Creating a wooden entryway bench with a cubby shelf is a great way to add functionality and style to your home. With a few essential woodworking tools and some basic skills, you can build this project yourself. Follow these steps to make a beautiful and practical entryway bench that includes both a seating area and storage space.
Materials Needed:
- Wood boards: Choose hardwood like oak, maple, or pine for durability.
- 1×12 boards for the seat and cubby shelves
- 1×4 boards for the cubby dividers
- Wood screws: 1 ½ inch screws
- Wood glue
- Wood finish or paint: To protect and enhance the look of your bench
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood filler: To fill any screw holes or imperfections
- Cushion or upholstery (optional): For added comfort on the seat
Tools Needed:
- Measuring tape
- Saw: Circular saw or miter saw for cutting wood
- Drill: To pre-drill screw holes
- Screwdriver
- Clamps: To hold pieces together while assembling
- Level: To ensure everything is straight and aligned
- Sanding block or power sander
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Plan Your Design and Measure
Begin by deciding the size of your bench. A standard entryway bench is typically about 18–20 inches tall, 14–18 inches deep, and 40–48 inches wide, but you can customize these dimensions to fit your space. Measure and mark your wood pieces based on these dimensions.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- For the seat: Cut a 1×12 board to your desired width, usually 40–48 inches.
- For the cubby shelves: Cut three 1×12 boards to the depth of your bench (around 14–18 inches). These will be the shelves that make up the cubby section.
- For the dividers: Cut several 1×4 boards to the height of the cubby shelves, around 12–14 inches, depending on the design.
- For the sides: Cut two 1×12 boards for the sides of the bench, making sure they match the height you want for your bench (usually 18–20 inches).
3. Prepare the Pieces
Sand all your cut pieces to remove rough edges, ensuring the surface is smooth for easy assembly. Focus on the edges of the wood to avoid splinters. If you want a painted finish, now is a good time to paint or stain the wood before assembly.
4. Assemble the Bench Frame
- Attach the two side pieces to the cubby shelves, starting with the bottom shelf. Use wood glue and screws to secure the sides to the shelves. Pre-drill holes for the screws to prevent splitting the wood.
- Attach the top shelf to the sides of the bench, ensuring everything is square. Clamp the pieces together and use screws to secure them.
5. Add the Dividers
- For the cubby section, install vertical dividers between the shelves. Space them according to the size of items you want to store (e.g., shoes, bags, etc.). Typically, you might want 3-4 cubby sections.
- Attach the dividers to the shelves using wood glue and screws. Make sure they are level and evenly spaced.
6. Install the Seat
- Attach the seat to the top of the frame. You can use screws from the inside of the frame to secure it in place. Make sure it is aligned with the edges and sits flush.
7. Finish and Sand the Bench
Once your bench is fully assembled, do a final sanding to smooth out any imperfections. If you plan to paint or stain the bench, this is the time to apply your finish. For a durable, long-lasting finish, use a polyurethane or varnish.
8. Optional Cushions or Upholstery
To add extra comfort to the bench, consider adding a cushion or upholstery to the seat. You can create a simple cushion with foam, fabric, and a staple gun, or purchase a pre-made cushion that fits your dimensions.
9. Final Touches
After finishing the bench, let everything dry completely. If you used a paint or stain finish, allow ample time for it to cure before use. Once dry, you can place the bench in your entryway and use the cubby space for storage.
Tips:
- Customization: You can adjust the size and number of cubbies to fit your specific needs. Smaller cubbies work well for shoes, while larger ones can hold baskets, bags, or other items.
- Durability: If you’re using your bench for seating, ensure that the frame is sturdy and the screws are properly installed.
- Finish: Choose a wood finish or paint color that complements your home’s decor, and don’t forget to seal the wood to protect it from wear and tear.
Conclusion
A wooden entryway bench with a cubby shelf is a fantastic DIY project that adds both functionality and style to your home. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this project is manageable and provides a great way to enhance your space. Customize the design to suit your needs, and enjoy the results! If you’re looking for even more woodworking ideas and techniques, consider exploring Teds Woodworking Course here: https://5ec0fkma1rtoqesrt51ay-tfcv.hop.clickbank.net.