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How to build a storage bench seat

Fully completed storage bench seat attached to a wall and a round table next to it.

Overview

A bench seat is a great way to save space and provide you with additional storage. It can be a place to read a good book or put your shoes on, while doubling-up as storage for things like cushions and blankets, sports equipment, toys or boardgames.

We’re sharing step-by-step instructions on how to build your own bench seat with built-in storage.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Measure the kickboards

    Pick the location for your bench seat. We recommend choosing somewhere with afternoon sunlight so you can relax with a cup of coffee or a good book. Alternatively, the hallway is a practical place, where your family and guests can sit down to put their shoes on.

    Measure the timber for the kickboards to the length that you want your seat to be, taking into consideration your preferred length, the area you’re placing the seat and the look you’re going for.

    Make sure to set the kickboard back 100mm from the front of the seat so that you achieve the floating look.

    A person measuring the length of a kickboard.
  2. 2

    Cut the kickboards

    Cut the kickboard pieces to size. Remember to cut the external corner pieces at a 45-degree angle so that they fit flush together.

    A person cutting the kickboard using a circular saw.
  3. 3

    Assemble the kickboard boxes

    Using the pieces of timber you’ve cut, assemble the timber together to make the box using a nail gun. Add support blocks every 450mm to make the structure strong enough to sit on.

    A person assembling the timber together to make the box using a nail gun.
  4. 4

    Attach the kickboards to the wall

    Locate the studs in the wall using a stud finder so that you can attach the box to the wall. Using a drill, attach the kickboard box to the wall.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Don’t have a stud finder? Tap the wall with your finger. Where the wall sounds solid (not hollow), that is where your stud is. The studs are usually 600mm apart.
    A person locating the studs in the wall using a stud finder.
  5. 5

    Measure the timber for the box base

    To create the base for the box, measure out the size of the timber for the base and sides. For the sides and front, allow 60mm overhang so that it sits past the kickboards.

    Measuring the timber for the box base.
  6. 6

    Cut the bench seat to size

    Mark your measurements on the pieces of MDF and cut them to size.

    A person cutting the the bench seat to size using a jigsaw.
  7. 7

    Assemble the bench seats

    Nail and glue your bench pieces together to build a box. For extra support, add some wood screws.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Remember to pre-drill your screw holes to avoid splitting the timber.
    A person measuring the thickness of a kickboard.
  8. 8

    Measure the lid

    Now it’s time to make the lid of the box. First, measure the length and width using the same measurements as the base, but allow for a 40mm overhang. (The first 20mm of the overhang will ensure the lid can easily be opened and closed and the other 20mm is to allow for the cladding.) The cladding is used to give the seat frame a more finished look, bringing it all together.

    A person assembling the kickboards using a nail gun.
  9. 9

    Cut the lid to size

    Once the lid is measured, you can cut the pieces to size and attach them to the box.

    Cutting the lid to size using a circular jigsaw.
  10. 10

    Attach the hinges

    Mark the spots where the screws will go and pre-drill screw holes. Attach the hinges to the inside of the lid using a drill, screwing the hinges into place. Before you tighten the screws all the way, be sure to check that the lid closes properly; otherwise, you may have to loosen and readjust later.

    Marking the spots where the screws will go using a red marker pen.
  11. 11

    Paint the MDF

    Now it’s time to paint the inside of the box and lid of the seat. If you don’t want to add cladding to the exterior, go ahead and paint the outside of the box, too.

    Painting inside of the box and lid of the seat.
  12. 12

    Secure bench seat to kickboards

    Once the paint has dried completely, sit the bench seats on top of the kickboards. Make sure they are level and then secure them to the studs in the wall and to the base.

    Two persons sitting the bench seat on top of the kickboards.
  13. 13

    Measure and cut cladding

    Cut your cladding boards to size. You can choose to clad just the front or add cladding to the sides, as well. This will provide a consistent look.

    Measuring the length of the storage bench seat.
  14. 14

    Glue cladding in place

    Check that your cladding lines up with your bench seat and glue it into place. Allow it to dry.

    A person attaching the cladding to bench seat.
  15. 15

    Watch the full episode

    For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 2: House facade and garden renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.

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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.