Stock Cabinet Drop Zone Bench

Assemble the shelf (Project Diagram, Drawing 1) and bench (Project Diagram, Drawing 2). The process is the same for the shelf and bench.

Apply glue to one of the crown moulding corners and tape it to the MDF top while the glue dries (Project Diagram, Drawing 4).

Starting at one end, set the crown parts into position and mark the length of the first side piece (H). Cut the piece to length and apply using glue and finish nails.

Set the second crown moulding corner in position and transfer a mark to the MDF to show the exact length the front crown moulding (I) will be cut.

Transfer the mark to the crown moulding and cut to length. Glue and nail the front moulding in position and add the remaining corner. Set the final crown side (H) in position, mark for length, cut, and secure.

Set the first 84-inch pantry cabinet in position. Level the cabinet by installing shims under the base if needed. When the cabinet is vertical, drive cabinet-mounting screws through the back of the cabinet into a wall stud (Project Diagram, Drawing 4).

Lift the painted shelf assembly into position; the top of the shelf is 16 inches from the top of the pantry cabinet. Check that the shelf is level, and fasten it to the wall by driving screws through the back into wall studs.

After securing the shelf to the wall, drive screws though the side of the cabinet into the cabinet cleats (J).

To hold the cabinet cleats in position while you drill pilot holes and drive the screws, secure them in place on the inside of the each cabinet with double-faced carpet tape.

Install the bench seat using the same process as the shelf. First screw it to the wall and then to the pantry cabinet. Now screw the remaining pantry cabinet to the wall, the shelf, and the bench.

Add the top assembly to the cabinets. The top is secured by applying a small amount of construction adhesive to the cabinet tops and then setting the assembly in position.