This project went together very nicely and gave my tiny foyer a much needed improvement through increased storage. I have four children and that means that I have way too many hats and mitts. This bench was one of three things that I built to improve the function of my foyer. I designed the bench with a storage box frame built out of 1x6s, with a 1×4 divider to organize the interior for my two youngest children. The lid would not be difficult nor dangerous for them to lift and access their hats and accessories. The box frame base is mdf. I based all measurements to incorporate the 16″ bare mdf shelving board. It was very simple. I made the legs out of 1x3s and 1x4s, with a 1×2 frame brace on the sides and back. The front was left open so that we could use that space to store boots easily. The front back piece is a simple 1×4 that gives good structure to attach hinges for the bench seat/lid which is 3/4″ plywood. The main bench construction used Kreg pockethole joinery as well as a nail gun. The neutral colour and vintage hinges gave the bench a very country classical appearance.

For this project, you will need:

Drill and impact driver

Nail gun

Sanders and sand paper to prepare wood surfaces

Mitre saw

Nail gun to attach legs to box frame

Kreg pockethole jig and screws

Two hinges

One of each: 1″x4″x8′; 1″x3″x8; 1″x2″x6′

One 16″ mdf shelving

3/4″ plywood in desired size for bench seat

Safety glasses for all power tool use, and mask for sanding

Paint and brush