There’s always a need for extra storage in the kitchen, and one creative way to bring it in is with banquette type seating. Imagine a breakfast nook bench that offers ‘room to spare’ under its cushions. If your kitchen has awkward corner and wall space, use it to make custom seating. Making a banquette bench is much easier than you might think, although remember every DIY project takes time and patience to get it right.
You’ll need the following materials and tools to complete the project:
→ 4’ level
→ Measuring tape
→ Finish Nailer & Finish nails
→ Electric Drill
→ Jigsaw
→ Miter Saw
→ Circular Saw
→ Table Saw
→ Wood Screws (3 in., 1 ¼ in., and 1 ½ in.)
→ Piano hinge
→ 1×4 poplar
→ Beadboard
→ ¾” Birch Plywood
→ Trim Molding
→ Wood Glue
http://www.youtube.com/embed/aYjDzRRLVCE?rel=0
Step One:
Measure the floor area you wish to place the bench seating. You will measure the length, width, and height of the bench. Because the storage seating needs to fit in with the dining table, the quickest way to measure height and width, is with the accompanying chair.
Step Two:
Add the area measurements to the birch wood plywood panels. Make certain to measure twice for accuracy, and then cut the length of the bench with a table saw. As mentioned, this is not a novice project, so work with someone else’s help. (Always wear protective glasses and gloves). Any cuts that are shorter in length should be done using the circular saw.
Step Three:
After making the cuts, you should have all the pieces that make up the bench: the two sides, the bottom, front, and the back.
Step Four:
Put the pieces together to make up the frame. Attach the front of the bench to the bottom with the wood glue and finishing nails. Next, add the back of the bench to the bottom and complete the assembly with the side inserts. Once everything is in place, drill in the 1 ½” wood screws, to hold it all together.
Step Five:
Cut the frame top out of the 1×4 poplar into two-inch strips and use the wood glue and nails to attach to the top of the bench.
Step Six:
Install the bench into its designated spot in the kitchen. Use the level to make certain the bench is balanced before anchoring it into the wall with 3-inch wood screws. Finally, measure and cut beadboard to glue and nail to the front and side of the bench, along with a baseboard trim.
Step Seven:
Attach the top of the bench to open up with the piano hinges. You can find a more detailed set of instructions here.