How to Build a Simple Bench with Shelf for Shoes

[@mikepowell1986]

Tried my hand at this build. I have the base together and so far things are going well. This is my first real build and I’m happy with how it’s going so far. Thank you so much!!!!

[@dennisdownes9319]

'Clean, simple, and practical".........three woodworking words that never get "old!" DD

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you enjoy these projects! I appreciate you watching!

[@stevedockery3534]

Nice looking bench. Even being simple, it still looks great and can be used in a lot of different areas. Have a great weekend Shara. Steve

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it and hope you had a wonderful weekend (I’m late this week to responding 🙈)

[@yaminlvddt1]

Hi Shara...I appreciate you...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I appreciate you as well! Thanks so much for watching!

[@ΓΕΡΑΣΙΜΟΣΣΤΡΑΓΓΑΣ]

So beautiful work well done 😊😊😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@dawitabate2939]

Always without viewing give you like because I know you are good woodworker ✌️

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re so kind. I appreciate the support! 🙌

[@MisterJ56]

As you say .... not your biggest and difficult builds, but ..... still interesting and nice to see .... thanks again .... nice weekend.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you enjoyed watching it! Thanks so much and have a wonderful week!

[@johnkelley9877]

The bench looks great I like the Gray and stained finish on the bench. Thanks for sharing this.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I am glad you liked the color combo here. It might be a new favorite of mine! Have a wonderful week and thanks again for watching!

[@espnmk]

The Perfect project that has function, Thanks for sharing Shara.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@pteddie6965]

Great looking bench, Shara. I have several friends who take off their shoes just inside the front door. They always wear slippers in the house. This bench would be great for them.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I wish I was that disciplined--I also have a friend who is adamant about no shoes in the house. That's definitely not me, though 🙈 I appreciate you watching and I hope you have a wonderful week (I'm too late to wish you a great weekend, but I hope it was a good one!)

[@pteddie6965]

Have a blessed week!😀@@WoodshopDiaries

[@lynjermey6423]

Looks great, I really love the colour combination.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I’m definitely going to have to use this paint color on another project 😍

[@tonyd9051]

Great for a parent-kid build. Thanks!

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, I don't know how you knew I had a couple of 2 x 4's laying around my shop taking up space and with no particular use in mind....until now! Also, as I've mentioned before I love it when you throw in those angles. I can see where the purchase of your plans for this project will be a definite plus. The weather here has been absolutely gorges so building this with all the doors flung wide open will be great! I have to tell you that you look cute sitting on top of your bench with your legs crossed. Hugs and kisses for your critters. Thanks for Sharing! 🙃🙂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m glad I could help you find a good use for those spare 2x4s 😁 haha! I’m glad you liked the angled legs-I debated back and forth on doing an angle at all and how much. I have no idea what I’m doing most of the time…so I’m glad this actually turned out nicely. Enjoy that nice fall weather! I hope you were able to make some sawdust this weekend. Have a great week!

[@Jdmsword14]

love the simplicity and color this may have to be my first project for shoe storage

[@jimgreenhouse214]

This is on my list. Perfect size and design

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! So glad to hear you loved the project. Happy building!

[@ronnorris1504]

Super idea. Love how it looks with the angles on the legs.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I think the angles really add some interest. I appreciate you watching!

[@farvasstache6532]

Nice job. I just got into woodworking at 46 years of age. Making 3 counter height bar stools myself. Fairly similar on the build to your bench really. Thank God for pocket holes. Keep up the good work.

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Love this bench. I’d love to make a tv stand like this!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

This would be awesome as a larger console--I may have to add that idea to the project list!

[@jonreeves3993]

Plugging after screws is a great way to make sure they don’t back out over time.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That's a great point!

[@johnford7847]

It is a very practical project. And your video explains the process very nicely. Thank you for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@lanceballard455]

Very nicely done!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I hope you have a great weekend!

[@JaskaranSingh-rn7sk]

Simple, sleek, clean, functional 💯✨

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Exactly what I was going for! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@EmorettaRobinson]

That turned out very well.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! 💕

[@Lutzboater]

Like this bench very much. Very nicely designed and completed.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@garyh4458]

I like how it looks similar to an industrial workbench. I am actually repainting mine now and it has the same gray bottom with natural wooden top.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I love this color-it looks a little different depending on the lighting it’s in. I’ll definitely have to use it again 😁 thanks so much for watching!

