Let’s build an outdoor storage bench!
DIY storage bench plans
$9.99
You can use many different methods for the materials for this storage bench, but I chose an outdoor MDF called Armorite. I know it’s usually a rule of thumb that you can’t use MDF in situations where it could get wet, as standard MDF swells and is damaged forever. Just look at how much expansion? This armorite is not only moisture resistant, but also treated with zinc borate to resist rot and termites. Plus, it’s very clean compared to standard MDF boards, and is done directly without any sanding.
I’ve created a set of building plans to help make building your own outdoor storage bench simple.
Materials I used to build the outdoor storage bench:
Step 1: Organize the storage table parts and pre-drill
I first organized my parts into one of my work areas before starting. To start assembling the storage bench, I first join the front to one side. Since this project will be outdoors, I use exterior wood glue on all the joints and then pre-drill and run in the screw. I place my bits near the end of my workbench so as not to interfere with my drills when pre-drilling. After connecting the first side, I repeated connecting the other side.
Step 2: Place the bottom between the walls of the storage bench
Now before attaching the other side, I’m going to slide the bottom, and this should fit perfectly between the two short sides. Once I have it in place, I go around all three sides and add screws to secure it. With this done, the final fourth side of the box can now be added in the same manner. Nice and easy. Keep in mind that I make these for outdoor use but you can make them at the end of a bed bench, key toy cabinet, or anything where you need decorative storage.
Step 3: Add legs to keep it off the ground!
The storage bench body is finished. Let’s add some legs to it. The whole thing is made of Armorite and to mark some of the legs, I took all the pieces to the miter saw first to cut them at a slight angle. Now it can be added to the body. The leg will form two pieces, one narrower than the other so that they both appear to be the same width once attached. I’m using wood glue again but have now switched to using 1 1/4″ ribbed nails instead of screws. In order for the legs to come out the same width, they must be installed correctly. Which means the small side should be placed first.
Well, while I’m fixing my mistake, maybe I’ll also offer you a nail removal tip. Instead of cutting it, which doesn’t leave it perfectly aligned, I like to pull it out at the back. I do this using Crescent’s large set of square nose pliers. Hold it tight and turn the nose until it pulls the nail straight up. Sometimes it breaks, but it’s easy to get another grip and pull it the remaining way.
Step 4: Lay the side out and decorate the body
With the short side in place, I can now lay that side straight and everything will show up correctly. Another way you can do this is to place the unit on its head, yes actually this method is much easier, as you have the workbench as a reference point for both rather than lifting one while trying to push it up.
Let’s stop at it and take a look. Yes, perfect.
Noooow, let’s tilt it back to decorate the body. I’m going with a lap siding look. This is very easy to achieve. You can start with a small piece of tape at the bottom, which will create a bump for the first side tape. For everything in this step, I use a little wood glue and flat nails.
In fact, I’ll keep lowering this to the ground because it’s high enough to be annoying….or maybe I’m just short enough. This will be much easier to see and use my nail gun at this height but now I just need to grab one of the rolling seats.
Step 5: Connect the long sides
Well, to start attaching the sides, it’s quick and easy. I placed the first strip so that it was flush with the trim piece below. From there, each strip is cut to fit between the legs so it is easy to get right but the amount of overlap can vary. To make sure they all come out consistent, I cut a spacer. Now all I have to do is attach this spacer to the underside of the previous strip and then screw it into place. I move this separator to the right and repeat. Then to the center and repeat.
With it still in place, I put a few on before moving on to the next and repeating the process again. When you shoot with clamps, keep in mind the excess roll each panel will have and make sure you place the clamps in this area. This way the next plate you apply will cover the nail hole. Oh, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but the whole body is made from 3/4″ but the slats I made from 1/4″. Armorite comes in different sizes, I’ve even used 1 inch before on projects.
Another thing to talk about in this step is adhesive. There is only a corner of the slat touching the body so you can’t use wood glue. You’ll need to switch to a construction adhesive and for projects I choose DAP Dyna Grip. They are rated for indoor or outdoor use, and placing a small bead in a few places at the bottom of each new strip works great.
Step 6: Attach the short sides
After you have completed the long side, flip the unit up from the end and repeat with the short side. This is another distinction with Armorite, it takes much cleaner nails than standard MDF. You don’t get that mushrooming and chopping.
Now, we go down and take a look. Well, that’s pretty darn cute. And very quickly!
Step 7: Place the top of the storage bench
Let’s keep the momentum going by adding the top. For my cover, I went with a flat sheet of MDF because I plan to put cushions on it for seating. But know that you can always cut a nice template or make it look like individual panels as I show how to do on an outdoor cabinet. I’ll link that to you below. I aligned the top of the body so it was flush with the back and then pre-drilled and attached the hinges.
Step 8: Paint the Storage Bench
It worked like a charm. Note that I did not add or cut out a handle since there is a built-in, easy-to-grip lip along the front. Let’s break out all those edges and get ready to throw a coat of paint on them! I’ve already created a whole video on how to properly paint MDF, so I’ll link it below if you’re interested. You can certainly roll or spray paint with a brush, but since I have HVLP, that’s what I’m used to getting in all the nooks and crannies, easily.
After letting it dry I moved it into place and tested it. Since I knew I’d be sitting on my bench next to the house, I left the cover as is, but another option is to add a string to keep the cover from opening too wide if you’re placing it somewhere without a wall. I can lock the cushions in place, but when I want to store them away, I can simply open the lid and put them away until next time.
Overall, this project only takes about 2 hours to complete once the parts are cut out. So it’s nice and simple but will provide a fair amount of storage for a variety of different spaces. Remember I have a bunch of plans and a CNC cutting file if you’re interested in building your own.
