148+ Storage Bench With Cushion

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Opening: Adding Style and Storage to Your Home Tired of clutter and needing extra seating? A DIY storage bench with a cushion is the perfect solution! This project combines functionality with aesthetics, providing a comfortable place to sit while discreetly storing blankets, toys, or anything else you want to keep out of sight. This step-by-step guide will walk you through building your own customized storage bench.

Materials You'll Need: Before you start, gather all the necessary materials. This will ensure a smoother building process. Here's a list of essentials:

Lumber: Choose your preferred wood type (pine, poplar, or even reclaimed wood) for the bench frame, sides, and top. Determine the amount based on your desired bench dimensions.

Plywood or MDF: For the base of the storage compartment.

Wood screws: Various sizes for connecting different parts.

Wood glue: For a stronger and more durable bond.

Sandpaper: Different grits (e.g., 80, 120, 220) for smoothing the wood.

Paint or stain: To finish the bench to your liking.

Primer: If you plan to paint the bench.

Upholstery foam: For the cushion. Choose the thickness based on your comfort preference.

Fabric: Select a durable fabric for the cushion cover that complements your decor.

Batting: To wrap the foam and create a softer cushion.

Staple gun and staples: For attaching the fabric to the cushion base.

Measuring tape, pencil, square, saw (circular saw or hand saw), drill, and screwdriver.

Step-by-Step Building Guide: Follow these steps carefully to construct your storage bench:

Step 1: Planning and Measuring Before cutting any wood, plan the dimensions of your bench. Consider the space where you'll place it and how much storage you need. Draw a detailed sketch with all measurements clearly labeled.

Step 2: Cutting the Wood Using your saw, cut the lumber according to your measurements for the bench frame, sides, and top. Ensure the cuts are precise and square for a professional look.

Step 3: Assembling the Frame Construct the frame of the bench using wood screws and wood glue. Make sure the corners are square and the frame is sturdy. Use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.

Step 4: Attaching the Sides and Back Attach the pre-cut side and back pieces to the frame using wood screws and glue. Ensure they are flush with the frame for a clean finish.

Step 5: Installing the Base Cut the plywood or MDF to fit the bottom of the storage compartment. Secure it to the frame using screws and glue. This will create the floor of the storage area.

Step 6: Building the Top Construct the bench top. If you're using multiple pieces of lumber, join them together with wood glue and clamps. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Step 7: Attaching the Top Attach the top to the frame using hinges. This will allow you to open the bench for storage. Ensure the hinges are properly aligned and securely fastened.

Step 8: Sanding and Finishing Sand the entire bench with progressively finer grits of sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Apply primer if you plan to paint the bench. Then, apply your chosen paint or stain according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the finish to dry completely.

Step 9: Creating the Cushion Cut the upholstery foam to the desired size and shape for the cushion. Wrap the foam with batting, securing it with spray adhesive or by hand-sewing the batting in place.

Step 10: Upholstering the Cushion Cut the fabric to a size that allows for ample overlap around the foam. Center the foam on the fabric and begin stapling the fabric to the base of the foam, pulling it taut as you go. Work your way around the cushion, creating neat and even folds at the corners.

Step 11: Final Assembly Place the finished cushion on top of the bench. Your DIY storage bench with cushion is now complete!

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Storage Bench! Congratulations! You've successfully built a stylish and functional storage bench. This project not only provides extra seating and storage but also adds a personal touch to your home decor. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Feel free to customize the bench with different colors, fabrics, and hardware to match your unique style.