How to Build a Bay Window Seat

Learn how to build and install a window seat for a bay window; includes plans and instructions along with tips, materials, and tools lists.

Leah has a stressful job and doesn't have much time for herself. She works a lot of hours and has two children at home. What she really wanted was an area in the house that she could use just for herself. There is a great spot in her kitchen area with windows that look out into the water. She asked for Ron's ideas on how to make that spot into a cozy sitting area with a little storage for extra convenience. Click Here For a list of what you will need in order to complete this project.

The 3-dimensional drawings for this project were made with SketchUp design software.

1. Design Create a custom window design that fits in the area that you have selected. Ron's window unit design included three sections: the center sitting section with a lid that raises up so it can be used for storage, an open end section that can be used for storage for shoes and other items, and then the other side with a lid that raises up. The side units are higher than the sitting section, and can be used as end tables. Please click here to download the full-size, 3-D drawings for the window seat project. To view these drawings, please download the free SketchUp Viewer.

2. Cut wood The window seat is made of plywood. The first step is to cut all the pieces to create the base.

Tip: Whenever you need to cut several pieces to the same length, create what Ron calls a cradle, which is a piece of plywood with some runners on the bottom that slide across the tabletop. A simple work stop made from a couple of pieces of 1 X 4 is clamped to the rear edge of the cradle. With this you can cut multiple pieces of wood to precisely the same length without re-measuring each time. Simply push the wood up against the stop and you will have the perfect size cut every time.

3. Assembly Begin assembling the window seat by first attaching the ends to the bottom. Use two clamps to hold the bottom up on edge while you work on it. Both glue and nails are used to attach the pieces together. The glue is actually the more important bond, but the nails are used to secure the pieces into position while the glue dries.

A joining clamp, which looks like a giant clothespin, will hold the two corner pieces together while they are nailed in place. Once the ends are in place, then attach the sides.

4. Biscuit joinery Once the basic box is built, you will need to attach a strip of solid wood to front edge of the lid to conceal the plywood with biscuit joinery. This step is repeated on all exposed edges. Begin by measuring and marking each location (both on the solid wood piece and the plywood) where you will attach a biscuit. Next, use a plate joiner to cut slots where you have marked for both pieces of wood.

Apply glue down in the grooves and to the edges and then insert a biscuit into each slot. The biscuits are wooden wafers made of compressed wood. Not only does the glue bond these, but also when the glue absorbs into the biscuits they swell, creating even a stronger bond. When the two pieces are put together, the marks should be aligned and the glue should squeeze out evenly, with no gaps. Clamp the two pieces together until the glue is dried.

5. Recessed base The window seat is designed to rest on a recessed base, which is assembled from 1 X 4s.

6. Top edge Next we glue and nail strips of solid wood to the top edges of the box first along the backsides and then test the lid to make sure it is a secure fit. The wooden strips will conceal the rough edges of the plywood.

7. End tables The built-in end tables to the right and left of the window seat are designed with a triangular base, a bottom shelf, and three sides. The sides are attached together with glue and nails, the same way the box was assembled.

One side is designed with a solid top and open storage shelves underneath, while the other corner unit has a lid with a hinge, for additional storage. 8. Test fit Arrange the pieces to ensure that they fit and then pull them back out to a more convenient location for painting. Use a primer with a stain blocker in it. This will prevent any bleeding through from knots, etc. After the primer, one coat of paint should be enough. Once the paint is dry, use screws to attach piano hinges first to the lids and then into the base sections. The alcove that once was cold and empty, now has been completely transformed into a cozy and inviting nook where Leah can sit and enjoy a little peace and quiet along with the beautiful view.

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