How to Make Corner Bench Seating

Corner bench seating is a brilliant way to transform an awkward, unused corner into a cozy and functional hub. Perfect for breakfast nooks, dining areas, or even outdoor decks, a built-in bench provides ample seating without the clutter of individual chairs. Building your own is a rewarding project that allows you to create a piece of custom furniture perfectly tailored to your home’s dimensions and style. The process might seem complex, but it’s surprisingly straightforward with a good plan.

This guide is designed to walk you through the entire process from start to finish. We’ll show you exactly how to make corner bench seating, breaking down the construction into simple, manageable steps that even a novice DIYer can tackle with confidence.

Why Build Corner Bench Seating?

The primary advantage of building diy corner bench seating is its incredible space efficiency. By tucking seating directly into a corner, you utilize a part of the room that is often awkward and underused. This space-saving design can accommodate more people than traditional chairs while taking up a smaller footprint, making it an ideal solution for small kitchens or dining areas. It creates a clean, integrated look that can make a room feel larger and more open.

Beyond its practicality, a built-in bench adds significant aesthetic appeal and functionality. It offers an opportunity to introduce custom storage by designing the benches with hinged lids, turning them into hidden chests for blankets, toys, or seasonal items. This DIY furniture project adds a high-end, custom look to your home, creating a cozy and inviting nook that encourages gathering and conversation.

8 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Corner Bench Seating

Step 1: Design and Measure Your Corner

The first step is to create a detailed plan. Measure the two walls of the corner where the bench will be located. Decide on the length of each bench wing. A standard seat height is about 18 inches (including a cushion), and a comfortable depth is between 18 and 20 inches. Sketch out your design. A corner bench consists of two rectangular bench boxes joined at the corner. Your plan should include a cut list with the precise dimensions for all the lumber you’ll need for the frames and the top surfaces, which is essential for this woodworking project.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Materials

For a sturdy, long-lasting bench, choose your materials wisely. For an indoor project, 3/4-inch plywood is a great choice for its strength and smooth finish. For an outdoor deck bench, use weather-resistant materials like cedar or pressure-treated lumber. You will need 2x4s to build the support frames and 1x lumber or plywood for the top. Gather your hardware, including 2.5-inch wood screws, wood glue, and hinges if you plan to create storage. Your essential tools will be a tape measure, pencil, level, circular saw, and a power drill. A pocket-hole jig is highly recommended for creating strong, hidden joints.

Step 3: Build the Bench Frames

You will be building two separate rectangular frames from 2x4s, one for each side of the corner. Following your cut list, cut the front, back, and side pieces for each frame. It’s also wise to cut internal support pieces (cross-braces) that will run between the front and back 2x4s every 16-24 inches to support the seat. Assemble the frames on a flat surface using wood glue and 2.5-inch screws. Ensure each frame is square by measuring the diagonals; they should be equal. These frames are the core structure of your custom seating.

Step 4: Attach the Frames to the Wall

With your two bench frames built, it’s time to install them. Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs in your corner. Lift the first frame into position against one of the walls, ensuring it is level both horizontally and from front to back. A standard seat height is 17 inches from the floor to the top of the frame, which allows for a 2-3 inch cushion to reach a comfortable 19-20 inch final height. Secure the frame to the wall by driving 3-inch screws through the back 2×4 of the frame and directly into the wall studs. Repeat for the second frame on the adjacent wall.

Step 5: Add Front Support Legs

While the wall provides support for the back of the bench, you need legs to support the front. Cut 2x4s to the height of your frames. Attach these support legs to the inside front corners of each bench frame and at any point where the two benches meet in the corner. You should also place legs every 3-4 feet along the front of the bench for added stability. Secure these legs to the frames using wood glue and screws. This provides the robust support needed for your built-in bench.

Step 6: Create and Install the Top Seats

The top of your bench can be a solid, fixed piece, or it can be a hinged lid for storage. For a simple fixed top, cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood to fit the top of each bench frame. Secure it by screwing down into the 2×4 frames. For a storage bench, cut the plywood tops slightly larger to create a small overhang. To create a lid, attach the plywood top to the back of the bench frame using a piano hinge. This is the core process of how to make corner bench seating with added functionality.

Step 7: Finish the Front and Sides

To give your bench a clean, finished look, you need to cover the front and any exposed sides. You can do this by cutting pieces of 1/4-inch plywood or decorative paneling to fit the front faces of the benches. Attach these panels with small finishing nails and wood glue. This step hides the 2×4 frame and support legs, transforming your construction from a basic frame into a piece of DIY furniture that looks professionally built. Take your time to get the cuts right for a seamless appearance.

Step 8: Sand, Caulk, and Paint

The final step is all about the finish. Fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand it smooth once dry. Sand all surfaces and edges of your bench for a smooth, splinter-free finish. Apply a bead of paintable caulk to all the seams where the bench meets the walls and in the corners. This will create a seamless, built-in look. Once the caulk is dry, apply a coat of primer, followed by two coats of your chosen paint color. A durable enamel paint is a good choice for high-traffic seating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Material to Build a Corner Bench With?

The best material depends on the location and your budget.

• Indoors: Birch or maple plywood (3/4-inch) is excellent. It’s strong, stable, and has a very smooth surface that is perfect for painting. MDF is a cheaper alternative for painting but is heavier and not water-resistant.
• Outdoors: Cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine are all great choices. They are naturally resistant to rot and insects, ensuring your bench will last through the seasons.

What Are the Standard Dimensions for Bench Seating?

For comfortable seating, follow these standard dimensions:

• Seat Height: 17-18 inches from the floor to the top of the bench (before adding a cushion).
• Seat Depth: 18-20 inches from front to back. This provides enough room to sit comfortably without feeling like you’re perched on the edge.
• Cushion Thickness: Plan for a 2-3 inch thick cushion. Factor this into your final seat height calculation.

How Do You Make the Corner Part of the Bench?

There are two common ways to handle the corner. The simplest method is to have one bench run all the way into the wall, and the second bench butt up against the side of the first one. This creates a simple “L” shape. For a more seamless look, you can miter the ends of the two bench frames at a 45-degree angle so they meet perfectly in the corner. This requires more precise cuts but results in a very clean finish.

Should I Make a Top Cushion for the Bench?

While not strictly necessary, a cushion will make your bench seating significantly more comfortable. You can buy custom cushions online, or you can make one yourself. To make a DIY cushion, cut a piece of 2-3 inch high-density foam to the shape of your bench tops. Wrap the foam in batting for extra softness, then cover it with a durable fabric, using a staple gun to secure the fabric to a thin plywood base underneath the foam.

How Do I Add Storage to My Corner Bench?

Adding storage is one of the biggest benefits of a built-in bench. The easiest way is to design the top of the bench as a hinged lid. Instead of screwing the plywood top directly to the frame, attach it along the back edge with a long piano hinge. This allows the top to lift up, revealing the open space inside the bench frame. You can add a small rope or a soft-close hinge to prevent the lid from slamming shut.

Conclusion

Building corner bench seating is a transformative project that adds style, comfort, and immense functionality to any home. It’s a project that maximizes space, provides hidden storage, and creates a cozy gathering spot. By following a clear plan and working step-by-step, you can create a high-quality piece of custom furniture that is perfectly designed for your space.

Don’t be intimidated by the scope of the project. Now that you have a detailed guide on how to make corner bench seating, you are ready to tackle this rewarding challenge. Enjoy the process and the fantastic new addition to your home.