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Closed Corner Bench Framing

What's better than a storage bench?  How about a corner storage bench!

free plans corner bench with drawers

This plan takes two benches (you build separately) and shows you how to build a closed corner.  A lift top seat could be used to access the contents of the corner.

We have two free plan options for the actual benches:

How Big Should I Build the Benches?

First, we need to figure out how long the benches need to be.

  1. DEPTH - Decide on a depth for your benches - usually 23-1/4", but could be 16-1/4" or 20-1/4"
  2. WIDTH MINUS CORNER - Measure the overall wall length, and subtract from that length bench depth + 1-1/2".  So for a 23-1/4" deep bench, you would subtract 24-3/4" from the overall finished bench length, including the corner.
  3. HEIGHT - The height can vary, standard is around 16-18" 

Once you know the size to build your benches, you can use our Shelf Help Configurator to come up with the design and sizes for your plywood pieces.

How to Build the Benches?

You can build just about any bench with closed sides.  We have two free plan options for the actual benches with Shelf Help:


Build the benches as instructed in the templates, but sized for your measurements.  Do not add a top or baseboard yet.

Framing for the Closed Corner

Once your benches are built and finished, bring into the room and place.  You can remove baseboard or keep - this plan can work both ways.

closed corner bench framing diy

Cut the following pieces for the framing

  • 1 - 1x2 @ height of bench
  • 1 - 1x3 @ height of bench
  • 1 - 2x4 @ height of bench
  • 1 - 2x4 @ depth of bench (equal to the bench sides not including overlay doors if using)
  • 1 - 2x4 @ depth of bench PLUS 1-1/2" (bench depth does not include overlay doors if using)

Attach the 2x4 pieces together with 2-1/2" construction screws.  Attach the 1x inner leg pieces together with brad nails and glue (easiest method) or pocket hole screws or trim screws.  Then attach all the pieces to the two benches to create the corner.

Bench Top

The bench top can be plywood or 1x boards.  

Here is the plywood measurement if using plywood - this will result in a bench top with no overhangs on ends or front:



For a finished, nice look, at the baseboard trim last, trimming the entire piece as one.  Attach the baseboard per plan recommendations.