How to Build a Storage Bench with Drawer

Hey friends, I'm back with another simple, but fun furniture building project! I needed one last thing to finish off my bathroom remodel and this storage bench with drawer checked all the boxes--at least for now haha.
This is a fun project that would be great for storage in an entryway for shoes, hats, and gloves, or at the end of a bed for blankets. You could even use it for toys in a kids room, or for some extra storage in a craft or bathroom as well.
Check out the step by step written tutorial here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-s...
And grab the printable plans here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.co...
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Some helpful guides to go along with this project:
How to make your own 2x2s: www.woodshopdiaries.com/woodw...
How to cut plywood sheets: www.woodshopdiaries.com/cut-d...
How to use a pocket hole jig: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to apply iron on edge banding: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to build and install drawers: www.woodshopdiaries.com/there...
How to finish raw wood furniture: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
5 tips to professional looking DIY furniture: www.woodshopdiaries.com/5-diy...
Tools & Materials:
*Affiliate links below
Tools:
Circular saw: homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx
Kreg Rip Cut and Kreg Accu-Cut Cutting guides (optional, but helpful): amzn.to/2PIBDYv & homedepot.sjv.io/331zX
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/Aoo6Ya
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/32eoPBY
Miter saw: homedepot.sjv.io/yd96v
Nail gun (optional--used for adding trim pieces): homedepot.sjv.io/c/1404662/116...
Table saw (optional--for cutting dadoes in drawer box)
Materials:
(1) sheet 3/4" plywood (I used maple): homedepot.sjv.io/9rR95
1/4 sheet 1/4" plywood
(1) 2x2x8 board
(2) 1x2x8 board
(2) 1x3x8 board
(1) pair 16" ball bearing drawer slides: amzn.to/3fOX9aB
1 1/4" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3FKfikk
1 1/4" brad nails
Edge banding: amzn.to/3q7dI6f
Wood Glue: amzn.to/3Lt8U3K
Wood Filler

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Great build - I like the idea of a storage chest with a drawer, instead of a lift top. Thanks for posting, and thumbs up!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I vote for drawers in all the things haha. They’re definitely my favorite storage concept to build 😊 thanks so much for watching!

[@howler5000]

Very nice build as always. You make great looking furniture in an easy and uncomplicated way. Many other channels make things way too hard, IMHO

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! That’s definitely my overall goal-to keep things simple, practical, and nice looking. No reason to overcomplicate what should be simple projects 😊 I appreciate you watching!

[@brewster3987]

I'm just shaking my head at the brilliance of trimming the drawer box front instead of installing a whole false front. I think I bragged on it in your last build too. This is a nice, versatile piece - love the finish choices and you sure can't beat the location under the artsy-craftsy cat!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! So much quicker and easier I think than making a whole front. 🙌 I’m glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate you watching and following along!

[@MCsCreations]

Really brilliant work, Shara! 😃 It turned out really beautiful! And can be really useful as well!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching and following along! I’m glad you enjoyed…have a great weekend 😎😊

[@RG-ce5hj]

Hi Shara! This looks like it would work well as a blanket storage at the end of a bed. Great video.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Definitely a great place to put one! 🙌😊 thanks for watching!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Love how that turned out!!! It will provide such a nice storage space and great idea on using it to hide the plumbing access. The cat picture is so cute......hopefully Lucy won't notice it!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!! Haha the cat picture is a running joke in our house 🤣 we have a giant picture of Lucy hanging in the living room as well haha. So she knows she’s the favorite 😉🤣

[@QuickTrainer]

Love the simplicity of this build. I also love the color choices! Lucy likely loves to lay anywhere on the concrete floor because it’s cool and she can be close to mom.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Black and light wood is my favorite color combo 😍 Lucy is such great company…I really enjoy having her around 🐶

[@jimgreenhouse214]

As usual, another great build. You make it look so easy. Lucy is just showing you how much she loves you.

