How much wood do I need for this storage bench?
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The dimensions of the bench are as follows:
4′ long, 2′ high, and 18" across. I want to use 3/4” plywood, with 2′x4’s to frame the bottom. So going by this, I’m assuming I need a 2′x4′x12′ for the bottom frame, although I’ll only use 11′. How much plywood do I need? I’m having a hard time figuring out exactly how much I’ll need to buy without having too much left over. I’m also wanting to add a scalloped edge to the back of the top piece, so that I can place a cushion on top. How do I go about attaching it? Also, I know I’ll need two piano hinges and a latch, finishing screws and wood glue. Am I leaving out anything? A little help here, fellas.
Always buy more wood than you think you’ll need because it usually will save you at least one trip to the store to buy more due to miscalculation, bad measuring, or clumsy cutting. I’ve been guilty of all three, sometimes on the same piece of wood and I’ve been a cabinetmaker for over 20 years.
I’m not sure I understand your description of your design. If the bench is to be a plywood box with a hinged top, then you’ll need more than one sheet of 4 x 8 plywood, and if the bottom is a simple 2 x 4 frame, then you just need a piece of plywood 18" x 48" for the top. If it’s a plywood box, you don’t need any 2 x 4’s at all as the plywood is plenty strong enough without it.
Are you going to paint it? If so, consider using MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) it has a smooth surface with no grain and no plys on the edges. Unless it’s going outdoors, then use marine plywood and Titebond II or III wood glue as it is for exterior applications.
I’m not sure you need a piano hinge unless you want to see it, otherwise I’d use a couple of 2" butt hinges as they’re easier, cheaper, and semi adjustable. Piano hinges don’t lend themselves to anything that isn’t perfectly square and aligned, where regular small hinges can be shimmed or mortised to get doors to close right.
Some nails to hold it while the yellow wood glue dries and a latch and you’re done. If it’s a toy box for little ones, get a lid support or two so it won’t slam on tiny fingers.
1 Comments
July 11th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Always buy more wood than you think you’ll need because it usually will save you at least one trip to the store to buy more due to miscalculation, bad measuring, or clumsy cutting. I’ve been guilty of all three, sometimes on the same piece of wood and I’ve been a cabinetmaker for over 20 years.
I’m not sure I understand your description of your design. If the bench is to be a plywood box with a hinged top, then you’ll need more than one sheet of 4 x 8 plywood, and if the bottom is a simple 2 x 4 frame, then you just need a piece of plywood 18" x 48" for the top. If it’s a plywood box, you don’t need any 2 x 4’s at all as the plywood is plenty strong enough without it.
Are you going to paint it? If so, consider using MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) it has a smooth surface with no grain and no plys on the edges. Unless it’s going outdoors, then use marine plywood and Titebond II or III wood glue as it is for exterior applications.
I’m not sure you need a piano hinge unless you want to see it, otherwise I’d use a couple of 2" butt hinges as they’re easier, cheaper, and semi adjustable. Piano hinges don’t lend themselves to anything that isn’t perfectly square and aligned, where regular small hinges can be shimmed or mortised to get doors to close right.
Some nails to hold it while the yellow wood glue dries and a latch and you’re done. If it’s a toy box for little ones, get a lid support or two so it won’t slam on tiny fingers.
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