How to Make a Window Seat Bench

How to make a window seat that will add a new look to your room. Step by step instructions that will make it easy for anyone to make.

Things You'll Need

• Safety Glasses
• 2x4 boards
• Saw
• Nails or Screws for Framing
• Hammer
• Finishing Nails
• Drill and Drill Bit
• Measuring tape
• Wood Adhesive
• Plywood
• Panaling
• Decorative Trim
• Padding/Foam
• Cloth Material
• Sewing Machine

Instructions

1. First you will need to measure the space where you will install your window seat. You will want to measure the width, depth, and height.

2. Next you will need to build the frame for your window seat. Cut 4 2x4s the width of your window seat. Set two of them aside. Next you will need to cut 9 lengths of 2x4s that when placed in between the ends of your longer 2x4s, equal the depth of your window seat.

3. Now attach one shorter piece to each end of the longer cut pieces and one in the center of the frame. Make sure that the boards are flush with each other. You can attach them by using nails or screws. If you use screws then you will need to drill a hole a size smaller then the screw size before putting in the screw.

4. Now build the top frame the same way, except this time you will need to add extra support. Add two more of your shorter pieces between the longer pieces so that there is one on each end, one in the center, and one in between the center and end on each side.

5. Now you will need to cut pieces that will give you the height. Keep in mind that there will be a piece of plywood adding to the height and the window seat cushion adding to the height. You will want to take this into account before cutting your height pieces. You will need 10 pieces. You will be attaching each one of these pieces between the top and bottom frames. 2 on each end of the frames, 3 in the front and back of the frame, using the same placement of one in the center and 1 between the center and the ends.

6. Now you are ready to install the framing under the window. Screw the frame to the existing walls.

7. Cut a piece of plywood for the top of the frame and for the front of the frame. Secure them using finishing nails. Your framing is complete.

8. For any easy finish, attach a piece of panel on the front of the window seat frame using wood adhesive. Finish up by placing decorative trim to the bottom top and sides of the paneling.

9. For the cushion, you can purchase foam or padding at any fabric store. You will want to have the padding the size of the top of your new window seat. You can take any cloth material you choose and sew a sleeve the size of your padding.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to use your window seat for storage attach the top piece of plywood with hinges to the back of the frame instead of nailing it down.

Resources

• New Built-Ins Idea Book