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Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood

This simple plywood bench is a great window seat, storage bench, or even coffee table! Add a hutch on top to create storage, add a mudroom hutch to make it a mudroom! This is a with video showing you how to make your own cabinet style open bench. Related Plans: I added a hutch to create additional storage - are here. Related Plans: I added a Mudroom Unit to make this a mudroom - are here.

Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood

Specifications

Project typeMedia and Entertainment Centers
RoomStorage Solutions
DifficultyIntermediate
Estimated cost$150 - $200

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 3/4" hardwood plywood, ripped into 23-1/4" width (as shown in photos, you will need just over 1 full sheet)
  • 3/4" wide edge banding (16 feet as shown in photos)
  • 1x3 or 1x4 pine boards (for bay supports) (3 8' boards as shown in photos)
  • baseboard moulding (about 10 feet as shown in photos)
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
  • wood glue
  • wood filler, sand paper, paint

Cut List

Cut List for the Bench Shown in Photos and Video

  • 3 - 3/4" plywood ripped into 23-1/4" width @ 17-1/4" - verticals
  • 2 - 3/4" plywood ripped into 23-1/4" width @ 31-78" - shelves
  • 1 - 3/4" plywood ripped into 23-1/4" width @ 66" - top
  • 4 - 1x3 @ 31-7/8" - bay supports
  • 3-1/4" base moulding is cut to fit, front is about 67-1/2" long point to long point, sides are about 24" long point measurements, mitered ends are 45 degrees

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • compound miter saw
  • table saw
  • nailer
  • sander
  • Iron

Step-by-step Instructions

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Step 1

Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood — step 1
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Step 2

Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood — step 2
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Step 3

Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood — step 3
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Step 4

Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood — step 4
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Step 5

Simple Open Shelf Bench Made From Plywood — step 5
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Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/simple-open-shelf-bench-made-plywood-customize-size