Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

See project resource below for lumber quantities
Exterior wood glue
FastenMaster 12-count 4-1/2-in structural wood screws, #194827
2-1/2-in deck screws
Exterior stain

Note

Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability, and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.

Outdoor Wooden Storage Bench Instructions

You don't need to invest in a firewood storage shed to safely store wood. Instead, you can have a wood storage outdoor bench, which offers firewood storage and seating in one. See below for step-by-step instructions to build an outdoor wooden storage bench. Refer to the Project Resources at the end of the article for a diagram including a cutting list and project diagrams showing the firewood storage design.

Bench Frames

To start your outdoor wooden storage bench, start with the frames.

Cut the legs (A), slats (B), and feet (F) to length (Project Diagram, Cutting List, and Cutting Diagram). Round over the cut ends of the legs, slats, and feet with a sander and 100-grit sandpaper so these edges match the factory edges. Set the feet aside for use later.

Good to Know

When cutting or sanding pressure-treated wood, wear breathing and eye protection, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Never burn treated-wood scraps -- discard them with your trash.

Lay a slat (B) on your workbench with the best face down and position a leg (A) against one end so the top end of the leg and the top surface of the slat are even. (Work with the parts upside down for now.) Drill three 3/16-inch pilot holes through the leg and into the slat. Extend the holes into the slat to suit the length of the screws. Drive 4-1/2-inch structural wood screws (Project Diagram, Drawing 1). Add a second leg to the other end of the slat. Repeat to make another slat/leg assembly.

Good to Know

As you assemble the parts, orient the best faces and edges to the outside.

Center Frame

With the bench frame/center frame assembly (A/B/C/D/E) and second bench frame (A/B) upside down on your workbench, apply glue to the inside edges of the second bench frame and clamp the halves of the bench together (Project Diagram, Drawing 3). Working from the bench frame/center frame assembly side, drill angled pilot holes through the rails (C) and into the slats (B) of the second seat frame. Drive 2-1/2-inch deck screws. (Project Diagram, Drawing 4).

Supports and Feet

After assembling the frame, you can move on to the supports and feet of the outdoor wooden storage bench.

Build a Bench with Firewood Storage