You're subscribed!
Make a Window Seat With an Integrated Pet Bed
Materials Needed:
- 4x8' sheets paint-grade plywood
- semigloss latex paint
- 2" angled paintbrush
- mini roller
- table saw
- nail gun
- nails or brads
- miter saw
- measuring tape
- pencil and notepad
- 6' strips of 1x2" MDF trim
- 6' strips of 1x3" pine
- wood glue
- 3" wood screws
- drill
- stud finder
- caulk and caulk gun
- painter's tape
- spackle and spackle knife
- cushion
Take Measurements
Using a measuring tape, determine maximum width, height and depth for the window seat based on the positioning of the window and the height of your pet. Jot these measurements down, then use a pencil to mark the plywood with the dimensions of each window seat panel. Cut a total of five panels: two for the sides, one for the top, one for the bottom and one for a back panel.
Cut Plywood Panels
Once all five panels have been marked, pre-paint the undersides and/or interiors using a mini roller. Next, cut the marked plywood with a table saw. Note: The only panel that requires paint on the front and back is the top panel. All others will be fine with just one side painted.
Attach Framing
To properly support each panel, reinforce with 1x3" pine. Mark 6' strips of 1x3" pine to size in reference to the dimensions of each panel. Cut with a table saw, add wood glue to the surface of the panel (Image 1), then place 1x3" pine along all edges, creating a frame. Secure pine in place using a nail gun (Image 2).
Glue Panels
After all panels have been framed, add glue along the edges (Image 1) and assemble together as a box (Image 2).
Nail Panels Together
Use a nail gun to securely fasten panels to one another, creating a box with an open-ended front.
Attach Fascia
For a crisp, finished look, add fascia along the front of the window seat. First, measure and mark the 1x2" pine to size, then cut using a miter saw. Place each cut strip of 1x2" in along the front of the plywood panel (Image 1), then secure using a nail gun (Image 2).
Position Window Seat
Place the window seat in its position. Next, use 3" wood screws to secure the window seat into wall studs by drilling through the panels, through the pine framing and into the studs. Use spackle to camouflage the holes made from the screws. Place painter's tape along the areas of the wall that will be caulked to close any gaps between the wall and the window seat. Use caulk and caulk gun to fill gaps, then add final coats of paint using roller. Allow paint to dry for at least 24 hours before placing cushions on the top and bottom of the seat.
