Simple Bench with Hidden Boot Storage
This simple bench has a secret! Store boots inside it! Free.
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
What you need
- 1 - 3/4" x 18" project panel, 7 feet long OR 48" x 48" 3/4" plywood panel, cut into two pieces, 18" x 48" (will have a scrap leftover about 12" wide)
- 1 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x4 @ 6 feet long
- 2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 16" full extension side mount drawer slides (usually the silver ones)
- 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 18" x 17-3/4" - legs
- 1 - 1x6 @ 41-1/2" - back support
- 1 - 1x2 or similar (can be 1x3 or 1x4 or 3/4" plywood strip) @ 40" - front support
- 1 - 1x6 @ 41-1/2" - drawer front
- 1 - 1x4 @ 39" - drawer back
- 2 - 1x4 @ 15-1/4" - drawer sides
- 9 - 1x2 @ 15-1/4" - drawer bottom slats
- 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 18" x 45-1/2" - top
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- circular saw
- jigsaw
- sander
Step by step
Step 1
Cut the plywood pieces with a circular saw or table saw. Mark out detail cuts and cut with a jigsaw. Sand any rough edges. Mark front edge and inside/outside edges of pieces. Drill 3/4" pocket holes facing up along upper inside edge (make sure you are drilling pocket holes on insides of the two legs in mirror) and along the notched out back edge (see next steps).
Attach back support with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and glue.
Drill two 3/4" pocket holes on each end of front support. Attach to front edge of bench.
Step 3
Build the drawer as shown. I used pocket holes for strength.
Mark lines of drawer and bench interior as shown.
Install drawer slide so the lines marked are centered on the holes in the drawer slide parts. Attach with drawer slide screws. The video shows how we install the drawer slide if this doesn't make sense.
Step 5
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.