[@manuelbustos3776]

Thanks for sharing your tips and videos, very helpful

[@morrisonsusan]

Love the thumbnail picture of you on the bench! Also love the fact that you are making lots of shorts!

[@Gandellion]

I’d love to make this, maybe one day!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You can do it! Happy building!

[@stephenwilliams4118]

Love the bench idea and will build one to be use outdoors near our backdoor as this is our entry and exit point. That being said due to the weather in Montreal I will change the glue I use to allow for the freezing and heat. Thank you for another easy, but practial project

[@Mindspectrum]

A simple and beautiful design. Nice work!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a wonderful week!

[@STeter76]

Love the build. I'm glad I founf your channel. You have great ideas and easy to follow instructions.

[@swampcastle8142]

Home Depot carry untreated 4x4 around here. I've done the gluded 4x4s for large, heavy-duty work benches. The nicest part is that they are actually 4x4.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Beautiful shoe bench! The color combination really is nice! Your instructions are always very helpful and are easy to follow. Thanks for another great project! Have a great weekend Shara and keep on building!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great week!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

@@WoodshopDiaries ….. I think I know what you were doing this weekend! My wife said that over on Instagram, you were cutting designs on a CNC! Hope you share that over here! You’re the best! Keep on building!

[@lovejones7545]

Shara!! Clean, simple, practical and very cool! Thanks for sharing🤙🏾💯

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! That was exactly what I was hoping for 😊 I hope you have a wonderful week and thanks so much for watching!

[@lovejones7545]

@@WoodshopDiaries Most definitely! You have a wonderful week too!

[@terremolander5243]

What a beautiful bench!

[@alexandra_sa_lazer]

Adding this to my fall project list!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Awesome! Happy building! 🙌

[@lexdiamond20]

Made a similar version with red base and mahogany seat. If you don't have them yet, look into 1-2-3 blocks. About $20 for a set of two but they make measuring 1"-6" so much easier.

[@barryroberts6470]

Very nice build Shara it looks great too. Take Care and Stay Safe, Barry (UK)👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and have a great week!

[@micklatham3425]

Beautiful. And the shoe bench is very nice too😉

[@WoodshopDiaries]

haha! Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching!

[@brandilewis3498]

I really needed a small bench like this! Perfect - thanks Shara!

[@Philjr-h7j]

Great work on the bench it looks amazing ur a talented lady love the bench

[@joebrennan6130]

Love it Shara! Looks great!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@chaspratt]

Very impressive.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate you watching! Thanks so much for following along!

[@MCsCreations]

Stunning shoebench, Shara! Amazing work! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I so appreciate you following along. Have a wonderful week!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

That would be such a useful bench to have. I love how it turned out! Great narration/instructions as always. Missed seeing your shop mascots but imagine they were nearby. 😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Yes, this would definitely be useful in many places around the home. So glad to hear you enjoyed watching! The shop animals were around, but our weather has been AMAZING this week, so they've been just outside the door enjoying the sunshine and the breeze. Bubs makes an appearance in the next video, though, so you'll see them soon! 😊 Have a wonderful week!

[@briankleinschmidt3664]

I'm going to build that. Thank you.

[@allisonwoods6161]

Great design and explained very well😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@arakatzaile]

Hi Shara! First, First, I'd like to say how much I appreciate your videos. You explain things in such clear, easy to follow terms and the fact that you supplement them with helpful articles makes so many projects feel attainable for everyone! I have noticed that you have a handful of different shoe/storage benches under your belt. And I was wondering if you have considered building anything like the tip-out shoe benches/boxes that are more practical for people living in small spaces. Because eI would love to see you make something like that!

[@jimmcnett]

Really nice. Thank you.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@2old4u]

That was excellent.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful week!

[@hiddengems2022]

Thank you for the inspiration ❤

[@theflourcity]

I know you hate to paint but you make really good color choices. Nice job!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha thank you! It's not my usual color choice (I usually go with charcoal or black), but I'm definitely going to have to use this color again because it turned out really nice! I appreciate the compliment and I appreciate you watching!

