Building a wooden garden bench with a storage compartment combines practicality and aesthetics, providing both a comfortable seating area and a hidden space for garden tools, cushions, or outdoor essentials. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your own.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden Boards: For the seat, backrest, legs, and storage box.
- 2×4 lumber (for the frame and legs)
- 1×4 or 1×6 boards (for the seat and backrest slats)
- Plywood (for the bottom of the storage compartment)
- Screws: Exterior-grade screws for assembling the frame and attaching the slats.
- Wood Glue: To reinforce joints and enhance durability.
- Hinges: To make the top of the storage compartment lift open.
- Lid Support: To keep the lid open when accessing the storage compartment.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing the edges and surfaces.
- Outdoor Paint or Varnish: To protect the wood from the elements.
- Tools:
- Saw (circular saw or hand saw)
- Drill with bit set
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter’s square
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Materials
- Cut the wood into the necessary pieces. For example:
- Legs: Cut 4 pieces of 2×4, each around 18-20 inches long.
- Seat frame: Cut 2 pieces of 2×4 at the length of the desired seat (typically 40-48 inches), and 2 pieces for the width (usually about 16-18 inches).
- Seat slats: Cut 5-7 pieces of 1×4 or 1×6, each about 18 inches long, depending on how wide you want the seat slats.
- Backrest frame: Cut 2 pieces of 2×4 at the height you want for the backrest (typically around 30 inches).
- Backrest slats: Cut 5-6 pieces of 1×4, each 18-20 inches long.
- Storage box bottom: Cut plywood to fit the inside dimensions of the bench frame for the storage compartment.
2. Build the Frame
- Start by assembling the frame of the bench. Attach the long pieces (seat length) and the shorter pieces (seat width) to create a rectangular frame. Use wood glue and screws for a strong bond.
- Attach the legs to each corner of the frame using screws. Pre-drill holes for screws to prevent the wood from splitting.
- Ensure the frame is square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner. If both measurements are equal, your frame is square.
3. Add the Seat Slats
- Lay the 1×4 slats across the top of the seat frame, leaving a small gap between each slat for drainage (about 1/4 inch).
- Attach each slat with screws, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Optionally, you can reinforce the slats by adding additional support beams underneath for more durability, especially if the bench will be exposed to weight or frequent use.
4. Build the Backrest
- Attach the two vertical 2×4 pieces to the back corners of the seat frame. These will form the support for your backrest.
- Place the 1×4 backrest slats horizontally across the vertical pieces. Space them evenly, or you can leave gaps for ventilation.
- Secure the slats using screws, ensuring the backrest is solid and aligned with the frame.
5. Create the Storage Compartment
- Cut the plywood to fit snugly inside the bottom of the bench frame to form the storage compartment.
- Attach it using screws from the inside of the frame, making sure the plywood is flush with the edges.
- Add a piece of plywood to the back if you want additional support for the storage area.
6. Attach the Lid
- Cut a piece of wood or plywood to fit the top of the storage compartment. The lid should be slightly larger than the opening for ease of use.
- Attach the hinges to one side of the lid, ensuring they are centered and secure.
- Attach the other side of the hinges to the bench frame, aligning the lid with the compartment opening.
- For easy opening, consider adding a lid support to hold it open at an angle.
7. Finish the Bench
- Sand all the rough edges and surfaces of the bench to remove splinters and make it comfortable to sit on.
- Apply an outdoor wood finish, paint, or varnish to protect the bench from the elements. This is especially important if the bench will be outdoors year-round.
- Allow the finish to dry completely before use.
Tips for Success:
- Wood Selection: Use treated lumber or wood specifically designed for outdoor furniture to prevent rotting and weather damage.
- Personalize the Design: Feel free to customize the bench with armrests, different backrest styles, or additional decorative details to match your garden’s aesthetic.
- Storage Use: Ensure the storage compartment is well-sealed to protect your items from moisture. You can line the inside with a weather-resistant material like plastic or fabric for extra protection.
By following these steps, you’ll have a beautiful, functional wooden garden bench with a hidden storage compartment that serves both as seating and a handy space for your outdoor items.
For further woodworking projects like this one, check out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course.
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