A Step by Step Build Plan
Tom and I LOVE our big windows facing the Golden Gate Bridge, but because of the setup of the room, there was an odd gap in front of the windows that needed something to make the space complete. Since we love looking out the window we thought of getting a bench. After researching for hours and hours, all we found were benches that were either too small, too big, or extremely expensive. So I started to draw up what I was picturing and after some hours of planning, this became my very first “major” project.
At this point I only owned a drill and some very basic tools so I ended up buying my Compound Miter Saw and a Sander to create this project! Looking back, there are some edits I would love to one day make, but it’s always fun to look back and realize how much I’ve already learned and can improve on a later project. I’ll add in those learnings as well as a detailed plan on how I built this.
Enjoy and happy building!
The Details:
Time Spent: A weekend including time for paint to dry
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cost: $250 including all the IKEA Pieces
Tools Needed:
Miter Saw or Circular Saw
Power Drill
Brad Nailer (I didn’t own mine yet at this point so you can make this without, just have plenty of wood filler to fix the holes that the screws will leave)
Sander
Clamps
Because we rent and don’t own our place, our bench is a floating bench that fits our space of 77.5 x 16.25 x 20.25. If you want to make this look more built-in, I would recommend removing your baseboards and of course alter the cuts to fit your space.
Materials List:
5 - 2x4x8 select pine
3 - 1x4x8 select pine
2 - 1x2x8 select pine
1 - 3/4in. 4x8 sanded plywood
1 - 1/2in. 4x8 sanded plywood
2.5 inch wood screws
2 inch brad nails
Liquid Nails
3 - IKEA Frames
3 - IKEA Doors
3 - IKEA Hardware
Paint & Primer (if painting, be sure to use a shellac based primer so the paint will stick to the IKEA doors)
Cut List:
Bottom Frame
Using your 2x4x8 pieces, you’ll need 20 cuts:
2 at 77.5in. each
10 at 12.75in. each
8 at 15in. each
Top Frame
Using your 1x4x8 pieces, you’ll need 6 cuts:
2 at 77.5in. each
4 at 8.75in. each
Top Panel
Using your 3/4in. Plywood, you’ll need 1 cut:
77.5 x 15.75
Side Panels
Using your 1/2in. Plywood, you’ll need 2 cuts:
16.25 x 20.25 each
Trim
Using your 1x4x8 pieces, you’ll need 1 cut:
77.5in.
Using your 1x2x8 pieces, you’ll need 4 cuts:
15in. each
Step 1: Building the IKEA Furniture
The part that you either love or hate. We need to build those IKEA frames! These were honestly pretty straightforward to build and took me about 20 minutes to build all 3. Once you have all 3 built, grab those 8 2x4 pieces that you cut to 15 inches. You’ll attach these in between the frames and on the outside using your wood screws. Remember to drill those pilot holes first so you don’t split the wood.
Step 2: Building the Bottom Frame
So now we are going to build the bottom frame that will act as our support. This, along with the top frame, will help to ensure that you don’t sit directly on the IKEA frames. You are going to grab those 2x4 cuts (2 at 77.5 inches each and the 10 cuts at 12.75 inches each) and connect them using your wood screws. I added 2 to each side and an extra 3rd piece in the center for extra support. You’ll want to line up cuts to where the frames meet each other.
Once you have the bottom frame built, you’ll just add the IKEA pieces directly on and connect using liquid nails and wood screws.
Step 3: Building the Top Frame
The top frame will be similar, but with fewer pieces! Grab the 6-1x4 cuts (2 at 77.5 inches each and 4 at 8.75 inches each) and attach to the top using liquid nails and brad nails. I actually used smaller wood screws because I didn’t have a brad nailer at the time so that can work also!
Step 4: Adding the Top Panel
Grab your ¾ inch Sanded Plywood and attach to the top frame using liquid nails and brad nails. Again, I actually used wood screws which worked out because I ended up adding a pillow to go onto the top, which covers everything anyway.
A tip here: hardware stores will cut your plywood to size! I didn’t know of this option and had to get quite crafty to cut this to size. You can use a circular saw to cut your own plywood or even a handsaw. I ended up using my Miter Saw since it slides out and then finished with a handsaw, but this took a lot of time and effort and it’s not 100% straight.
Step 5: Trim It Out!
We’re getting closer to being done and seeing our final piece! Take your 1x4 cut to 77.5 inches and attach to the bottom using liquid nails and brad nails. Then take your 1x2 pieces and attach the 77.5 inch piece to the top and the 15 inch pieces should all be placed vertically to cover the IKEA frames. I then added my side panels at this point.
Step 6: Prep, Paint & Attach the Doors
Now we need to cover up any holes and sand away! Once everything is smooth, go ahead and start priming and painting. Don’t forget to sand and prime the doors as well to ensure the paint adheres. After everything is dry, you can add knobs or handles to the doors and attach them to the frames using the IKEA hardware sets.
One step that I wish I didn’t skip was adding a top coat right after my paint was dry. I eventually went back to add the top coat, but had to fix a few marks that occurred on the doors. You really need to sand and properly prime IKEA products or then you’ll end up with plenty of paint chips, especially on high traffic pieces.
To finish the piece, I created a top cushion and added some pillows and it has become a favorite spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and read! I’m excited to one day create something similar, but as a built in and maybe with some side bookshelves as well!
If you end up building one yourself, tag me so I can see what you made!!!
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