Custom-made dining bench with storage space, by Elske

Description of Elske

After getting some inspiration from other DIY projects online and on Pinterest, I decided to make my own cushioned bench. With a clear idea of the final dimensions and the type of wood I wanted to use, I started designing in SketchUp. This gave me the correct dimensions to order the wood from TOSIZE.ie, where I could order precisely cut parts to size.

How I made this project

Step 1: Design of the bench and cushions. Inspiration from other DIY projects I found online and Pinterest. After I knew the final dimensions and the type of wood, I drew everything in SketchUpp to determine the correct dimensions for the wood and to order it. Step 2: Assemble all the loose wooden parts to see if it would all fit, succeeded! Step 3: Assemble the inner frame with screws. Step 4: I used MDF for all visible parts and I degreased, sanded, primed it again and then varnished it once before I assembled it. For the curve I used bending plywood, a leftover piece that I had lying around at home. Step 5: Gluing the visible parts to the inner frame. Of course you don't want screw holes, so that's why I used wood glue. Step 6: Seal all the small gaps with acrylic sealant. Step 7: Paint it again now that it is completely assembled and sealed. Step 8: Put the cushions on and you're done! I had the cushions custom-made at NoFruit in Vught.

Dimensions of my DIY project

Excluding cushions, the dining bench is 244 cm wide, 38 cm high, and 54 cm deep.