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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.
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.
Cut the kickboard pieces to size. Remember to cut the external corner pieces at a 45-degree angle so that they fit flush together.
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.
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.
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.
Mark your measurements on the pieces of MDF and cut them to size.
Nail and glue your bench pieces together to build a box. For extra support, add some wood screws.
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.
Once the lid is measured, you can cut the pieces to size and attach them to the box.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check that your cladding lines up with your bench seat and glue it into place. Allow it to dry.
For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 2: House facade and garden renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.
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.
