How to build an entryway bench

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build an entryway bench. If you want to learn more about building a beautiful bench with two drawers, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are so many designs and plans to choose from when building projects for your entryway, so make sure you take a look over the related woodworking projects that are featured on our site.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the wooden bench to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

If you don’t have a rich expertise in woodworking field, you should ask a friend to give you a hand with the project. There are many things that you could go wrong, so make sure you plan everything and invest in quality materials. Select the lumber with attention, making sure the components are perfectly straight and in a very good condition. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building an entryway bench

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 16 1/2″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 11 1/4″ x 13 3/4″ long SIDE PANELS
C – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 11 1/4″ x 44″ long BACK PANEL
D – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 44″ long, 1 piece – 7 1/2″ long FRONT FRAME
E – 3 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 13 3/4″ long SUPPORTS
F – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 44″ long TRIM
G – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 16 3/4″ x 47″ long SEAT
H – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 17 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 47″ long TRIM
I – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 13 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 20 7/8″ long, 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 13 3/4″ x 19 3/8″ long, 1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 21 3/8″ long 2xDRAWER

1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 4 ft
2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 4 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler
slides

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

How to build a hallway bench

Building an entryway bench

Building the sides

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides for the entryway bench. Therefore, build the legs out of 2×2 lumber and the panels out of 3/4″ plywood or 1×12 lumber. Drill pocket holes along the top and the side edges. Fit the plywood panel to the legs and align the edges with great care. Insert 1 1/4″ screws to create rigid joints. Add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Building the frame of the bench

The next step of the project is to assemble the main frame of the bench. Therefore, fit the back panel to the structure by using 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the front support and secure it to the legs by using 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints.

Fitting the cleats

Next, you need to fit the supports for the drawers. Build the supports out of 1×3 lumber and drill pocket holes at both ends before securing them to the walls by using 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Building the bottom trim

Build the front trim using the information described in the diagram. Mark the cut lines on the slat and get the job done by using a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the trim and secure it to the side using 1 1/4″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components for a professional look.

Fitting the drawer partition

Fit the partition to the front face of the bench as in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends and secure it to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure the corners are square before fitting the screws.

Attaching the seat

Next, attach the seat of the bench to the structure. Build the seat out of 3/4″ plywood and align the edges before securing it into place. Drill pilot holes and insert brad nails. Add glue and check if the edges are flush.

Fitting the top trims

Fit decorative trims to the exterior of the seat. Build the trims out of 1×4 lumber and secure it into place using finishing nails. Add glue to the joints and make sure the edges are flush. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the residues.

Building the drawer

Build the drawers out of 1×4 lumber and the bottom out of 3/4″ plywood. Secure the frame of the drawer together using pocket holes or finishing nails. Fit the 3/4″ plywood bottom to the frame and insert nails. Add glue and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Installing the drawers

Fit the drawers to the openings and make sure they are 3/4″ recessed from the face of the bench. Use slides to secure the drawers into place and make sure they open and close properly.

Fitting the drawer faces

Next fit the faces to the drawers, making sure you leave a 1/8″ gaps around the components. Insert screws through the interior into the faces and add glue to enhance the bond of the structure. Smooth the edges and make sure the gaps are even around the drawer. Fit the handles to the drawers before taking care of the finishing touches.

How to build an entryway bench

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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