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A sit-down entryway bench with a divided cubby system hidden behind the seat — built entirely from 1x12s, sized to disappear between two walls.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bench top | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 72" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Bench sides Structural pocket holes go on the outside faces — walls flank this bench on both ends and hide them. | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 16 1/2" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Bench bottom | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 70 1/2" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Dividers | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 13 1/4" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Shelves | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 21" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Bottom supports | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 70 1/2" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Back panel | 1 | 1/4" × 17 1/4" × 72" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 1x12, 8 ft 22 linear feet total — bench top, sides, bottom, dividers, and shelves. | 3 each | ☐ |
| 1x3, 8 ft Bottom supports. | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1/4" plywood, 17-1/4" x 72" Back panel. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" | 30 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4" and 3/4" | 60 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 4 oz | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4", Brad nails, 1-1/4" and 3/4", Wood glue
Attach the two side panels to the top and bottom shelves with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws — these are the bench's main structural joints, so place the pocket holes on the OUTSIDE faces of the sides, since walls will cover both ends and there's no reason to hide them.
Nail and glue the two dividers in place with 1-1/4" nails — they only carry their own shelf's load, not a sitting load, so a simpler joint is fine here.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4" and 3/4", Wood glue
Add the two 1x3 supports along the bottom with nails and glue — this stiffens the long unsupported span of the bench bottom against sagging.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4"
Add the two internal shelves between the dividers, using pocket holes on the underside for extra strength.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1/4" plywood, 17-1/4" x 72", Brad nails, 1-1/4" and 3/4", Wood glue
Nail the plywood back panel on with glue and 3/4" nails — this closes the assembly and adds real resistance to racking for very little material.
Sand the whole bench and finish before it goes against the wall.