Furniture

DIY Storage Bench (IKEA Nornas Look-alike)

This bench is perfect for a bedroom or entryway.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2.3–4.3 hours
Cost: $$

About this build

This bench is perfect for a bedroom or entryway. The picture shows a queen sz bed. It is a simple build. The large compartments are perfect for storage baskets. It was inspired by the IKEA Nornas bench which sells for $199. I built this one for about $30 in lumber.

Tools

Essential

Impact Driver
Miter Saw
Pocket Hole Jig

Materials

Item	Qty
Board, 1x12 96"	2 board
Board, 2x2 96"	2 board
1" Pocket Screws	38 each
2-1/2" pocket screws	8 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.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L
Top and Bottom pieces	2	3/4" × 11 1/4" × 4"
Vertical Pieces and Shelf	5	3/4" × 11 1/4" × 15"
Long Frame Pieces	2	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 44 1/2"
Short Frame Pieces	2	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 4"
Feet	4	1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 2"

What to buy

Buy 3 boards at 8 ft.

1 1/2" × 1 1/2"

2 boards

44 1/2"44 1/2"4"
4"2"2"2"2"

3/4" × 11 1/4"

1 board

15"15"15"15"15"4"4"

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 →

Start building →

Instructions

1Step 1: Drill Pocket Holes
For this plan you will need 2- 1x12x8' and 2- 2x2x8' The 1x12s will be cut at 15". You will need 5 pieces. See cut list for specific cuts on the 2x2s. Once your cuts are made, drill pocket holes on the 1x12's as shown on the diagram.
2Step 2: More Pocket Holes
Drill pocket holes on the inside of all the 2x2's as shown by the arrows.
3Step 3: Build the legs
Using 2 1/2 inch pocket screws, put the legs together as shown in the diagram. Once the legs are put together, spray paint them with metallic spray paint and let them dry, to give them a metallic look.
4Step 4: Make an "H"
Using 3 of the 15” pieces, make an H shape. Be sure that the pocket holes face OUT on the vertical pieces. Mark the middle really well so that the shelf is level. Use 1” pocket screws and wood glue on all of the seams.
5Assemble the rest of the bench
- Attach the “H” to the 4’ Piece, then attach the end pieces.
- Attach the top 4’ piece in the same manner.
- Now is a good time to stain or paint your desired color.
6Step 6: Attach the Legs
Decide which end you will want as the top of your bench, then attach the legs to the opposite end using 1” pocket screws. For more pictures and detailed tutorial, see the link under the "Extras" tab. Enjoy!