[@IlocanoVlogger63092]

Watching from the philippines 🤘🏽

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching! 🙌

[@DrunkInPublic]

God i need one of these in like three rooms right now….Classy and clean as always!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I may make myself a few more. They’d be so great in so many places 🙌

[@KathyaKalinine]

Absolutely beautiful work! Love it!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@hammerhands58]

Nice project! I agree that this would be perfect for an entryway so you could have a place to put on or remove shoes.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Definitely! And you could store bulky winter accessories like hats and gloves in the drawer if you wanted to grab one before heading out the door

[@rodgerq]

Great build, exactly what I'm after to replace the cheap storage boxes at the bottom of the bed!

[@jjs811]

Another great build. So many options with this one. It could literally be used anywhere. Thanks for sharing!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! It’s definitely a versatile build! I may make a few more for other places haha

[@senjos4805]

Big drawers are awesome!! So much space for stuff to put away :D Amazing build!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!! I agree…I love adding drawers to everything I build. The storage is just so good 🙌

[@senjos4805]

@@WoodshopDiaries I agree!!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Nice build Shara! That will be very convenient for towels, etc…. Leaving access to the plumbing is a great idea. You just never know when you might need it. Haha… Lucy loves that cool concrete floor when she’s hanging out close to you in the shop! Have a great weekend!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Lucy is the best company. I love having her around 🐶 thanks so much for watching and following along and I hope you have a great weekend as well!

[@letttttttssssss_gooooooo]

We all need a humongous drawing and now we can build our own! Ty!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha humongous drawers for the win! 🙌🤣

[@mikecolo2158]

Simple, elegant design as always...and of course natural wood tone and black for the win! Thanks for another video,

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It’s my favorite color combo! 😍😍 thanks so much for watching and following along!

[@eeeclaverr4239]

looks great!

[@DMAG-3200]

Very nice Shara, a project for a solution. Cool! Also loved the pipe cover. Have a great day!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I felt way too much pressure to come up with something to put here and quick so I could check this bathroom off the to do list 🤣 I hadn’t planned on this, but it worked out really well! Thanks so much for watching! Have a great weekend 😎

[@michaeldriskell6431]

Great video and fun project!

[@johannesputter8455]

Again, an nice simple project, looking very good. I keep it in mind. Can´t wait for the next video. greetings from germany.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

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

[@karenrosadorengel6276]

Love your videos!! Thank you !!

[@pteddie6965]

This is an attractive, utilitarian design. I agree with you. This bench will fill a need and look good in many rooms of the house. Thanks for sharing this video with us.

[@jasonthomas1760]

Awesome build Shara keep rocking it. Can't wait to see what you do next

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Have a great weekend! 😊😎

[@rthappens]

Wow, another great product, gunna build this one. This will be a great seller, thanx

[@garydelder]

I like it. Good job

[@cynthiamoody221]

I just love your work you really take your time and I haven't seen anything I didn't like, keep up the good work..

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate that! Thank you so much for watching!

[@salahfarajali1648]

Hello Shara, I'm Salah who came from Instagram to see your full videos that you created. This simple cabinet but it is amazing.

[@chrisbroome]

Love it. Nice contrast between the color of the paint and wood on top. Looks fantastic.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!! Black and light wood are my favorite color combo 😍😍

[@leahs.6780]

Omg Shara- this is amazing 🤩 and again, something I need! The front drawer is genius!

[@johnnnyboo7105]

Good build shara! And you look so gorgeous as well effortlessly

[@leahs.6780]

Omg Shara- you’ve done it again! I need one of these so bad and the front drawer is genius!

[@isaaczeitoun7767]

You're very talented! Turned out really nice!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re so kind. Thank you!

[@deborahhaynes8361]

Looks great, everything is coming along.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! The bathroom is finally complete! I may share one more “final reveal” video but I’m excited to finally move on to other spaces haha.

[@timdyer7692]

Nice project! I really like the size of the storage bench and the color contrast between the top and painted pieces is perfect! Keep up the good work.

