Outdoor Storage Bench

1: Side Panels

Build two side panels as shown above. The easiest way to do this would be to start with one of the legs. Mark the leg 1 1/2″ in (you could just use a 1×2 since it’s 1 1/2″ wide) from the outside. Then attach the pink board to the top corner, as shown above. The space a green board 1/4″ from the leg and attach to the pink board. For now, I would just use 1 screw. Attach all of the green boards and the remaining leg to the top pink board. Then carefully adjust all of the boards unitl the outside corners of the legs are square with each other. Then add the blue boards to the legs, and then the remaining pink boards. Go back and add more screws to the top frame board. Use 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Build two side panels.

End Panels

The end panels are going to be super simple. Start by screwing a blue board to a green board to create your ends. Then lay your all of the green boards down, including the two with the blue boards screwed to the tops, and lay the pink boards on top. Screw the pink boards to the green boards using 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Make sure you are checking for square and there is a 3/4″ gap under the bottom pink boards. All other outside edges are flush. You will need to construct two end panels.

Assembly

When your panels are complete, attach the panels as shown above. Use 2″ screws and you can skip the glue if you plan to disassemble at some point.

Bottom

Attach the bottom boards as shown above using 2″ screws. Use glue if you want a stronger more permanent joint, no glue if you wish to disassemble at some point.

Step 5

Finishing

You probably already finished the pieces (or at least each panel) so just add paintable silicone to any exposed screws or imperfections, lightly sand, and apply a touch up coat. You may also wish to spray on a clear coat for added protection from the elements.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.