Storage bench that's also a toybox

This practical storage bench also serves as a toybox. The seat lifts up to provide a place to store toys out of sight and keep any child's bedroom uncluttered.

 

You can paint the storage bench in any combination of Rust-Oleum 2X spray paint colours - to suit the existing bedroom decor or to add a splash of colour.

YOU WILL NEED:

All sections 16mm SupaWood
1 of 680 x 800mm – SupaWood - back
2 of 400 x 550mm – SupaWood - sides
2 of 370 x 680mm – SupaWood - front / seat top
1 of 358 x 680mm – SupaWood - base
1 of 50 x 680mm – SupaWood - seat back board
1 of 50 x 648mm – SupaWood - seat back batten
2 of 50 x 370mm – SupaWood - seat side batten
4 x 45mm smooth – SupaWood - shank cut screws
4 x 30mm smooth-shank cut screws
2 butt hinges and 16mm screws
Wood glue
Rust-Oleum 2X satin green apple and sweet pea

TOOLS:

Drill / Driver + assorted bits
Countersink bit
Jigsaw + clean-cut blade
Orbital sander + 120, and 180/240-grit sanding pads
Tape measure and pencil

HERE'S HOW:

1. Use household items such as plates and cups to draw curvy shapes on the two side sections. The curves are cut out with a jigsaw and clean-cut blade. The curved designs are cut out on the sides, back panel, and the front corners of the seat are given curved corners.

GOOD TO KNOW
Draw and cut out one side and use this to draw the second side.

2. Place the back on a flat, level surface. Align the sides flush with the bottom edge of the back. Drill 3mm countersunk pilot holes and secure the sides to the back section.

3. Insert the base and secure this in the same way by attaching to the bottom of the back and side sections.

4. Turn the piece upright in order to mount the front panel. Make sure that the front panel is recessed evenly from top to bottom. Attach the sides to the front panel and secure the front panel to the base.

5. On the inside of the box, measure up and draw a line at 370mm on the back and sides. Use this as a guide to mount the back and side battens to the fame using 30mm screws.

6. Attach the seat back board to the top of the back batten.

7. Attach butt hinges to the back edge of the seat with 16mm screws. Position the bench on its back. This will allow for easy mounting of the brackets to the edge of the seat back board.

8. Remove the seat for sanding and sand the entire project with 120-grit to round-off the corners and edges and then with 240-grit. Wipe clean.

9. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the cut edges of the board to help seal the edges before spray painting.