[@jeremyhuggins8796]

That's awesome!

[@davidboston4574]

Beautiful work

[@victorgoitia4350]

I love it. Simple but really nice. Awesome video 😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! So happy to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@BB23573]

Awesome! Thank you for the details! Keep at it queen!

[@againstthegrain147]

Nice and simple. The rounded edges might have made a nice groove pattern on the top😅

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! For sure--you can certainly leave the rounded edges and make it a design element. But I always refer to grooves between boards as "crumb hoarding cracks" because they're always catching the crumbs and dust and are hard to keep clean 🙈 😂

[@johngross9394]

Very nice.

[@TheJonHeese]

Great build, as always! Question: Since the bench top will expand/contract across the grain, shouldn't the figure-eight fasteners have been attached to the ends of the frame so they can pivot in and out in that cross-grain direction? 🤔 Like you said, at the end of the day, this bench won't be ruined by a little cracking, and it's probably too small to even have that happen, but this seems like something that's worth calling out on a video where folks might be using it as a model for their own builds. Thanks for everything you do!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! The figure 8 fasteners still allow for movement in this orientation as long as they’re not installed “straight out.” If they’re attached so they’re swiveled slightly already (but not all the way), they’ll allow for movement as there’s room for it to swivel back in and back out as needed.

[@Ekirea]

Supernice, I like the clean simple look and the colours of the bench. Nice workshop as well and the video is so well done in the same simple easy way with explanations and very inspirational! Subscribed👍👍👍

[@IMOO1896]

Impressive!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much for watching! Have a wonderful week!

[@Ashhh9009]

So easy and yet unique If your up for a challenge can you do a sewing machine desk with machine lift. I been trying to buy one but it cost HUNDREDS. I rather build one with my own bells and whistles 😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That sounds like a really fun project. I may have to add that to my project list!

[@draven3838]

Well done, looks like I'm going to be making some benches, my sister sent your video to me.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

great project as always.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you following along and hope you have a wonderful week!

[@mon2dan]

Gorgeous as usual!! LOVE IT!!! You are the best! 😍😍🤩🤩 Your fan Candy

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and following along! I hope you have a wonderful week 😊

[@mg3nlt]

Love this. Would love to see you do an alcove cabinet 🙏

[@mellymel1100]

You shoulda seen me jump as you're screwing something together and I think the orange cat jumped down. For half a sec, I was afraid something was falling on you! Anyway, super cute little bench and you did a good job explaining :D

[@MK-lh3xd]

Nice looking solid bench. Regarding your second thoughts on using contrasting dowels instead of hidden screws, I think it looks better with hidden screws and paint.

[@rodpotts2666]

So cool. love it!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@davidis7]

Great video

[@bretth3718]

looks great!

[@samlion7328]

good job 👍👍👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@kevinjohnson4418]

Look like I'm making a shoe bench now 😂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

😆 happy building! 😉

[@brewster3987]

I love this chonky bench! I think I've used the phrase "elegant simplicity" before to describe your design vibe, but this one really exemplifies that. Love the subtle angles - especially how the end stretchers don't just follow the 10 degree slope of the legs, but they bring back a vertical element. Niiice. But I gotta cry "foul" in the painting segment - if you're "not a super-clean painter," how come you managed to paint that whole thing in a white Joe Cool bloodmobile shirt and the shirt looked just as good at the end??? If that was me, the shirt would be a camo by the time I was done... 😉😉😂😂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I always love a little angle-adds some class to an otherwise boring project haha. You’re right-I’m not messy as in I get myself messy in the paint process, I’m messy in that I go back after a coat and see that I had drips and globs all over and have to sand them back down 🤣 I’d HATE to get paint on my blood drive T-shirt-I went to great lengths to give during the timeframe they were giving those away 😆

[@brewster3987]

I also have a couple of favorite blood drive tee shirts, but I have neither the dexterity nor the intestinal fortitude to try to paint in them. 🤪

[@pierrehubel2773]

Very cool project 😍😍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@kentgreer3891]

Love it...nice work!

