Custom bench seating is an attractive way of decorating window alcoves. It can also include a storage area or drawers for useful storage. For this job I matched the kitchen cabinet panels to remain consistent with the design of the house.
To get started I took wall and window height measurements to insure the bench seats would fit tightly to the walls. For this job I also added an additional window shelf above the window frame. Once measured I began to build the boxes I would use.
Boxes
To make the boxes I used 3/4” finished grade birch plywood for all the sides and lids. Once all the pieces were cut, I glued and screwed the boxes together. I then squared the boxes and added a back panel directly to the plywood edge, attaching it with glue and crown staples every 2 to 3 inches.
Drawers
I made the drawer boxes the same way, but added 1×2 maple face frames for the drawers fronts. The dovetail drawer boxes were made with 5/4” material and 1/2” plywood drawer bottoms for a solid drawer. I used heavy-duty Blum Tandem drawer undercount slides for a incredibly smooth and soft close drawer.
Face Panels and Drawer Fronts
The face frame is a simple style and rail design with a maple plywood flat panel. When everything is cut right the panels are glued and clamped.
Bench Set Top
To make the top of the bench seat I took 5/4” x 4 Popular material, keeping the overhang for the lid in mind. Once the depth was figured I finished the top and routed a pencil edge on the front. I used the Kreg Pocket Hole jig system and biscuits to fasten all the joints, along with glue and clamps.
Lids for the Top
I cut two 3/4” plywood panels for lids. I ironed on wood band edging around the plywood edges. Once everything was sanded, I cut and installed the piano hinges and dry fit the lids to insure everything fitted properly. I also installed two ring pulls for the lids.
Painting
I used a good oil base primer on all the wood to be painted. I sanded everything again with fine sandpaper and then sprayed three coats of Benjamin Moore Advance Paint for a smooth and beautiful surface. I clear coated the drawers and inside of the boxes.
Transporting To the Job
When the paint dried, I transported the boxes and face frames, and all the other components to the job site. I removed the baseboards and then assembled everything in place along with the window shelf.
Finished!
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