Storage Bench

At first glance, this bench may look like a complex project. But take a closer look and you’ll see that the structure couldn’t be more basic. It’s just a box made from four frames with legs that wrap around the corners. The panels that fill the frames are plywood with waterproof outdoor fabric stapled over them. Covering the plywood seat with foam and fabric is something even an upholstery novice can manage.

Reader's Digest Learn how to build this storage bench.

This bench is easy to customize, too: You can change the dimensions, choose fabric to complement other patio furniture, and stain the wood to match your deck or paint it to match your house.

Simple arc jig

Make an arc jig by clamping blocks to a 5-ft. board. Bend a 4-ft. strip of wood between the blocks. Adjust the distance between the blocks until the arc is correct.

Materials List

Available at home centers:

- 70' of 1x4 pine (this is a minimum amount; we bought 100' and selected sections)
- 4' x 8' of 3/8" BC grade plywood
- 1-5/8" galvanized drywall screws
- 1-1/4" galvanized drywall screws
- No. 8 x 1" pan head screws
- 1-1/4" galvanized nails
- 5/16" staples
- 3-1/2" galvanized hinges (Stanley No. 819051)
- Exterior wood glue (such as Titebond II or Titebond III)
- Lid support (Stanley No. 80-1535)
- Spray adhesive (such as 3M Super 77)
- Weather stripping (adhesive-backed foam or rubber)
- Plastic or rubber foot pads

We used the Kreg R2 pocket hole jig ($55). Other versions cost from $25 to $145. To find a dealer, go to kregtool.com (800-447-8638). To find online retailers, search for “Kreg jig.”