Outdoor Storage Benchfeatured

This outdoor storage bench is good for storing outdoor cushions, pillows, blankets, games, citronella candle and more! It is nice to have an outdoor bench that can double as storage to cut down on the lugging of items in and out of the house when its time to use your outdoor space.

Black and white has become very popular the last few years and I had the pleasure of making these for someone. The actual color of the benches are cracked pepper by Behr. 

I made two benches: one 60 in x 19.5 in x 17 in and the second 50 in x 19.5 in x 17 in. The benches were put together in an "L" shape to create and outdoor nook. The nook could be used for dining or for seating around an outdoor fire pit.

I got this bench idea from housefulofhandmade.com. Although, the bench from that site is for an upholstered storage bench I was able to make a few changes to make it suitable for outdoors. This website has great step by step pics for following along.

I used pressure treated wood and plywood for building the benches. Pressure treated wood is good for resisting termites, rot and fungal decay. Pressure treated wood is able to sustain outdoor elements because of the chemicals used to treat the wood.

It is very important to work in a well ventilated space and wear eye protection, gloves and a respirator mask when working with pressure treated wood. Chemicals and toxins can be released in the air when pressured treated wood is cut, trimmed or burned.

This is a very satisfying build that you, family and friends can enjoy right away. Pull out your mask, gloves and eye protection and get out there! You got this!

Supplies ^{_{(for two benches)}}

• 2 - 1 in x 2 in x 8 ft pressure treated board
• 1 - 3/4 in x 4 ft x 8 ft yellow pine pressure treated plywood
• 8 - 2 in x 2 in x 8 ft pressure treated board
• 6 - 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft pressure treated board
• 9 - 1 in x 4 in x 8 ft pressure treated board
• 4 - 3 in hinges
• Pocket-Hole Jig
• Paint (optional)
• Wood Stain
• Wood glue
• 1 1/4 in and 2 1/2 in pocket-hole screws
• Sander with 120, 220 and 320 grit paper

Cuts

• 8 legs, 2x2 @ 17"
• 4 Side Tops , 2x2 @19 1/2"
• 4 Side Bottoms , 2x2 @ 16 1/2"
• 8 Front/Back Top & Bottom Rail, (1^st bench) 2x2 @ 57" and(2^nd bench)2x2 @ 47"
• 12 Side Slats , 1x4 @ 16 1/2"
• 4 Small Side Slats , 1x2 @ 16 1/2"
• 12 Front/Back Slats , (1^st bench) 1x4 @ 57" and(2^nd bench) 1x4 @ 47"
• 6 Bottom, (1^st bench) 1x6 @ 57" and(2^nd bench) 1x6 @ 47"
• 4 Bottom Supports , 1x2 @ 16 1/2"
• 2 Tops plywood, (1^st bench) 3/4" X 19 1/4" X 56 1/2" and (2^nd bench) 3/4" X 19 1/4" X 46 1/2"

Instructions

1. Assemble the side slats using the 3 - 1x4 boards setting the pocket hole jig to 3/4 thick material and drill one pocket hole in the center of each board. Connect each end together with the 1 1/4" pocket screw and wood glue. On one end of the slat attach the 1x2 small side slat. Repeat until you have made 4 side slats.
2. Using the side slats you just made, on one side drill pocket holes for 1 1/2" thick material on the end of each of the 4 boards used the make up one side slat.
3. Cut the top of the legs (2x2) at a 45 degree angle on one end with the longest side at 17". Cut the side tops (2x2) at a 45 degree angle on both ends, the longest side should be 19 1/2". Connect the legs to the side slats with the 2 1/2" pocket screw and using wood glue place the side tops in place and hold together with wood clamps. Set aside the dry.
4. For the 12 front/back slats drill 2- vertical pocket holes for 3/4" thick material at 15 inches from the end on each end of the boards. Then drill horizontal pocket holes for 1 1/2" thick material at each end of the board. Each board should have a total of 4 pocket holes (2 vertical and 2 horizontal) Connect 3 of the 1x4 boards together using the 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. To make a total of 4 slats.
5. Drill one pocket hole to each end of the the Top&Bottom Rail (2x2) wood boards. To the 4 front/back slats you just made, using the 2 1/2 pocket screw and wood glue connect the Top&Bottom Rail (2x2) to the top and bottom of the slats. Then connect the side slats to the front slat with 1 1/4 in pocket screws and repeat for the back. This picture is missing the bottom rail.
6. Drill 2 pocket holes, set to 3/4" thick material, to each end of the bottom (1x6) wood boards. Attach the bottom frame with wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket screws to the bottom frame.
7. Drill one pocket hole, at 3/4" thick material, to each end of the 1x2 bottom supports. Attach them evenly spaced under the bottom boards with a 1 1/4" pocket screw.
8. Attach the 3" hinges to the top back wood rail by cutting down into the wood by half and inch and over 3 1/8". The hinge should sit flush into the wood. There are different types of hinges on the market so you will have to measure your hinge and make cuts accordingly.
9. Use an electric sander and sand with 120 grit paper then 220 then 320. Wear your goggles and respirator mask and sand to your hearts content.
10. When everything is buttery smooth stain or paint the bench and let dry. If you decide to stain the bench do not forget to apply a polyurethane coat.

You did it!

I made cushions for the top of the benches using 2 in high density foam, outdoor fabric and outdoor thread. The dimensions of the foam were (1) 57 in x 19.5 in and (2) 47 in x 19.5 in. I am no upholsterer or seamstress but I did sew my cushions. Another option is to search online for cushions in those dimensions or to have them custom made. I decided to make my own cushions because I was in a time crunch.

Check out the pictures of this build below Like, share and comment!