Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Instead of resolutions, I set goals for myself. I find that by setting goals, I can envision a finish line which makes it more attainable in my mind. Resolutions are far too abstract for my brain to comprehend. Goals are concrete. Goals have a target.
Getting organized is one of my goals this year and with a brand new slate, it’s the perfect time to start. I designed and built this DIY storage bench with the new year in mind and am sharing the complete building plans with you today!
But this cute little bench has a not-so-little secret, you guys. Here, let me take all that crap off, so you can actually see this thing:
Ooh… ahh…
But wait!
There’s more!
Dun dun dunnnnn…
Ta-Da!
She’s more than just a pretty face. She has a flip-top seat with plenty of storage space for hats, gloves, scarves, or boots!
If you’d like to build this DIY storage bench for yourself, grab the plans and start building!
*Edit: I added a 1×2 board to the 1×12 seat/lid to create a slight overhang – this is not in the original plans.
How about you? What are your goals this year? Allow me to add “build Jen’s bench” to your list. You’re welcome.
Be sure to PIN IT so you don’t forget it!
*This post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure policy, click here.
Source List: Watercolor Dots Pillow / Watercolor Floral Pillow / Leather Tote / Frye Boots / Planter
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Love that bench! Maybe I’m getting old but Id really like a pretty place to sit down and pull my boots on! Will visit the self build site now…
Can you share the paint color used on this bench?
There are a few things omitted from these plans. There are no directions for the lid and there are a few questions about the bottom piece of plywood. The measurements don’t seem to add up on a lot of the pieces. Am I missing something??
Hi Jeremy,
Can you be more specific as to what you’re having trouble with? The directions for the lid is in Step 10. Which questions do you have about the bottom piece of plywood? If you can provide more specific questions, I might be able to answer them better.
Thanks!
My lid is a 1×12 but I noticed in the pics that it appears you’ve added a 1×2 to have some overhang. Without the piece there is no way to open the lid as it falls way short. The bottom piece also seems to be not measuring correctly. In order to get the front piece of plywood to rest on the 1×12 on the bottom I had to add another 1×2 or else it also doesn’t match up.
Hi Jeremy,
Yes, you are correct. I did add a 1×2 to the 1×12 lid to allow for the overhang. You can attach the 1×2 to the 1×12 by drilling 3/4-inch pocket holes into the 1×12 and joining it with the 1×2 with 1-1/4-inch pocket hole screws.
Ah thank you! I am following the directions and was so frustrated at this step! I knew I didn’t mess up but that I needed more space for the lid. I came here specifically to see if anyone else asked about this!
Thankfully I have an extra 1×2 piece here.
Thanks for the instructions!
Yay! Sorry about the error, Kelley – glad you had a scrap 1×2 on-hand!
I’ve got to be missing something here. The materials list has 1 1x12x8 and the cut list has that cut into (2) 13″ pieces for the sides and (1) 45″ piece for the front. Where is the 1×12 for the bench seat lid on the materials list or the cut list? I got to the end last last night and did not have a seat for my bench…. I’ve been back over the plans every place they are listed trying to figure out what I missed but the one 1x12x8 listed would not be enough to cut all of the pieces. Am I missing something or are the plans missing something? Thanks.
Hi Kris,
Thank you for bringing this to my attention! It does appear that the plans are missing the extra 1×12 for the seat. I will make that correction now. I apologize for the oversight and again, thank you for letting me know!
Thank you! I thought I was going crazy, so I’m relieved to know you didn’t see it either. Thanks, love the bench!
I cannot find the actual building plan/cut list for this project. Where can I get them?
Hi Mark!
The plans are linked in the post: https://www.ryobitools.com/nation/how-tos/shelby-storage-bench
Hi Jen,
Instead of adding a 1×2 to the 1x12x8 piece for the overhang of the lid, could I just make it one bigger piece from the get-go?
I ask because I am not that skilled and don’t want to try to add a pocket jig hole to attach that last piece.
Also, how could I modify the plans to make it a slightly wider/longer bench. Same depth but just a little longer.
Thanks.
Hi John,
Typically, solid boards don’t come any wider than 12″ (actual 11.25″), which is why I believe I added the extra 1×2. Hope that helps!
Could you not use a 1×6 instead of a 1×4, thus not having to add a 1×2 lip to the 1×12 lid.
Beautiful bench, what color paint did you use?
Thanks, Kendall! I’m sorry, but I don’t remember the paint color!
How did you paint this bench? Brush or roller?