1 in × 6 in (2. 5 cm × 15. 2 cm) boards that are 6 ft (1. 8 m) long (7) 2 in × 4 in (5. 1 cm × 10. 2 cm) board that is 8 ft (2. 4 m) long (1) 1 in × 2 in (2. 5 cm × 5. 1 cm) board that is 8 ft (2. 4 m) long (1) 1 in × 3 in (2. 5 cm × 7. 6 cm) board that is 8 ft (2. 4 m) long (1)[2] X Research source
Always double-check your measurements before making your cut so you don’t accidentally cut them too long or short. You can seriously injure yourself with a circular saw, so work carefully and ask for help if you don’t know how to work one properly.
The panels wrap around the sides and form the lid of your bench so it has a uniform appearance.
The cleats and floor slats support the weight of the items you’re storing so they’re off the ground.
The lid supports hold the boards together and prevent the lid from warping.
You can buy end-cut sealer from your local hardware store. If you leave the rough edges untreated, they could split or crack as they dry out.
The horizontal board becomes the top of your bench and the open ends of the vertical boards are feet that keep your bench elevated from the ground.
The bottoms of the frames are still visible in the final build.
If any of your panels have knots or deformations, hide them on the inside of the bench so they aren’t exposed.
Avoid putting the cleats flush with the bottoms of the frames, or else they’ll be visible from the outside.
Leave gaps between your floor slats so water from rain or a hose can drain out without pooling inside of your bench.
You can buy hardware cloth from your local home improvement store.
Be careful not to screw your lid into the frame pieces, or else you won’t be able to open your bench.
This takes some stress off of the hinges when you open the bench, but it doesn’t prevent the lid from falling down. You can also use lid stays, which are pneumatic devices that prevent the lid from dropping down suddenly. Just screw the bottom to the side of the bench and the top to the batten.
If you want to start painting or finishing sooner, purchase wood that’s kiln-dried after the treatment.
You don’t need to paint or stain the inside of your bench.
You can buy cushions for outdoor furniture online or from home improvement stores.
Lock the casters whenever you’re done moving your bench so it doesn’t roll anywhere on its own. Install handles on the sides of the bench so it’s easier to pull around.
