DIY Storage Bench With Rustic Industrial Style

Cut Wood for Shelves

Measure, mark and cut the shelf pieces with a table saw or circular saw. You will need to cut (8) 1” x 4” x 52” pieces. 

Cut Wood for Frame

Measure, mark and cut the frame pieces. You will need to cut (6) 1” x 2” x 52” pieces, (6) 1” x 2” x 11” pieces and (3) 1” x 4” x 11" pieces.

Cut Wood for Top, Sides and Back

Measure, mark and cut the top, side and back pieces. For the top you will need to cut (3) 1” x 6” x 55½” pieces. For the sides you will need to cut (4) 1” x 6” x 21¼” pieces and (2) 1” x 4” x 21¼” pieces. For the back, cut the sheet 21¼” x 52”. TIP: Ask to have the sheet cut at the hardware store. Remove rough cut edges from all boards with sandpaper. 

Distress Wood

Using a length of chain, beat indentations in the wood surfaces on all sides and edges. Use a flathead screwdriver to dig gouges in the wood, and further distress it with a hammer or other tools to achieve a worn look. Use sandpaper to smooth away any rough or sharp edges.

Stain Wood

Use wood stain to add to the aged look — darker stain will show the 'distressed' marks better. Use a rag to rub the stain into the recessed areas, then remove excess stain with the same rag, wiping in the direction of the wood grain. Allow to dry completely before proceeding.

Assemble Shelves

Lay four of the shelf boards on a flat surface. Create a frame around the shelf boards with the 1” x 2” boards, laying the 52” boards on the long edges and the 11” boards on the short edges. Place a 1” x 4” x 11” board in the center of the frame for added stability. Pre-drill holes along the frame into the shelf boards below. On the short sides on the frame, there should be at least two holes per shelf board on each end and in the center. The long sides should be fastened in at least 5 or 6 spots. Add screws to the holes to secure the frame to the shelf boards. Repeat for the second shelf.

Assemble Top

Lay the three long top boards on a flat surface. Assemble the frame on top of the boards in the same manner as the shelf boards. However, the top boards should extend 1¾” beyond the frame on both ends and 1½” on the front edge. 

Attach Side and Top Pieces to Shelves

Attach the side pieces flush to the bottom of the bottom shelf by inserting 1¼” wood screws into pre-drilled holes (at least 2 per board). On one side of the shelf, secure the two 6” boards on the outside edges with the 4” board in between. Repeat for the other side. TIP: If you do not want the screws to show in the finished project, sink them slightly and cover them with wood putty and a light dab of stain.

Make a mark on the inside of the side pieces, 9” above the top of the bottom shelf. Attach the second shelf in the same way, lining up the bottom of the shelf with the mark. Place the top on and secure in the same manner.

Attach Back Piece

Put the back in place and secure it with 1¼” wood screws through pre-drilled holes. There should be 5 or 6 screws along each shelf and the top piece.

Assemble Seat Rail

Attach a 3” pipe to a floor flange. Attach an elbow to the top of the 3” pipe. On the other end of the elbow attach a 10” pipe, followed by another elbow.  Attach a 24” pipe to the opposite end of the elbow, and then the T. Fit the bottom of the T to another 3” pipe and floor flange. Attach the other 24” pipe to the open end of the T. Add an elbow to the end of the 24” pipe and then the other 10” pipe. Attach the remaining elbow, then the 3” pipe, then the floor flange to finish the seat rail.

Place the rail on the seat top, centered, with the back floor flange about ½” from the edge of the wood. Screw the flanges in place with #12 x 1” wood screws.

Add Finishing Touches

Coat the entire project with wood wax to seal and give a slight luster. Add locker baskets and fill with shoes.