[@Glen6819]

Great video. Short and to the point with an awesome finished product. Just subscribed.

[@Cheeto_Duss]

Love it !👍🏻

[@robertevans6481]

❤ it!!!!

[@infinityroofpergolas6377]

New suscriber!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi & welcome! Thanks so much for following along!

[@TheBeerbelly007]

Very nice Shara :)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@paulthelen6179]

Great job! I'm curious to know...did you also use glue when attaching pocket holed aprons or side pieces? Or, would the pocket hole screws alone be sufficient?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I didn’t use glue. I usually don’t. Glue won’t hurt if you wanted to add it, but in many cases, it really won’t help much either.

[@jeffhesse8415]

Hi Shara! Nice, practical bench. I have a question about the "figure 8" fasteners, should they have gone on the end rails instead, or will they still allow for wood movement where you put them? I've never used them but want try them on my next project. Thanks and have a great weekend!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! The figure 8 fasteners still allow for movement in this orientation as long as they’re not installed “straight out.” If they’re attached so they’re swiveled slightly already (but not all the way), they’ll allow for movement as there’s room for it to swivel back in and back out as needed.

[@markgottsberger2872]

ok how did you get your shoes to match your shirt?

[@danberkheiser7860]

What kind of sander do you use?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It’s a surfprep sander

[@mwoody4560]

nice🎉

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@joec96]

What state do you live in that has trouble getting 4 x 4's? Its available in Tennessee, but mostly in cedar.

[@javierteodorakis1647]

👍😊

[@scottmorris4914]

In a hurry, because you don’t like painting???? LOL. Great t-shirt. And great project. I have a 2 foot bench (seat) I need to make for my closet, not sure what to do for it. I think staining the top was a good decision. With the dark base, a top that was too light would not have looked as good as the stain.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Exactly--in a hurry because I hate painting haha. That and I have a million deadlines to meet--but mostly the painting part 😉 Thanks so much for watching--you are 100% right about the stain. I'm glad I gave it some color. I hope you come up with something neat to do with your closet bench! Happy building!

[@joec96]

I struggle with angles. When you started out in woodworking, did you practice angles by cutting out a piece of cardboard? Is there a better way to learn angle cutting?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ll be honest-I know this isn’t really much help. But I have a degree in math and I love geometry, so angles just (I guess) come kind of easy for me. So I don’t practice on anything before cutting. I just adjust the miter until I like the look and usually most of the rest of the angles will just be matched to the same degree

[@diegomoreno2070]

Hi Shara i have a question when working with 2x4's do you need a special guid like the previous model that you need to put the HD guide and HD xl bit wich is thicker bit in order to drive those pocket holes? cus i dont see that guide for the 720pro can you help me with that please??

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I use the normal 720 jig for 2x4s. I only use the XL jig for 4x4s. You set the bit for 1 1/2” material (which is the thickness of a 2x4). This post explains more: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-use-pocket-hole-jig/

[@diegomoreno2070]

@@WoodshopDiaries thanks Shara very helpful 👍🙏🏻

[@mellymel1100]

BTW, when I've drilled into the edge of boards, it's been very weak. How come it worked for you? Was it the angles?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I’m not sure-I drill into the edge of boards quite often without issue. I think it would depend on the type of screw, if it was predrilled, the type (and condition) of material, etc. Are your screws pulling the joints tight and is the wood splitting as you drive? These could potentially be the issue.

[@chriseime2528]

HELLO from France... de 8:10 à 8:12 est un vrai chien ou une statue ? Je suis fan, merci !

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! It’s a real dog 😊

[@jk_22]

That looks like my saw

[@davehernandez4177]

I also hate painting. Don’t know if this helps, but, maybe you can paint all your your material first. Then build last

[@WoodshopDiaries]

May be something to try in the future. My problem is I don't have the patience to let the paint dry as long as it should before trying to use it haha!

[@OfficialRay3]

Nice "shoe binch"

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks. You misspelled bench 👍

[@OfficialRay3]

@@WoodshopDiaries I spelled it the way you say it😆

[@WoodshopDiaries]

@OfficialRay3 I said it the way it’s spelled

[@Zeheir]

Alavyo