How to Build a Corner Bench

Clamp the parts together with the top edges flush, drill countersunk pilot holes, and fasten the rails to the dividers with 2-inch drywall screws (Project Diagram, Drawing 1) to make the two base frames.

Remove enough existing baseboard from a corner of the room to accommodate the bases.

Cut the long cleat (D) and the short cleat (E) to length (Project Diagram, Cutting List and Cutting Diagram). Screw the long cleat and then the short one to the walls with the top edges even with the marks (Project Diagram, Drawing 2).

Cut the corner cleats (F) from pine (Project Diagram, Drawing 4).Drive screws through the side of the cabinet into a cleat to fasten it even with the top and bottom of the cabinet just behind the face frame. Repeat for the other corner cleat.

Position the second cabinet on its base and move it into position so the edge of the cleat and cabinet meet the filler assembly and it is positioned properly on the base. Nail the wide filler to the cleat, and screw the cabinet to the long rails (A) (Project Diagram, Drawing 3).

Cut the long top (K) and the short top (L) from 3/4-inch-thick MDF.

Prime and paint the plywood parts, the corner fillers, and MDF parts with primer and two coats of paint. Lightly sand between coats with a fine-grit sanding sponge.

Apply glue to the top edges of the cabinets and install the long top (K) followed by the short top (L) (Project Diagram, Drawing 5). Place a few heavy objects on the tops to anchor them while the glue dries. (If you add fasteners, the nail holes will need to be filled and touched up.)

Prime any unfinished parts and apply a paintable caulk to small gaps in the trim or where the top or sides meet the wall. Touch up the paint as needed and replace the cabinet doors.