Outdoor Wall Panel Storage Bench

Attach one wide leg piece to one narrow leg piece, drilling through the wide piece into the side of the narrow one. Use 1-1/4" screws and glue, keeping the pieces flush at the top, bottom, and down the side. Repeat to build all four legs.

Use five front/back rails to connect two legs, turning the legs so the wide piece faces forward and the narrow piece faces the side. The top rail sits flush with the top of the legs; the remaining rails get a 1/2" gap between them, leaving 2-1/4" of open space at the bottom. Keep all rails flush with the front of the legs, drill pocket holes on the back of each rail, and attach with pocket-hole screws and glue. Repeat to build the back section.

Use five side rails to connect one end of the front and back sections, lining them up flush with the top, with a 1/2" gap between boards and 2-1/4" of open space at the bottom, matching the front and back. Attach with pocket holes on the back of the rails. Repeat for the other end.

Turn the bench upside down. Attach the bottom boards with pocket holes drilled in what is currently their top face (the bottom, once you flip the bench back over). Start with a board flush against one side, then leave a 1/2" gap between each subsequent board, which will leave a matching 1/2" gap at the far end.

Use the lid slats to connect the two lid sides, drilling pocket holes in the underside of each slat. The front and back slats sit flush with the ends of the side boards; the rest get an even 1/2" gap between them.

Add the lid support boards to keep the lid from shifting when it's set on the bench. Attach one support at each end, leaving 1" of space around the top, bottom, and outside edge, using glue and 1-1/4" screws driven into both the side board and each slat. Center the third support 11" from each outside support, with 1" of clearance above and below it.

If you're setting the bench against the wall panel system, just set the finished lid on top — lift it off or tip it back to reach the storage inside. If using the bench on its own, add the hinges now if you'd like the lid to stay attached.

It's best to finish each board individually before assembly. Use an outdoor paint or stain with an outdoor-rated poly or sealer. If you finished the boards ahead of time, fill the pocket holes with wood filler, sand smooth, and touch up the finish on those spots. If you waited until now, fill the holes, sand everything, and paint or stain the whole piece, working the finish well into every gap.