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Build Something
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This farmhouse storage bench is a great addition under a window or in your entryway. It can also be lengthened and used as a dining table bench! This project is built from a 2×4 base, which can be done with standard 2×4 lumber, or use the Adaptive Cutting System to make your own 2×4 boards.

Difficulty easy

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Square
    Square
  • Table Saw
    Table Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Clamps
    Clamps
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Impact Driver
    Impact Driver
  • Sander
    Sander
  • Air Compressor
    Air Compressor
  • Shop Vacuum
    Shop Vacuum

Materials

Wood Products

  • 2 Board , 2x4 , 96"
  • 2 Board , 1x4 , 96"
  • 2 Board , 1x8 , 72"
  • 1 Plywood , 1/2" Thick , Quarter Sheet

Hardware & Supplies

  • 20 2 1/2" pocket screws
  • 30 1 1/4" pocket screws
  • 2 2 1/2" middle hinges (1 package)
  • 1 Wood glue
  • 1 220 grit sandpaper
  • 1 Paint or stain

Cut List & Parts

  • 4 Legs , 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 17 1/4"
  • 4 Stretchers , 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 9"
  • 1 Long stretcher , 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 43 1/2"
  • 2 Top aprons , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 43 1/2"
  • 1 Plywood bottom , 1/2" x 14 1/2" x 43 1/2"
  • 2 Breadboard ends , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 16 3/4"
  • 2 1x8 boards for seat , 3/4" x 6 5/8" x 41"
  • 1 1x4 board for seat , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 41"

Directions

  • Assemble the legs

    Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes into the four stretchers for each side of the bench. Attach with wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket screws.

  • Attach the lower stretcher

    Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes into the lower 2x4 stretcher. Center it between the legs and attach with wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket screws.

  • Add the aprons

    Attach the 1x4 aprons to the front and back edges of the legs, flush with the top. Drill 3/4" pocket holes into each end and attach with wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket screws.

  • Attach the plywood bottom

    Drill 1/2" pocket holes into the 1/2 plywood that will make up the storage compartment bottom. Attach flush with the bottom edge of the 1x4 and 2x4 frame pieces with 1" pocket screws.

  • Build the bench seat

    Use a table saw or the adaptive cutting system to rip two 1x8 boards down to 6 5/8" widths. Cut to size and drill 3/4" pocket holes into the three long boards as well as the breadboard ends. Attach together with wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket screws.

  • Sand and finish

    Sand the entire project down to 220 grit with an orbital sander or by hand. Finish as desired with paint or stain.

  • Attach the bench seat

    Using 2 1/2" middle hinges, attach the bench seat to the base. Mark the location of the hinges and trace the outside edges with a pencil into the top of the base. Using a chisel and mallet, make a mortise into the wood deep enough for the hinges to fit into and the bench seat to sit flush with the top of the base (approx 1/8").