[@nobuckle40]

Wonderful! So modern. Another great and simple build. Thanks Shara.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching. 😊

[@norcross26]

Great small build I might have to do this one. Great job

[@estherfilip3275]

As everything you do, it’s beautiful! I love the quality of everything you do!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate your kind words. Thank you so much for watching! 💕

[@stephanblake_]

Now I just wish I had all the tools to make it 😭 it looks amazing though! Well done 👏🏼

[@timcampbell4267]

Nice design. I really like the drawer as opposed to a hinged top-it makes it easier to to get to the contents. Great idea!

[@bryans8656]

Thanks for this. I've watched several of your videos and have picked up a lot of tips I can use in my amateur (serious understatement) cabinet making projects. So I figured it was only fair to finally subscribe. 🙂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate you following along and subbing! So glad you’ve been enjoying the videos and found them helpful. Don’t sell yourself short…everyone who starts, starts a beginner, but most people never start. The fact you’re stepping out and making some cabinets is an achievement of its own 🙌 you got this. Happy building! 🔨🔨

[@RareRiddemz]

I am ao glad I discovered your channel. I've been looking for beginner projects that are useful and so far I've added 5 of your projects to my list. Definitely buying your plans when i start the builds!

[@jbb5470]

Very nice Shara! I like your taste in Furniture, simple yet elegant! Looking forward to your upcoming builds, always great!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I’m excited to get back to building and sharing my latest projects. I hope you have a great weekend!

[@Brando022009]

Love, love your videos. Thank you for sharing!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@robertevans6481]

Ikea you have some competition...looks awesome!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I’ve never even been to an IKEA, so I don’t really know 😅 but I’d much rather build it myself haha

[@johnkelley9877]

Excellent work! I especially like the colors you choose. Thanks for sharing this.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!! I love a good black and wood color combo 😍 haha

[@animeshbhagowati1291]

Very nice...

[@scottmorris4914]

Came out good as always.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@yasserhussein9252]

i like your work . good job . sorry for my english

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@samme5513]

Excellent work love it and thank you so much for sharing enjoyed watching have a wonderful day

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks for watching! Have a great weekend! 🙌

[@MrAlbrimm]

Great idea, and another great job

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@EmorettaRobinson]

I like this bench a lot. I was thinking of something to put near my entryway. That way when I come home I can sit, take my shoes off and get a pair of socks to walk around in from out of the drawer. At first I thought of just buying the top kitchen cabinets that are shorter and normally are installed above refrigerators. I thought of getting one of those, putting a cushion on the top and using the inside as sock storage. But I like your storage bench also. Thank you for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s a great idea to use a premade cabinet! The sizing would probably be great for that!

[@EmorettaRobinson]

@@WoodshopDiaries thank you. I thought it'd a be good project for me. And I wanted to paint it. Thank you for your response. Have a good day.🙂

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, you pleasantly surprised us with this video as you had us on a two week schedule. Also, I'm feeling less stressed by this project as it appears way less complex than ripping apart a shower can be. You kind of have me motivated to revisit a toy box I'm working on for my Grandson. I love how you take of basic box and trim it out so it becomes so much more than "just a box". I'm looking forward to your "next" projects as well as appreciating this one. Give Lucy a hug and maybe a kiss on the head for me. Thanks for Sharing!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m trying really hard to get back to a weekly schedule. Like digging myself out of a hole after this bathroom haha. But I’m glad it was a pleasant surprise 😊 and trust me, it was less stressful for both of us 🤣 I bet your grandson will love whatever you make him. Happy building on that toy box 🔨 and have a great weekend!

[@mwoody4560]

Another great project

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

Nice build! This can also make with top opening chest and epoxy top finish for dramatic effect.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Some great ideas!

[@lalibelanoway]

I am 8n love with your projects

[@SxmTech101]

Love it

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@joelcopeland3018]

Another great build....

