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D.I.Y. kids wooden storage bench

A completed wooden storage bench for children, holding shoes, boots, a toy crate, a toy rabbit and more

Overview

A wooden storage bench is the perfect way to tidy up in your kids’ bedrooms. Not only does it look great, but it has practical shelves and a handy storage box to help you keep their books and toys organised. After you’ve had your timber pre-cut, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make.

Steps

1

Cut your timber

To make this project easier, you can get your timber pre-cut at your local Bunnings*. We cut the 285mm x 19mm pine into the following lengths:

  • 381mm x 4 (for the uprights)
  • 1200mm x 1 (for the base)
  • 610mm x 1 (for the top)
  • 276mm x 1 (for the shelf)
  • 590mm x 1 (for the lid)

For the front and back of the storage bench, we cut the 405mm x 19mm x 1200mm porta panel into 2 x 571mm x 285mm pieces.

*Not available at all Bunnings stores.

Tools and equipment for the job, including a mitre saw, several power drills, lengths of wood, paint, screws, wood glue, a piece of dowel, square rule and more

2

Mark and measure the base

For this storage bench we're starting with the 1200mm timber base. Two of the 381mm uprights will stand at each end. Mark at the 590mm and 885mm points from one end, this is where two of the uprights will be positioned. Square up the lines and extend them onto the front and back edges of the timber.
A square rule and pencil being used to mark a piece of timber for cutting

3

Fix the uprights

Turn the base onto its edge. Apply a bead of PVA glue to one end of the upright. Place the upright at one end of the base and fix it in place with a nail gun. Repeat this for the upright at the other end of the base and then fix the two other uprights in the middle.
Wood glue being applied to a timber shelf panel in a zigzag pattern

4

Attach the top

Next you need to fix the 610mm timber to the top of the three uprights where the shelves will go. Mark out a centre line on your 610mm piece so it lines up with the middle upright. Apply PVA glue to the top of each upright and then secure the top with the nail gun. Wipe off any excess glue.
A tape measure and pencil being used to mark a kids wooden storage bench for screw holes

5

Attach the shelf

The 276mm piece of timber is for the shelf. We positioned our shelf in the centre of the two uprights but you can position it where you like. Lay the bench on its side. Measure and mark halfway between the inner two uprights and square the mark off with a pencil line. Apply PVA glue down each edge of the shelf and slide it in place between the two uprights. Secure it with the nail gun. Wipe off any excess glue.
Storage shelves being fitted inside a frame on a kids storage bench by a Bunnings team member

6

Fix the front and back storage box panels

The two pieces of porta panel are for the front and back panels of the storage box. Both of ours measured 571mm x 285mm. Apply glue to their edges and drop them into place between the remaining uprights. Secure them with the nail gun and wipe away any excess glue.
The storage space of a kids' bench being assembled with a power drill

7

Screw the unit together to secure

Now it's time to make the unit secure. Use the 3mm drill bit to pre-drill holes, countersink them and drill in the 35mm chipboard screws. Use two screws on each of the uprights. Make sure you screw the uprights in place at the top and bottom of the unit.
The top bench surface of a wooden storage bench being screwed down by a Bunnings team member

8

Fix the lid to the storage box

Next, you need to fix the 590mm lid into place with hinges. The hinges should be evenly spaced, ours measured 122mm from the edges. Measure and mark the hinge positions on the lid and the storage box. Use the 2.5mm drill bit to pre-drill the holes for the hinges. Be careful not to drill through the lid. Then screw the hinges with 15mm screws into the lid first, then into the back edge of the storage unit to attach the lid.
Hinges being used as a guide to mark a timber storage bench for screw holes later

9

Make the legs

We're using 40mm dowel for the legs. First, cut the end of the dowel so that it's square. Then measure and mark the dowel to make your legs 80mm long. After you've measured and marked, cut the four legs with a mitre saw.
A square rule and pencil being used to mark a piece of timber for cutting

10

Measure and mark where the legs will go

Turn the unit upside down. Measure and mark where the legs are to go, remembering to evenly space the feet for balance and stability. The legs also need to be far enough away from the edges so that they can be drilled through the base. Once you've measured and marked where the feet will go, trace around each foot and find the centre – that's where you'll be drilling.
Wooden dowel legs being positioned on the underside of a kids wooden storage bench

11

Pre-drill the holes

Turn the unit on its side. Pre-drill the four holes through the base of the unit where you've marked. Then hold the dowel leg in place where it will be fitted and drill through your holes into the centre of the dowel. Countersink the pre-drilled holes.
Wooden dowel legs being added to the underside of a wooden storage bench with a power drill

12

Attach the legs

Apply glue to the top of the dowel leg. Hold the dowel against the base of the unit and use the 35mm screws to attach the leg. Repeat this for the three other legs.
The top bench surface of a wooden storage bench being screwed down by a Bunnings team member

13

Putty and sand the unit

Use a suitable coloured wood putty to fill in the nail and screw holes. Let the putty dry and lightly sand the unit. Wipe away any dust.
Screw holes being filled by a Bunnings team member with some gap filler

14

Paint the storage bench

You can paint the storage bench any colour you like. To give the storage bench a great looking finish apply at least two coats. We also left our feet natural, but you could paint yours if you like.
An assembled kids storage bench being painted white by a Bunnings team member

15

Just add toys

Once the paint is dry, it's ready to fill up with your kids' favourite things.
A completed wooden storage bench for children, holding shoes, boots, a toy crate, a toy rabbit and more
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.