Build a Breakfast Nook Bench - DIY Home Improvement Guides - How to Repair and Remodel your Bathroom, Kitchen and more

Home Improvement > Kitchen > Build a Breakfast Nook Bench

Learn how to build an L-shaped breakfast nook bench.

The homeowners want to build an L-shaped breakfast nook bench with attractively curved sides in a cozy corner of their kitchen. They also anticipate that the enclosed space under the bench would offer storage for games and art supplies their children would use at the table and then return to storage. The seats in both angles of the L-shaped bench will flip up to permit storage in the space below.

Step by Step Instructions with Video

Step
1

Sketch the Design

Sketch out the design and dimensions for the bench. The short base of our bench will be 3-feet long, while the long base is 5-feet long.

Step
2

Determine Depth of Seat

Measure a comfortable chair to determine the depth of the seat from knee edge horizontally to the back. Seats can vary in depth from 15 to 17 inches. Making the seat too deep may make it uncomfortable for children, whose bent knees cannot clear the edge while they lean against the back. Also, keep in mind that upholstery or cushions will affect the optimum depth for the seat.

Step
3

Measure Height of Chair

Measure the height of the chair from ground to seat, as well. For our project, the seat of the bench will be 18 inches tall.

Step
4

Build a Rectangular Frame

Use two-by-four framing to build a rectangular frame for each base of the bench: one is approximately 18 inches x16 inches x 3 feet and the other is 18 inches x16 inches x 5 feet. You will eventually add back supports, front panels, back panels, decorative side panels, and hinged seat lids.

Step
5

Create a "Cut List"

Create a cut list to inventory each wooden component to be cut. This may seem elementary, but this project has many pieces.

Step
6

Cut the Two-by-Fours

Cut the two-by-fours in the desired dimensions to build the interior framing for both bases.

Step
7

Lay Out the Pieces

Lay out the pieces for each section of the base frame, starting with the bottom.

Step
8

Join Pieces with Long Screws

Join them with long screws after applying glue to the joining surfaces. Countersink the screw heads so they do not interfere with the panels that will cover the base framing.

Step
9

Place Two-by-Fours under Fiberboard on Work Surface

Set three-quarter inch MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) on a table or other work surface with two-by-fours placed beneath. The gap leaves room for the blade of your circular saw to clear the tabletop and ensures that the cut pieces will not move, pinch, or bind the blade.

Step
10

Clamp a Straightedge to Fiberboard

Clamp an aluminum straightedge to the MDF to use as a guide for the saw to make perfectly straight cuts in the large sheets. The straightedge serves as a guide for the face of the saw.

Step
11

Cut Panels from Fibreboard

Cut the panels from the MDF in the exact dimensions required to cover the base framing. Move the skeletal base framing and other pieces indoors for assembling and installation.

Step
12

Joint Two Bases

Join the two bases by clamping them together in the correct position and then securing them with screws.

Step
13

Apply Glue

Apply glue to the front panels and clamp the pieces in place on the base frame.

Step
14

Nail Front Panels

Secure them with a pneumatic nail gun.

Step
15

Attach Two Back Supports

Attach the two back supports. Apply glue to the surface, clamp the pieces together, and attach with screws.

Step
16

Cut and Nail Tapered Wedges

Cut and nail three long tapered wedges to the three back supports on the long base to enable the finished backrest panel to tilt backward slightly for comfort. Add two identical wedges to the two back supports on the short base.

Step
17

Cut Curved Panel

Trace the curve for the side panels along narrow strips of wood made flexible by soaking them in water. Bend them into the desired configuration and, once traced, cut the curved panel out with a jigsaw.

Step
18

Trace and Cut Curved Panel

Use the first curved side panel as a template to trace and then cut the other side panel.

Step
19

Install Seat Backs and Sides

Install the seat backs before installing the sides. Put glue on the long tapered wedges, press the back panels into place, and use the nail gun to secure them to the back supports on the long and the short bases.

Step
20

Glue and Nail Side Panels

Glue and nail the side panels to the bases.

Step
21

Add Trim

Add a piece of trim to the tops of each back panel, laying them with the flat edge against the top edge of the back panel and back supports and butting them against the side panels.

Step
22

Screw Piano Hinges to Seat Lids

Screw long piano hinges to the seat lids. First attached the hinge to the lid, and then attach the lid to the base using only a couple of screws.

Step
23

Install Remainder Screws, Finish Surface and Add Cusions

Test the movement of the lid to ensure that it fits and one lid does not bind against the other. Finish installing the remainder of the screws in the piano hinges. Finish the surface as desired with stain and varnish, etc., and add cushions or upholstery if appropriate.