Building a wooden outdoor storage bench with a hinged lid is a fantastic woodworking project that will not only add functionality to your outdoor space but also give you the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, providing you with clear instructions and useful tips to build a durable, attractive storage bench.
Materials and Tools Needed:
Materials:
- Wood (Cedar, Pine, or Redwood): Choose wood that is weather-resistant. Cedar and redwood are excellent options because they naturally resist rot and decay.
- For the seat and lid: 2 pieces of 1×6 or 1×8 boards (length depending on your design)
- For the sides and back: 4 pieces of 1×4 or 1×6 boards (cut to desired height)
- For the bottom: 1 piece of 1/2-inch plywood (cut to fit the dimensions of your bench)
- Hinges (4-inch sturdy outdoor hinges)
- Wood screws (2-inch and 1-inch)
- Wood glue
- Outdoor wood finish or sealant
Tools:
- Tape measure
- Saw (circular saw or miter saw)
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wood clamps
- Sandpaper or power sander
- Paintbrush for sealing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wood Pieces
Start by measuring and cutting the wood to the correct dimensions for your bench. The general size of an outdoor storage bench is around 48 inches in length, 18-20 inches in height, and 18-20 inches in depth, but you can adjust the size based on your needs.
For the seat and lid, you will need two 1×6 or 1×8 boards. These will be cut to the length of the bench.
For the sides and back, cut 4 pieces of 1×4 or 1×6 boards. The side pieces should be the height you want for the seat, while the back piece will be the length of the bench.
The bottom will be a piece of 1/2-inch plywood that will sit inside the frame to support the contents.
2. Assemble the Frame
Start by assembling the sides and back of the storage bench. Take the two side pieces and attach them to the back piece using wood screws and wood glue. Ensure that the edges are aligned and square. You can use clamps to hold the pieces together while you drill pilot holes and screw them into place.
Once the back and sides are attached, you can add the front piece. Cut another piece of 1×4 or 1×6 to fit the front of the bench and attach it with screws.
3. Attach the Bottom
Place the plywood piece on the inside of the frame to form the bottom of the bench. Secure it with wood screws along the edges of the frame. The plywood will provide the support for any items you store in the bench.
4. Prepare and Attach the Seat
Now, focus on the seat and lid. Place the two 1×6 or 1×8 boards together to form the top. If you are using wider boards, you may want to space them apart slightly to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood.
Once the seat is assembled, position it on top of the frame and ensure that it fits snugly. Mark the location of the hinges along the back of the seat and the back of the bench. It’s important to leave about a 1-inch gap from the back edge to allow for smooth opening and closing.
5. Attach the Hinges
Once the hinge positions are marked, attach the hinges to the back of the lid and the back of the bench using screws. Be sure to use outdoor-rated hinges that are strong enough to support the lid and withstand outdoor conditions. The lid should open smoothly, so check the alignment before tightening the screws completely.
6. Add a Handle (Optional)
If you want to make it easier to open and close the lid, consider attaching a handle or pull on the front of the lid. You can use a simple metal or wood handle, depending on your design preference. Drill holes where the handle will go and attach it using screws.
7. Sand and Finish the Bench
Before sealing the wood, it’s important to smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper or a power sander. Sand the entire bench, including the seat and lid, to ensure that the wood is smooth to the touch and free of splinters.
After sanding, apply an outdoor wood finish or sealant to protect the bench from the elements. This will help preserve the wood, prevent cracking, and extend the life of your bench. Apply several coats for added protection, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
8. Final Assembly and Test
Once the finish is dry, place the lid back onto the bench and check that it opens and closes easily. If necessary, adjust the hinges or handle to ensure smooth operation. Test the storage capacity by adding a few items inside the bench to see how it holds up.
Conclusion:
With these steps, you’ve successfully built a wooden outdoor storage bench with a hinged lid. This functional and attractive piece of furniture will provide you with both extra storage space and a stylish addition to your outdoor area. Be sure to apply a high-quality outdoor finish to ensure its durability and longevity in all kinds of weather.
For more woodworking ideas and detailed plans, check out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course.