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@ebmarson]

very nice. Thank you for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching 😊

[@ErnestoAlvaradoTJ]

Thanks

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@pmapaez]

Awesome, I like it

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@camachomoralesgerardo8091]

Nice work, sucribed!! Thank you

[@woodenfinewoodworking3687]

love your build videos, for wood filler give Bondo a try its hard as nails and can be mixed "hot" to have it set up fast.. keep on making..

[@timothycreasy2161]

And at 6:32 in the video, tadaaaaa LUCY !!!! And I love the cat picture on the wall in the begining of the video

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha she’s always around somewhere 🤣 she’s good company 😊

[@MrHarley950]

That's a great build! The last time I put together something from Ikea, I was thinking that it would have been only a few steps away from starting from scratch and you proved me right so thanks for that. By the way; I've only watched a couple of your builds but I already like your stuff better than Bourbon Moth!

[@thebigone6071]

Yo u def goated tho Shara u a best wood worker in da bizness u need come detriot an we hit dem clubs make it rain like pow pow pow no cap my g 🙏🏿🙏🏿💥💥💥👍🏿👊🏿🐐💯

[@alvarozamora4700]

Espectacular. Como me gustaría tener uno así en casa 🤩😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! This would be great to have in several places around the home 🙌

[@TikangaMaara]

Nice 😃👌🏼

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@fabianvalderassur]

Hermoso, saludos desde Chile

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@DavidSmith-ky4eu]

A true woodworker is one who takes time to give an ear rub to their moral supporting pup. Well done.

[@chakireladraoui9331]

Good

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@edisonvillar3331]

Beautiful and you too

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you 👍

[@jenniferbell4571]

Awesome job, Shara! I built a mushroom bench for my kids’ shoes, and was curious to know how you had done yours. Now I just wish the kids would actually use the drawers, and stop leaving their shoes on the floor, inches from their assigned space!

[@polgartibor1958]

SHARA THANK FOR VIDEO !!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤😘😘😘

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@Brando022009]

about how much do you think you spent in supplies? Looks BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[@remix0125]

Awesome tutorial thank you! What type of dog is Lucy?! We just adopted and they said she’s a lab/retriever/terrier mix. But not 100% sure. She looks exactly like Lucy! Black with white spotted chest and feet!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! We don’t know what she is. She showed up filthy and super skinny at the factory I used to work at and after trying without success to find an owner, I just brought her home. No idea where she came from or how old/what she is and we never got her tested to see. But we are pretty sure she’s got a big percentage of pointer in her. She’s got the tick markings and she points and has the body shape of one. 🤷‍♀️ but who knows haha.

[@emeraldforest]

Great video, where do I get that drawer pull?

[@martindeane7282]

Great video. I like to know the measures of pocket hole are you used to join the 2x2 with 1x2. Thank you.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! You can find that info in this guide: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-use-pocket-hole-jig/

[@scottmorris4914]

I checked out your webs ite, on how to build drawer boxes. I want to build some drawers for the base cabinets in my shop. I am think about the "front" of the drawer box would be the drawer front. I would then cut a notch in the top of the drawer to open the drawer. How would you attach the front of the box to the sides then, rather than pocket screws>. Thank you.

[@ELCADAROSA]

Nice simple build to get back into project building. I’m curious as to what blade you use to make the dado cuts. As most blades have ATB or Hi-ATB tooth geometry, how do you get a flat bottom on the cut?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! For drawers and door frames and most everything I need to cut a dado for, a perfectly flat bottom isn’t necessary. And when it is, I simply smooth it out with a chisel and sand paper. I use a general purpose 40 tooth blade on my table saw.

[@ELCADAROSA]

@@WoodshopDiaries, Thank you! Just the answer I was looking for.

[@minson4712]

What black paint did you use on that wood storage?

