Do you ever feel like you’re fighting a losing battle against a mountain of shoes in your entryway? As a fellow craft enthusiast, I understand the struggle! That’s why I’m excited to share my step-by-step guide on how to build a DIY Entryway Shoe Storage Bench – a project that will not only organize your family’s footwear but also add a touch of handmade charm to your home.
Gathering Your Supplies and Tools
Before we dive into the construction, let’s gather everything we’ll need for this rewarding project.
Tools:
- Tablesaw (or circular saw)
- Digital Angle Finder
- Miter saw
- Random Orbital Sander
- Cordless Drill
- Drill Press (optional, but helpful)
- Forstner Bit
- Pocket hole jig
- Face Clamp
- Brad Nailer
Materials:
- (1) 4’x4′ 3/4″ plywood
- (1) 2’x4′ 1/4″ plywood
- (2) 8′ 1″x2″ select pine boards
- (1) 8′ 2″x2″ select pine boards
- (9′) 11/16″ cove molding trim
- Shelf pins
- 1-1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
- Wood glue
- Semi-gloss white paint
- Satin Polyurethane
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Wood filler
Building Your DIY Shoe Storage Bench: A Step-by-Step Journey
This project is best tackled in stages. Let’s break it down into manageable steps:
1. Crafting the Legs: The Foundation
We’ll begin by creating the legs of our bench. These will be crafted from the 2″x2″ pine boards. Using your saw, cut four legs to your desired bench height. Remember to account for the height of the top and any desired clearance.
- Pro Tip: Use a digital angle finder to ensure your cuts are perfectly square.
2. Assembling the Sides: Strength and Stability
Next, we’ll build the side panels that will house our shoe storage. Cut two side rails from the 1″x4″ pine boards to match the desired length of your bench. Then, cut two pieces of 3/4″ plywood to the desired width and height for your side panels.
Use your pocket hole jig to drill pocket holes into the ends of the rails and the sides of the plywood panels. Attach the rails to the plywood panels using 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws, creating a sturdy frame.
- Expert Insight: “Using pocket holes for joinery creates incredibly strong connections while maintaining a clean and professional look on the exterior surfaces,” says experienced furniture maker, Sarah Jenkins.
3. Creating the Connectors: Bringing it Together
With the sides complete, it’s time to craft the components that will connect them and provide support for our shelves.
- Lower Shelf: Cut a piece of plywood to size and drill pocket holes along the edges. Attach a 1″x2″ trim piece to the front of the shelf for a finished look.
- Stretchers: Cut a 1″x2″ board to 42″ for the front stretcher and a piece of plywood to size for the back stretcher. Drill oversized counterbore holes on the underside of both stretchers to attach the benchtop later.
4. Assembling the Base: Taking Shape
Now it’s time to bring all the pieces together to form the base of our bench. Attach the front and back stretchers to the side assemblies using pocket holes. Then, flip the base over and secure the lower shelf using pocket hole screws.
5. Adding Trim and Paint: A Touch of Refinement
To elevate the look of our bench, we’ll add some decorative trim to the side panels. Cut pieces of 11/16″ cove molding to fit around the inside edges of the panels, mitering the corners for a seamless look. Attach the trim using a brad nailer.
Once the trim is in place, it’s time to give our bench a smooth and durable finish. Sand all surfaces thoroughly and apply several coats of semi-gloss white paint, allowing ample drying time between coats.
6. Crafting the Top: A Warm and Welcoming Surface
For a touch of natural beauty, we’ll top our bench with a stunning piece of walnut. If you don’t have access to a sawmill, you can substitute with 1″x6″ or 2″x6″ boards from your local lumberyard.
Cut your boards to size and join them edge-to-edge using wood glue and clamps. Once the glue is dry, sand the top smooth and consider adding a decorative bevel or chamfer along the edges.
7. Finishing Touches and Final Assembly: Bringing Your Vision to Life
Apply several coats of satin polyurethane to the benchtop to protect it from moisture and wear.
Finally, attach the benchtop to the base using screws driven through the oversized counterbore holes in the stretchers. Add a 1/4″ plywood back panel for a finished look.
- Pro Tip: The oversized holes will allow for seasonal movement in the wood, preventing cracks or splits.
Congratulations!
You’ve now built a beautiful and functional DIY Entryway Shoe Storage Bench that will keep your footwear organized and add a touch of handmade warmth to your home. Remember, the true beauty of crafting lies in the personal touches. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different finishes, hardware, or decorative elements to make this project your own!
Sharing Your Masterpiece
I’d love to see your creations! Share photos of your finished DIY shoe storage bench on social media and tag Robert Kline Art for a chance to be featured. For more inspiring DIY projects and handcrafted gift ideas, explore the rest of our website.
Happy crafting!