipping them, which by no means leaves them completely flush, I like to tug them out on the bottom. I do that with the big set of Crescent’s sq. nostril pliers. I get grip on it then roll the nostril so it pulls the nail up straight. Typically it breaks, nevertheless it’s simple to get one other grip and pull it the rest method.

Step 4: Putting the Aspect and Adorning the Physique

With the quick aspect in place, now I can butt this one proper up flush and every part will come out trying appropriate. One other method you are able to do it’s by inserting the unit on it’s head, yeah truly this fashion is far simpler, as you may have the workbench as a reference level for each of them as an alternative of holding one up whereas attempting to get it flush to the highest.

Lets stand it up and have a look. Sure, excellent.

Noooow, lets tilt it again down as a way to enhance the physique. I’m going with a lap siding look. That is very simple to attain. You can begin off with a small strip piece down on the backside, this can create a bump off for the primary siding strip. For every part on this step I’m utilizing somewhat little bit of wooden glue and brad nails.

Really, I’m going to go forward and decrease this to the ground because it’s simply excessive sufficient to be annoying….or perhaps I’m simply quick sufficient. This can be a lot simpler to see and use my nail gun at this peak however now I simply must seize certainly one of my rolling round stools. 

Step 5: Attaching the Lengthy Sides

Okay to begin attaching the siding, this goes fast and simple. I laid down the primary strip in order that it’s flush with the trim piece beneath. From there, every strip is minimize to slot in between the legs in order that’s simple to get proper however the overlap quantity can range. To verify all of them come out constant, I minimize a spacer. Now I simply need to line this spacer as much as the underside aspect of the earlier strip then nail it in place. I transfer this spacer over to the fitting and repeat. Then to the middle and repeat.

With it caught in place, I throw in a number of further ones in between earlier than transferring on to the subsequent and repeat the method once more. Whenever you’re capturing in brads, have in mind the over lap that every board may have and ensure to position your brads on this zone. That method the subsequent board you lay down will cowl up the nail gap. Oh I don’t know if I discussed earlier than, however your complete physique is produced from 3/4” however the slats I produced from 1/4”. Armorite is available in various sizes, I’ve even used 1” earlier than on initiatives.

One thing else to speak about on this step is adhesive. There may be only a nook of the slat making contact to the physique so you’ll be able to’t use wooden glue. You’ll wish to change to development adhesive and my go to for initiatives is DAP Dyna Grip. It’s rated for inside or exterior and a small bead in a number of locations below every new slat works nice.

Step 6: Attaching the Brief Sides

After I received the lengthy aspect full, I flip the unit up on finish and repeated with the quick aspect. That’s one other distinction with Armorite it takes brad nails a lot cleaner than customary MDF. You don’t get that mushrooming and chipping.

Now, down we go and lets take a look. Nicely, that’s fairly darn cute. And so fast!

Step 7: Putting the Prime of the Storage Bench

Lets maintain the momentum going by including the highest. For my lid I went with a airplane slab of MDF as a result of I plan to have cushions on it for sitting. However know you would all the time minimize in a cool patten or make it seem like particular person boards like I present easy methods to do on an outside cupboard. I’ll hyperlink that for you beneath. I line up the highest to the physique in order that it’s flush on the again then pre drill and fasten the hinges.

Step 8: Portray the Storage Bench

Labored like a attraction. Word that I didn’t add a deal with or minimize one in as a result of there’s a inbuilt lip that’s simple to seize all alongside the entrance. Let’s break all of those edges and prepare to throw a coat of paint on it! I truly did a whole video on easy methods to correctly paint MDF so I’ll hyperlink to that beneath for those who’re . You may undoubtedly roll or brush on paint, however since I’ve an HVLP, that’s what I used to essentially get in all of the nooks and crannies, simply.

After letting it dry I moved it into place and examined it out. Since I knew I might be sitting my bench up subsequent to the home, I left the lid as is, however another choice is so as to add a sequence to catch the lid from opening too huge if you’re inserting it someplace with no wall. I can sit the cushions in place, however then once I wish to stow them away, I can merely open the lid and put them in till subsequent time.

All in all, this mission solely takes about two hours to finish as soon as the components are minimize. So it’s good and easy however will create an honest quantity of storage for quite a lot of completely different areas. Keep in mind that I’ve a set of plans and a CNC minimize file for those who’re inquisitive about constructing your personal.