[@mogeshanchetty8060]

Hi awesome build. What type of poly did you use for the top?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I used Minwax helmsman clear water based poly 👍

[@mogeshanchetty8060]

It looks so natural with that poly. The ones I use usually give the wood a yellow colour.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Using a water based poly keeps it clearer without as much yellow tint

[@kevinkelley332]

Appreciate if you could be more specific of plywood grade when you're building furniture i.e. A,B,C,D or a B/C sanded

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I link the exact plywood I use in the description 👍

[@cswatson4823]

Great idea except I will build this with a pull down front just to store shoes in the bench.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s a great idea for modification 👍

[@_HenryT]

Hi Shara, did you apply poly to the inside and outside panels of the drawer box too? Or did you leave those unfinished? Thanks in advance!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! No I didn’t finish to the in or outside of the drawer box. I very rarely finish the drawer box.

[@_HenryT]

@@WoodshopDiaries thanks so much for the reply! Love your designs!

[@funnyriverred2501]

you ever think about getting a cheaper construction table saw just to put your dado stack in? maybe make a box with a French cleat that could mount up to the side of the work bench as your outfeed table if needed... then just take the box and saw off the cleat when done and put it under a work bench somewhere. i think i am on to something....

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s a good idea! I’ve used “cheap table saws” before and they’re a little sketch. Even a decent construction table saw is several hundred bucks. For as little as I’d use it, the money wouldn’t justify. But, the clear idea is great!

[@funnyriverred2501]

@@WoodshopDiaries maybe if i find a yard sale deal ill explore this further😎🤔

[@sdas86]

Hi Shara, do you paint the top and inside the drawer? What is the color you use? Thanks :)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I don’t paint the drawer box. Just the drawer front. You can, I just usually don’t. It’s a personal preference.

[@sdas86]

@@WoodshopDiaries Thanks. :)

[@ywwong9173]

Hi would like to know if you can cut and pack to ship to florida.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m sorry, I cant

[@octaviogarcia9895]

Hi, is this made whit one plywood sheet??

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! You can find the materials list in the description and also here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-storage-bench-with-drawer/

[@TroIdmanden]

The Ryobi nailer you’re using for furniture, is that a 16 or an 18 gauge? 🤓

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ve got both and use them both pretty often. Without going back and rewatching here, I’m assuming it was the 18 since this was small trim. But either one would work fine

[@TroIdmanden]

@@WoodshopDiaries Great! Thanks! New subscriber here 🧰😁

[@ysyang1111]

我一直都很好奇 用斜孔所沒有工具根本很難固定到要鎖的位置 都只靠手就能固定住?????

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I made a video about it here: How to drive pocket hole screws without using clamps #shorts kzbin.info5BEhvuj3Kfc?feature=share

[@XStrikeSuper]

what the actual color is this? very nice!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

PPG Onyx Black 👍

[@nancyrfrinemonsreal]

It drives me nuts that you do not secure your panels with clamp before drilling you pocket holes. Somehow, your projects are always perfect 🙂

[@oicorrupt9336]

Where do you find good plywood without paying an arm and a leg??

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I buy mine at Home Depot. It’s still expensive. But so is everything. Is what it is 🤷‍♀️

[@oicorrupt9336]

true words..@@WoodshopDiaries

[@moh.basel88]

First comment 😄

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@clickster1883]

Great build! Plz give Lucy some scratches behind the ears for us.

[@A.KUDYBA]

Such a fragile girl, makes such beautiful crafts!!!

[@Joesmith-fu4ps]

Now build one without pockets and pocket screws.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Why

[@Joesmith-fu4ps]

If it's not obvious to you, there's not much sense me wasting my time trying to explain. I will say there's a lot of fun to be had in woodworking beside screwing 2 pieces of wood together with pocket screws.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m actually running a business here. So I’m not in it for “fun” 👍 I can’t afford to take three times as long to crank out a project to make a video that appeals to a third of the audience.

[@Joesmith-fu4ps]

@@WoodshopDiaries You are right. Most people what fast easy curbside furniture these days.