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This bench is a simple 1x12 box with a footprint sized around three fabric storage bins rather than a bespoke cubby size, which makes it a fast, low-waste build for anyone who already owns or plans to buy bins in that common 11" size. Round off the top corners of the two side pieces with a jigsaw first, clamping both cut edges together to sand them into a matching curve — doing this before assembly means you're sanding two loose boards on a bench, not an assembled box.
Attach the shelves to the sides next, then the front and back footer boards — for the bottom footer piece, fasten it from both directions, into the shelf from below and into the footer's top edge, since that joint carries the bench's seated weight. The back panel is genuinely optional; it's nailed on last with finish nails and glue, and the plan notes more shelves get added afterward specifically to give the back panel extra places to grab onto.
The cubby dividers go in after the back, marked, predrilled, and screwed down — a straightforward step. The final top dividers rely on glue more than mechanical fasteners: measure their placement, apply glue, slide them in, then screw down through the seat from above for extra hold while the glue cures.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x12, 8 ft | 2 each |
| 1x3, 8 ft | 1 each |
| 1/4" plywood, for the back (optional) | 1 each |
| Wood screws, 2", or pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" | 40 each |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4" | 30 each |
| Wood glue | 3 oz |
| Wood filler | 3 oz |
| Primer and paint | 1 set |
| Fabric storage bins, 11 in size | 3 each |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Sides1x12, 8 ftTop corners rounded with a jigsaw. | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 21" |
| Shelves1x12, 8 ft | 3 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 34 1/2" |
| Footer/back1x3, 8 ft | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 34 1/2" |
| Cubby dividers1x12, 8 ft | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 11" |
| Top cubby dividers1x12, 8 ft | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 2 3/4" |
| Back panel1/4" plywood, for the back (optional) | 1 | 1/4" × 36" × 21" |
Buy 4 boards at 8 ft.
2 boards
1 board
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Round off the top corners of the two side pieces with a jigsaw. Clamp both cut edges together and sand as one to match the curve.
Mark the sides for shelf placement, predrill, and attach the shelves to the sides with 2" screws and glue, or pocket hole screws and glue.
Attach the front and back footer boards. For the bottom piece, also fasten from the top down into the footer's top edge.
Attach the back panel with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue. Add extra fasteners at the top; clamp in place if additional support is needed while the glue dries.
Mark, place, and predrill the cubby dividers, then screw down.
Measure and mark the placement of the final top dividers, apply glue, and slide into place. Screw down through the seat for extra hold and let dry fully.
Fill any screw holes with wood filler, sand all surfaces, and apply primer and paint. Add fabric storage bins.
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