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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Storage Bench https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1604964550 Message started by Davidm333 on Nov 9^th, 2020, 11:29pm

Title: Storage Bench
Post by Davidm333 on Nov 9^th, 2020, 11:29pm

[gallery fullsize]Davidm333/1604964306.png[/gallery]

Evening all,

I’m looking for any advice on how to build a storage bench in the living room, similar to the one in the picture? Ideally to be put together using a combination of plywood, mdf and 2x4s - but open to all advice.

Cheers

Title: Re: Storage Bench
Post by woodsmith on Nov 10^th, 2020, 8:24am

It looks like you could make this with mostly 18mm MDF with no need for a timber frame at all. If you wanted to make it bomb proof you could glue some 2x2 behind the corner joints but I don’t think it’s really necessary if you use decent screws. Glue and screw it all together and then cut strips of 6mm MDF which you glue on to create the panels and in the process cover the assembly screws as filling over screw heads can be a problem. For the seat I’d double up the MDF to make it 36mm. A few joints along the short dimension won’t matter so you can use up what MDF you have left for the lower piece as you won’t be able to see it once the seat is in place.

It would be worthwhile making a cutting list and getting as much of the MDF cut to size as possible unless you have access to machinery. And be careful when cutting MDF, wear a mask, as the dust can do you no good if you breathe it in.

Title: Re: Storage Bench
Post by CWatters on Dec 12^th, 2020, 4:34pm

I built something exactly like that for a waiting room a few years ago. Used 6" foam padding for the top but it still felt a bit hard.

I did use a frame as I had some 2x3" left from another project. I cut mdf to size then cut fixed the timber frame to that flat on the ground, then assembled it (eg instead of building a frame and cladding with mdf after).

On mine the top could be lifted off and the base used for storage.

I used lengths of moulding glued and pinned on to simulate panels. Very effective when painted up.

Sorry I don't have any photos.