DIY Basic Window Seat Bench

Nothing makes a place feel as much like home as a window seat bench. It’s a great place to read, to admire the view or to simply contemplate the world. Filled with cushions, it’s a wonderfully relaxing area and it can quickly become a favorite personal space. Unfortunately, many houses don’t come with a window seat bench. Therefore, if you want one, you will have to have one made or make it yourself. The good news is that it’s easy to build a simple and comfortable window seat bench that can also double up as a bookcase

Starting the Frame

Your window seat bench needs to be 30 inches long by 18 inches wide. It should be 17 inches high which is usually the same height as the dining chairs in your house.

Start by taking one of the 2 by 2 pieces of lumber and measuring 3 lengths of 30 inches.

Measure another 30 inch length on a second piece of the lumber.

Cut these with the saw, making sure the cut edges are straight then sanding the cut edges smooth.

Cut 4 pieces of lumber, each 14 inches long, and smooth the cut ends again.

Take 2 of the long pieces and 2 of the short pieces and lay them out to form a rectangle with the shorter pieces between the longer lengths.

Apply glue to the ends of the shorter pieces and hold in place until they’re bonded, making sure the pieces are square and the angles are exactly 90 degrees.

Add screws to ensure the joins remain firm. Use 2 screws at each joint for extra stability.

Repeat with the remaining pieces of wood to make another rectangle.

The Uprights

Cut 4 more lengths of 2 by 2 lumber, each 13 inches long. Make sure the ends are square and sanded smooth.

Take one of the rectangles you’ve made and stand it upright.

Drill 2 holes through each of the 4 corners and insert screws, tightening just enough for the very tip to show through. On one corner, spread a thin bead of glue.

Now take one of the pieces you have just cut and hold it against that corner before tightening the screws until the piece of lumber is held tight.

Use a level to make sure it’s square on all sides, making any adjustments if necessary.

Repeat with the other 3 pieces so you have 4 uprights.

Adding the Bookshelf

The bookshelf will add extra strength and stability to your window seat bench.

Measure a rectangle 30 inches by 18 on the plywood and cut it out with the saw.

Measure in 2 inches from the corner on each side, marking the lines with a pencil.

Cut with a saw so you’re taking out a small square on each corner.

Sand the sides of the cut plywood so they’re smooth.

The bookshelf should now fit on the bottom rectangle of your window seat frame with the uprights on the corners. Screw it into place.

Finishing the Bench

Take the other rectangle and fit it on top so that the uprights are square in each corner.

Apply glue to the top of each upright then use 2 screws on each one, driving them through the top rectangle to hold everything firmly in place. When you’re finished, there should be no play at all in the framework.

Cut the wood for the seat.

Measure and mark 30 by 18 inches on the wood then cut and sand the edges.

Fit on the top rectangle and screw into place and your window seat bench is complete.