Sit and Stow

This window seat fulfills two needs—more efficient storage and a comfy place to relax.

 Sit and Stow
General Instructions

Cut and label parts as needed, using the Cut List as a guide and adjusting for fit. Predrill for and countersink all screws. Fill holes with wood filler, and use caulk for gaps or seams. Sand smooth.

  1. Build the box assembly.
    • Draw lines to mark the placement of the lid on the top panel, as shown in the illustration. Using a table saw, make a plunge cut along the marked long line (where you will install the hinge), raising the saw into the panel at one starting point and pushing the wood until the saw reaches the other point precisely. Make the two crosscuts using a circular saw. Square the corners as needed with a chisel, and sand rough edges.
    • Assemble the front, back, side, and floor panels as shown in the illustration using glue and finishing nails.
  2. Cut and install the cleats.
    • Place the top panel on the box assembly, and mark the cleat placements on the front and back panels. For the two end cleats, the center of the 2 1/2-inch side should align with the short side edges of the lid cutout. The center cleat should align with the center of the lid, and the 3/4-inch side should be facing up.
    • Attach the three cleats to the front and back panels, flush with the top edges, using glue and finishing nails. The cleats will reinforce the seat and act as a stop for the lid.
  3. Install the box assembly.
    • Set the box assembly in place, and shim as needed. Using a stud finder, mark the location of the wall studs on the panels. Secure the box assembly to the wall using wood screws. Note: It is easier to prime and paint the inside of the box and the top panel at this point in the project.
    • Place the top panel on the box assembly, and trim as needed for a precise fit. Attach the top panel to the box assembly using glue and finishing nails.
    • Using a hacksaw, cut the continuous hinge to fit the long edge of the lid.
    • Attach the continuous hinge to the lid, and then attach it to the top panel.
  4. Attach the base moulding and face frame pieces.
    • Attach the base moulding to the front panel with glue and finishing nails.
    • Using glue and finishing nails, attach the face frame rail to the front panel flush with the top edge.
    • Place a face frame stile on each short edge of the front panel, flush with the wall. Place two more stiles with an equal distance between them and the end stiles. Attach the stiles using glue and finishing nails.
  5. Attach the edging pieces.
    • Cut the front edging pieces to fit the front edges of the top panel and lid. Using glue and finishing nails, attach the front edging pieces.
  6. Attach the top panel moulding.
    • Miter cut the moulding pieces to fit along the back and side top edges of the top panel. Miter cut the ends facing the front edging. Using glue and finishing nails, attach the top moulding pieces to the top panel. (The moulding should cover any gaps between the top panel and the walls.)
    • If desired, install quarter-round moulding to the base of the window seat to match the existing moulding in your room.
  7. Apply a finish.
    • Fill any gaps and seams with caulk, and sand smooth when dry.
    • Prime the entire project, and allow to dry. Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry.
Illustration

Sit and Stow

Cut List
Part Material Size (in inches) Quantity
top panel plywood 3/4 x 26 3/4 x 734 1
lid (cut from top panel) plywood 3/4 x 16 x 48 1
front and back panels plywood 3/4 x 23 1/2 x 73 2
side panels plywood 3/4 x 22 3/4 x 25 1/4 2
floor panel plywood 3/4 x 25 1/4 x 73 1
cleats 1 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 25 1/4 3
base moulding 1 x 8 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 73 2
face frame rail 1 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 73 1
face frame stiles 1 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 12 3/4 2
long front edging shelf edging 3/4 x 48* 1
short front edging shelf edging 3/4 x 12 1/2* 2
long top moulding moulding 3/8 x 1 1/4 x 73* 1
short top moulding moulding 3/8 x 1 1/4 x 26 3/4* 2
*Scribe to fit.

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Project Details
Skillset: Intermediate
Rough Cost Estimate: $230*

Lumber and moulding: $165
Hardware and supplies: $65

Rough Time Estimate: 1 Weekend
Lumber and Moulding
  • 3 (8-foot-long) 1 x 3s**
  • 1 (8-foot-long) 1 x 8**
  • 3 (48- x 96-inch) sheets of 3/4-inch birch plywood**
  • 1 (8-foot-long) piece of 3/4-inch shelf edging**
  • 2 (7-foot-long) pieces of 3/8- x 1 1/4-inch primed pine stop moulding
Hardware and Supplies
  • 1 box (2 1/2-inch) wood screws
  • 1 box 6d finishing nails
  • 1 (1/2- x 72-inch) continuous hinge (brass, #196296)
  • Wood Glue (Titebond II, #41217)
  • Paintable Wood Filler
  • Paintable Latex Caulk
  • Primer (Kilz, #45546)
  • Paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Statuesque 7002-5, Semi-Gloss)
Tools
  • Table Saw (Or Circular Saw With Straightedge Guide)
  • Miter Saw (Or Handsaw With Miter Box)
  • Power Sander And Various Grits Of Sandpaper
  • Drill/Driver With Bits
  • Hammer With Nail Set
  • Hacksaw
  • Chisel
  • Clamps
  • Stud Finder
  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.

**Availability varies by market. Available by special order in some stores.

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