Plans

Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build a Land of Nod Inspired District Storage Bench with Doors

07.27.12 By //
Project Image

These stackable storage benches are sublime, not to mention easy to build! Build 1, build 2, or interchange them with other pieces in the District Storage Collection like the storage bin bench!

Estimated Cost 

$50-$75

Dimensions 
Dimensions for This Project

Tools 
  • Tape Measure
  • Saw – Jig, Circular, or Miter
  • Drill
  • Countersink Bit for Drill
  • Square
  • Sander
  • Kreg Jig
  • Brad Nailer
Lumber 
  • Half sheet of ¾” plywood
  • Quarter sheet of ¾” plywood
  • 2 – 1×2 at 8’
  • 1 – 1×3 at 2’
  • 1 – 1×4 at 2’
  • Quarter sheet of ¼” plywood, lauan, or hardboard
Materials 
  • 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
  • 1-1/4” brad nails
  • Edge banding for edges of plywood
  • 2 – Angle brackets (to secure 2 units together if stacked)
  • 4 – Hinges
  • 2 – Drawer pulls or knobs
  • Wood filler
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood glue
  • Finishing Supplies
Cut List 
  •  2 – 1×2 at 10-1/2” – Bottom Frame
  • 2 – 1×2 at 38-1/4” – Bottom Frame
  • 4 – 1×3 at 4” – Feet
  • 4 – 1×4 at 4” – Feet
  • 2 – ¾” plywood at 13-1/2” x 39-3/4” – Top & Bottom
  • 4 – ¾” plywood at 12” x 13-1/2” – Dividers
  • 4 – 1×2 at 12” – Stretchers
  • 2 – 1×2 at 12-3/4” – Stretchers
  • 1 – 1/4” plywood, lauan, or hardboard at 13-1/2” x 39-3/4” – Back
  • 2 – ¾” plywood at 11” x 11-3/4” – Doors
Instructions 

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Step 1

Step 1 

Apply edge banding to exposed plywood edges before assembly.

Cut the pieces for the frame. Set the Kreg jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Assemble as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Step 2
Step 2

Step 2 

If building the units to stack, do not build the feet for each unit. The only piece that will need feet is the base unit.

Cut the pieces for the feet. Cut the angle as shown. Assemble with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails. There will be two left feet and two right feet. Attach to the frame with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.

Step 3

Step 3 

Cut the piece for the bottom. Attach to the frame and feet with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails through the bottom into the frame.

Step 4

Step 4 

Cut the pieces for the dividers. Drill pocket holes in each of the shorter ends of the dividers. Attach to the bottom at the spacing indicated using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Step 5

Step 5 

Cut the pieces for the stretchers and drill pocket holes at each end. Attach as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Step 6

Cut the piece for the top. Attach using glue and 1-1/4” brad nails through the top into the dividers and stretchers.

Step 7

Step 7 

Cut the piece for the back. Attach using glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.

Step 8

Step 8 

Cut the pieces for the doors. There will be a 1/8” gap around all sides of the doors. Pre-drill the holes for the handles or knobs. Shim the doors in place and attach the hinges.

Step 9 

 

If stacking two units, attach the angle brackets to the frame of the bench that will go on the top, then secure to the top of the lower bench.

Finishing Instructions 

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

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