Cubby Bench Construction

Materials and Tools

• Primary Material: 3/4 inch plywood
• Tools: Router, right angle clamp, brad nailer (18 gauge), speed square, miter saw, radial arm saw
• Additional Materials: Pine strips (1x2 and 10x1), wood conditioner, stain (honey), polyurethane, wax paper, screws

Construction Steps

Preparing Top and Bottom Pieces

• Cut the top and bottom pieces first.
• Use a router to cut rabbets (1/4 inch deep) and dados.
• Exact measurement: Plywood is 23/32 inch wide.
• Transfer lines from dados and rabbets to ensure precision.

Assembling the Box

• Cut out back piece and align with top and bottom.
• Use a jig to increase precision and speed.
• Cut square inserts for rabbets and dados.
• Assemble using right angle clamps and brad nails.
• Drill countersink holes and use screws for strength.
• Add strips to raise the box by 3/4 inch for trim application.

Adding Trim and Front Pieces

• Cut 1x2 pine strips for the front openings using brad nails.
• Cut vertical pieces precisely to avoid gaps.
• Use speed square for alignment.
• Add trim board for finished carpentry look.
• Use putty to fill nail holes and sand smooth.
• Add molding at the bottom edge for a classic look.

Painting and Finishing

• Apply primer coat to ensure paint adhesion.
• Paint using "Swiss Coffee," a warm white color.
• Glue 10x1 pine pieces for the bench top.
• Use wax paper to prevent glue bonding to clamps or bench.

Bench Top Assembly

• Ensure uniformity by planning and sanding joints.
• Use chamfer bit for edges, especially for child-friendly corners.
• Apply wood conditioner and honey stain for uniform color.
• Seal with three coats of polyurethane, sanding between coats.
• Attach bench top with screws, ensuring not to drill too deep.

Final Thoughts

• The final product was inspired by various DIY designs.
• Emphasized the importance of precision and proper preparation in assembly.
• The construction process aimed at combining practicality with aesthetic appeal.