Hi friends! I’m so excited to be sharing the plans and tutorial for this DIY outdoor storage bench! Texas weather is so strange… one day it’s 80 degrees (it’s February, by the way) and the next it’s in the low 40s. My immune system doesn’t know how to react, but I can assure you, it is not good. Let’s just say, I’m considering buying stock in Puffs Plus Lotion with Vicks. Have you guys tried these tissues? They are life-changing. Every blow is a revelation. Can you develop an addiction to Vicks? I’m pretty sure I’m getting some sort of contact high off of these tissues – they are thaaat good.
What were we talking about again?
Oh, yes.
This outdoor storage bench!
I was going somewhere with this, trust me: outdoors –> weather –> sickness –> terminal congestion –> best tissues ever. Right. And we’re back.
I built this storage bench for our patio and I just love how it turned out. The fretwork detail on the back makes it look extra fancy, but those angled cuts are all at 45 degrees, so this project is totally doable.
You can find the complete tutorial here on HGTV.com (I’m still pinching myself over seeing my projects there) and download the PDF plans here.
Surprise! Flip the seat and you’ve got a place to stash those outdoor pillows (or extra boxes of tissues… you know, whatever).
*This post contains some affiliate links. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.
I used a piano hinge for the seat, but there are some torsion hinge options if you’re looking for a hinge that will hold the lid up – kind of like a toy box hinge, where the lid won’t come slamming down on any fingers. Torsion hinges work like a laptop hinge; the lid will stay where you put it.
Want to build this DIY outdoor storage bench for your own home? Here’s the tutorial and be sure to download the PDF plans too.
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I designed this bench to fit a standard 45-inch bench cushion. Here’s where I bought the cushion.
Source List:
Be sure to PIN IT so you don’t forget it!
Angie ~ ambient wares says
February 28, 2017 at 7:27 pmThis is awesome and I want to make this!! Definitely saved the plans and pinning 🙂
Jen says
March 1, 2017 at 9:28 amYay! Good luck!
Maggie@ Maggie Lois says
March 3, 2017 at 3:57 pmHGTV?! That is awesome, this bench is so cute, I love the detail on the back. And the Vick’s tissues are the bomb.com!
Dennis says
March 15, 2017 at 7:05 pmThis is awesome and I am going to make 10 or 15 of them before the summer end.
Diane says
March 17, 2017 at 4:22 pmWhat kind of wood did you use?
Ray Brandon says
March 18, 2017 at 8:19 pmon your cut list at the bottom you have (1) 1×4 x 20″ armrest shouldn’t that be (2)?
Jen says
March 18, 2017 at 10:03 pmHi Ray,
Yes! Great catch. I’ve revised the plans. Thank you!
Dustin says
April 14, 2017 at 6:34 pmThe 1x6s, Im assuming 2, are also missing from the materials list.
Back to the lumber yard tomorrow I guess lol
Aline says
July 7, 2017 at 12:33 pmBeautiful bench! What kind of wood did you use?
Jen says
July 7, 2017 at 1:29 pmThanks Aline! I used pine.
sierra dallas says
July 28, 2017 at 6:59 amWow! what a brilliant idea. I like this creative, space saving, clever and amazing thought. I have to follow your ideas. Thanks for sharing an intelligent storages ideas.
Felix says
August 10, 2017 at 10:24 amThe final outcome is amazing! I love the contrast of the (unfinished?) pine with the black cushions, and the hidden storage underneath. This project is way too advanced for me, but I would love to be able to build something like this bench one day.
Diego Lopes says
August 31, 2017 at 9:46 amI really love how this bench looks! My backyard and porch definitely need something like this. Thank you for sharing the details!
The Handmade Home says
October 18, 2017 at 10:00 amLove this project! Very stylish and practical!
Blue says
March 8, 2018 at 12:36 amReally like the artistic flare on the back . Very nice indeed
Brian Famous says
April 29, 2018 at 9:47 amLove this design. I’m going to have to make one soon… Though I’ll probably out to use cedar since mine will be sitting exposed to the weather.
Outdoor Club Tokyo says
April 8, 2019 at 9:35 pmYou can definitely see your enthusiasm in the article you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who
aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart.