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This is a deck box that earns a spot on the patio: a slatted bench with a hinged lid that swallows cushions, pool toys, or garden gear, built from 1x4, 1x3, and 1x2 stock. The vertical-slat side panels are what give it its clean, modern look instead of the usual plastic-bin aesthetic.
The construction is panelized, which makes a big box manageable and — nicely — optionally knockdown. You build two side panels and two end panels as flat frames filled with slats, then bolt them into a box. The plan even lets you skip glue at assembly if you want to be able to take it apart later; use glue only where you want permanence. Build the side panels starting from a leg, marking 1-1/2" in for the frame, and keep the slat spacing even so the panels read as a set.
Because it lives outside and holds things that shouldn't sit in a puddle, use exterior door hinges for the lid and exterior screws throughout, and finish every piece. The slatted design also breathes, which helps cushions dry. A slatted or spaced bottom lets water drain rather than pool — worth doing if this sits anywhere it'll catch rain.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x4 board, 8 ftLegs, slats, bottom, top. | 15 each |
| 1x3 board, 8 ftFrame boards. | 6 each |
| 1x2 board, 8 ftEnd frame and top supports. | 2 each |
| Exterior door hingesFor the lid. | 2 each |
| Exterior screws, 2" | 120 each |
| Waterproof wood glueOptional at assembly if you want it to knock down. | 6 oz |
| Exterior finish | 32 oz |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Legs1x4 | 4 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 20" |
| Side slats1x4 | 22 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 17" |
| Side frame top/bottom1x3 | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 45 1/2" |
| Side frame ends1x2 | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 11 1/4" |
| End panel slats1x4 | 12 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 17" |
| End frame sides1x3 | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 16 1/4" |
| End frame top/bottom1x3 | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 17 1/4" |
| Bottom1x4 | 6 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 47" |
| Top slats1x4 | 13 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 23 3/4" |
| Top frame supports1x2 | 3 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 45 1/2" |
Buy 20 boards at 8 ft.
14 boards
4 boards
2 boards
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 →
Build the two side panels. The easiest way is to start with one of the legs, mark it 1-1/2" in for the frame (a 1x2 makes a handy gauge since it's 1-1/2" wide), and build out from there. Fill with vertical slats spaced evenly.
The end panels are simpler frames of slats. Screw the frame boards together, lay the slats in, and fasten. Keep the slat spacing consistent with the sides.
Attach the four panels into a box with 2" screws. Skip the glue if you want to be able to disassemble it later; use glue for a stronger permanent joint.
Attach the bottom boards with 2" screws — glue for permanence, no glue if you want knockdown. Leave slight gaps between bottom boards so water drains rather than pools.
Build the top by fastening the 13 slats across the three 1x2 supports. Hinge it to the box with exterior door hinges so it opens as a lid.
Finish every piece (you likely already did each panel), fill exposed screws with paintable silicone, lightly sand, and add a topcoat. Confirm the lid swings freely and the box drains.
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