The Robin Collection – Storage Bench

In Robin’s playroom, this bench is built-in between two bookcases but you could definitely build this plan as a stand alone storage bench.  Robin’s bench sat over an air vent so they had to direct the air flow out through the toe kick.  

Built-in window seat plans

This is the first of three built-in project plans in the Robin Collection

Built-in Window Seat Bench

Built-in Window Seat Bench - free woodworking plans

Materials:

  • 1/4″ backer material (beadboard, plywood or hardboard)
  • 1 3/4″ wood screws
  • wood glue
  • Kreg jig and 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
  • 1×2 and 1×3 poplar for faceframe
  • 2 sheets 3/4″ plywood cut as shown below
Built-in Window Seat Bench -- free plans from Sawdust Girl.
Built-in Window Seat Bench -- free plans from Sawdust Girl.

Step1:  Attach Sides and Dividers

Drive wood screws up through bottom into sides and dividers. Make sure they countersink – you don’t want them protruding.

diy window seat bench woodworking plans

Step2:  Attach Top

Sides of top should extend 3/4″ on sides and 1/4″ on back.

build a window seat bench

Step 3:  Attach Back Cleats

Use pocket hole screws to attach flush with back of sides and dividers

Built-in Window Seat Bench -- free plans from Sawdust Girl.

Step 4:  Attach Sides

  • Sides should be flush on front to dividers and extend 1/4″ on back.
  • Use wood glue and brad nails to secure.
How to build a built-in window seat bench

Step 5:  Build and Attach Faceframe

  • Faceframe is built of 1×2 except for the bottom plate which is 1×4 so you can create the shaped element in the toekick.
  • Refer to Faceframe tutorial for help with this step
window seat faceframe

Step 6:  Build and Attach Base

  • Build base out of 3/4″ plywood strips.
  • Use scrap of wood to space all dividers evenly.
  • Attach to bench by driving screws through sides of base into sides of bench
window seat bench with base for air vent

Built-in Window Seat Bench -- free plans from Sawdust Girl.

Step 7:  Attach Back

  • Back should sit into recess created by sides and top.
  • Secure with nails or staples
Built-in Window Seat Bench -- free plans from Sawdust Girl.

Step 8: Finish and enjoy!

DIY Window Seat

Get the other plans in the “Robin Collection” and read Robin’s Sawdust Diaries 

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8 Comments

  1. I”m not sure what you mean. The faceframe is attached to the front of the cabinet.

  2. Hi! I’m very excited to make this for my living room and adding storage for our family.
    I have read and studied the notes. My one question is how did you cut the groove out for the bottom of the face frame ?

  3. Amanda Acord says:

    Would you be able yo be more specific about the type of wood screw, where i can find them, and how may you used.
    Also how much wood glue did you use and could you tell me where i could order that as well.
    Thank you. 🙂

Comments are closed.