How to Build a Farmhouse Style Storage Bench

*Thanks to Rockler Woodworking & Hardware for partnering with me on this farmhouse style storage bench project! This post contains affiliate links.*

Benches have to be one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. You can use them as an entry bench, a side table, a coffee table, a night stand… the list goes on and on. But finding them isn’t always easy, which is why I decided to build one. But, of course, I’ve got to up the ante and figure out h0w to make it more difficult 😉 Which is why I challenged myself to build a bench from one board. Oh – and with no screws or holes to fill.

Seem like a steep challenge? Actually this project is so simple – it takes under an hour. Want to build one? Let’s get to it:

How to Build a Farmhouse Style Storage Bench

You’ll need….

• 1 – 2x12x10 board (we used pine)
• Rockler Beadlock® Pro Joinery Kit
• Beadlock® Tenon Stock
• 2 large washers (1/16 inch thick)
• 3 clamps
• wood glue
• drill
• 1/4 sheet sander + 220 grit sand paper

Start by cutting the board into 4 pieces (you can get this done at the lumber store), you’ll need 1 at 48″ – 1 at 42″ – and 2 at 14.5″. You’ll also need a scrap of wood that’s around 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inch wide.

Start by disassembling the Beadlock Joinery Kit, to take off the jig. Using the scrap wood as a guide, line it up on the side of the first board (the 48″ piece). Use washers between the two pieces so the jig part will still slide. 

Get tips on learning more about how to use the Beadlock Joinery Kit in my Outdoor Sofa post.

Basically you drill the first three holes on the side you want the joint on, then you turn the black knobs on the side to release the hole jig, then slide it over and drill the first two. It creates a series of 5 holes joined together so the tenon stock will fit. 

Drill one side of the board, then the other – on both ends. It was super difficult to figure out how to use a Beadlock on the face of a board – but this way worked beautifully.

After you’ve finished those, then put the pieces back onto the stand and use it the traditional way on the end of the board.

Once all your holes are drilled, you’ll have them in the places marked above. Use a sander to sand each piece on all sides to make sure that it is prepped and ready for assembly.

All those holes you drilled are for tenon stock – this is what holds the joint together. And they are TOUGH! We built our outdoor furniture two years ago and it is still just as solid as the day I built it.

Starting with the “legs”, put a line of wood glue where the joint will go – and make sure to get some in the holes as well.

Then tap in the tenon stock – they will fit in tightly, which is how they make such a strong bond.

Once both legs have tenon stock installed, add the bottom piece on, one side at a time.

Use a hammer or a mallet to tap them into place to get the joint secure.

Once the base is assembled, then use wood glue on the top and attach with more tenon stock.

Clamp it all together and let dry for 24 hours. After the glue is dry, paint or stain your bench with the color of your choice. 

Add a few baskets to the bottom and you’ve got a beautiful storage bench you can use almost any where.

*This post was sponsored by Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. All ideas, photos and opinions are 100% my own.*