Farmhouse Storage Bench

Instructions

1. 1Assemble the legs

   Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes into the four stretchers for each side of the bench. Attach with wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket screws.

2. 2Attach the lower stretcher

   Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes into the lower 2x4 stretcher. Center it between the legs and attach with wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket screws.

3. 3Add the aprons

   Attach the 1x4 aprons to the front and back edges of the legs, flush with the top. Drill 3/4" pocket holes into each end and attach with wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket screws.

4. 4Attach the plywood bottom

   Drill 1/2" pocket holes into the 1/2 plywood that will make up the storage compartment bottom. Attach flush with the bottom edge of the 1x4 and 2x4 frame pieces with 1" pocket screws.

5. 5Build the bench seat

   • Use a table saw or the adaptive cutting system to rip two 1x8 boards down to 6 5/8" widths.
   • Cut to size and drill 3/4" pocket holes into the three long boards as well as the breadboard ends.
   • Attach together with wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket screws.

6. 6Sand and finish

   Sand the entire project down to 220 grit with an orbital sander or by hand. Finish as desired with paint or stain.

7. 7Attach the bench seat

   Using 2 1/2" middle hinges, attach the bench seat to the base. Mark the location of the hinges and trace the outside edges with a pencil into the top of the base. Using a chisel and mallet, make a mortise into the wood deep enough for the hinges to fit into and the bench seat to sit flush with the top of the base (approx 1/8").