Have you ever purchased a cheap piece of furniture, only to have it fall apart? I picked up a super cheap bench at Home Goods last year. It was wobbly when I bought it and as you can imagine, things haven’t exactly improved. Some time ago my four year old jumped on it and left a kid sized hole in the top. Pieces of it have fallen apart ever since. The necessity for getting something in the space quickly is what led me purchase one rather than build, but now we have toss it in the garbage because none of the cheap particle board and mdf material is exactly reusable.
This time around I wanted a solid storage bench. One that would look great, be super strong, and function both for seating and storage. I liked the design of this one from Wayfair, but the fact that it is 45lbs and has a weight capacity of 100lbs should give some indication of it’s likely longevity. I haven’t attempted to heft this one on a scale, but my entire family can sit on it together if we like. As far as a price breakdown, you can expect to spend on materials about what you would spend to buy the smaller Wayfair bench, if not a little bit more, assuming you do not already have any of the materials listed.
Choose your own adventure build plans
I’m trying something new with this tutorial. These instructions include both an option A, beginner-oriented plan, and an option B, slightly more advanced plan. Feel free to follow whatever path works best for you, and challenge yourself a little! The materials list is the same for both options.
Materials List
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1 – 1z3″x4′
1 – 1×12″x8′
4′ – 3″ high density foam
tacky fabric glue
stain (I used Varathane Antique White)
4 – 5/16″ threaded inserts
4 – 5/16″ hanger bolts
glue
1 – 2×4′ 1/4″ plywood
5′ – upholstery fabric
2′ – liner fabric
4 – 4 1/2″ turned feet
brad nails
upholstery tack strip with nails
upholstery liner strip (in roll)
3/8″ drill bit
Cut List
1 – 45 7/8 x 18 1/8″ 1/4″ plywood (lid)
*2 – 44 3/8″ x 11 1/2″ 1/2″ plywood (box sides)
**2 – 16 7/8″ x 11 1/2″ 1/2″ plywood (box sides)
2 – 46 5/8″ x 9 9/16″ x 1″ wood of choice (base)
8 – 10 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ x 1″ wood of choice (outside supports)
4 – 10 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ x 1″ wood of choice (inside supports)
4 – 10 3/4″ x 2″ x 1″ wood of choice (inside supports)
2 – 46 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ x 1″ top ledge, both sides 45 degrees, length is long point to long point – don’t cut in advance!
2 – 18 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ x 1″ top ledge, both sides 45 degrees, length is long point to long point – don’t cut in advance!
*For simplified build modify to 44 3/8″ x 10 3/4″
**For simplified build modify to 16 7/8 x 10 3/4″
Tools
I have included links to show what I used. Obviously, the best tool is the one you already have, but since “what tool is that you are using?” is a common question, I’m including affiliate links for your convenience.
Option A: Simplified Build
circular saw
*table saw (kind of optional, but strongly recommended)
pocket hole jig
hammer
staple gun (pneumatic is best)
knife (to cut foam)
fabric scissors
brad nailer
tape measure
speed square
Drill press or Milescraft AccuDrill
Option B: Intermediate Build
circular saw
table saw
pocket hole jig, biscuit joiner, domino, etc.
hammer
staple gun (pneumatic is best)
knife (to cut foam)
fabric scissors
brad nailer
tape measure
speed square
Drill press or Milespress AccuDrill
router (fixed and plunge combo best)
5/8″ straight bit
beading bit
miter saw
clamping tool guide
router table
clamps
trim router
How to build an upholstered storage bench
Step 1: Cut and join the base
My base is 19 1/8″ wide. You’ll need to rip your 1×12 pieces down to 9 9/16″ to match that, but obviously you also don’t need to make it exactly that measurement, either.
Step 2: Groove spot for plywood sides (skip for simplified build)
Step 3: Cut plywood sides and remainder of wood frame pieces, finish
Step 4: Cover plywood with upholstery and liner

Step 5: Attach plywood
Step 6: Cut and attach top ledge
Step 7: Attach outside and inside supports
Step 8: Cut top lid
Step 9: Prepare cushion
Step 10: Add hinges and supports
Step 11: Add hardware and feet
Step 12: Fill with blankets and enjoy!
Confession: I’m a bit horrified that I had to photograph this without our area rug in place. Pretend that carpet isn’t there. But isn’t the bench just fabulous?!
I was able to build this storage bench out of reclaimed flooring material, along with feet by Osborne Wood Company. It’s always a thrill for me when I can create something out of reclaimed materials. Think outside the box when reusing lumber. It doesn’t always have to be pallets! (Check out my reclaimed oak coffee table for another great example.)
As always, if you have any questions, please ask! And if you build this storage bench be sure to share a photo!
This is such a nice project turned out so great
Thank you, Corey!
How long did this take you?
Ooooo, that’s a tricky question. Honestly, all I recall about this one is that it was one of those projects that I worked on a little at a time, likely at the same time as other projects. For that reason, I seem to remember spending a good number of weeks with it, albeit in short bursts of time. Sorry, that’s a terrible answer.
I was looking for a solution to my kitchen seating problem (big family plus holidays) and found your storage bench. I am new at this, but I increased the length by 20 inches and brought in metal, a thicker base and expensive oak plywood for more support. Just would like to thank you for the instructions!
*Would post pictures of how it turned out (Christmas was wonderful!), but I cannot figure out how to. 🙁
I’m so happy to hear that! Apologies for the delay in responding. You can share a photo through the “Ask” link in the top menu. That’s my email address. I would love to see!