DIY Plans to Build a Laura Storage Bench

An Excellent Seating and Storage Solution!

Sometimes a place to sit while taking off your shoes plus a place to put those shoes is necessary – especially if you have kids! The DIY plans to build a Laura Storage Bench are the perfect solution to that dilemma. An easy bench to build (which requires straight off-the-shelf lumber) with matching crates is a project that can be done in a weekend!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link)
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• 3″ screws
• Edge banding, optional (<–affiliate link!)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

Lumber list includes materials to build two crates!

• 4 – 1×2 at 8′
• 4 – 2×2 at 8′
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×4 at 18″ – Side Frames
• 2- 2×2 at 15″ – Side Frames
• 4 – 2×2 at 16-1/2″ – Side Frames
• 4 – 2×2 at 33″ – Lower & Upper Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 33″ – Lower Shelf
• 2 – 2×2 at 15″ – Seat Supports
• 2 – 2×2 at 13″ – Dividers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 33″ – Seat
• 4 – 3/4″ plywood at 12″ x 13-1/2″ – Crate Ends
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 13″ x 14-1/2″ – Crate Bottoms
• 20 – 1×2 at 16″ – Crate Side Slats

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the side frames. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter 2×2 pieces, as well as one end only of the longer 2×2 pieces. Assemble the frame as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the lower stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the stretchers to the legs, locating them 2″ up from the bottom, and securing them using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the lower shelf. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure the shelf to the lower stretchers and side framing using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The top face of the shelf will be flush with the top face of the stretchers.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the upper stretchers. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the upper stretchers to the legs, locating them 2″ down from the top of the side frame, and securing them in place using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the seat supports. Secure the supports to the side framing (flush with the upper stretchers) using glue and countersunk 3″ screws.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the seat. If using edge banding, it will need to be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood before securing the seat to the frame. Secure the seat using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Finish as desired.

To Build the Crates:

Step One

Cut the pieces for the crate ends. Cut the handles in each piece using a 1″ hole saw or paddle bit, and a jigsaw.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the crate bottoms. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in the shorter edges. Secure the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the crate side slats. The top slat will be flush with the top of the ends, and the bottom slats will be flush with the bottom of the ends and the bottom of the sides. Secure the slats using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. Secure the remaining slats in between spacing them approximately 1-1/8″ apart.

Finish as desired.

This bench would be an excellent addition to a mudroom, entryway, or even to a covered porch! The bench would also make a fabulous gift… Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Laura Storage Bench? Leave a comment below or contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-10-17 08:00:51.