We have a wraparound staircase in our entryway that creates an awkward nook where we've had a coat rack for years. But with the kids growing up, they're not quite able to reach the hooks.
I've decided to build a custom bench that follows the angle of the staircase and then install hooks so they can make better use of the space for coats and backpacks.
Steps for Building a Corner Bench
- To get started, figure out the angle of the staircase. To do this, I'm using a piece of cardboard, and a miter saw. I knew the angle was about 45 degrees, so I set my saw to 45 and then 46 and then 47 degrees and cut a couple of pieces of cardboard to test them out in the space.
- Next, I rip a plywood project panel into strips. Then, I cut the bisected angle on the strips to make the two pieces come together to create the bench's seat.
- I use a pocket hole jig to create pocket holes at the seam and then join the two pieces with glue and screws.
- It's now time to build the base of the bench. I use a vertical piece of the plywood that is faced with a 1x2. I leave the base open because I'll be sliding baskets underneath. Tip: Having a bench open to the floor makes it easier to wipe the area clean when muddy boots go underneath.
- With my plywood legs cut to the depth of my bench, I use a jigsaw to notch out the back of each leg to allow it to sit against the wall without hitting the baseboard.
- Using pocket holes, glue, and screws, I attach the three legs to the underside of the bench seat, centering the middle leg on the seam to help support the connection.
- I set a 4-inch wide plywood offcut between the legs to further sturdy the legs and mark their length. I cut the pieces to length, drill pocket holes, and installed the supports with glue and screws.
- It's now time to face the plywood edges with 1x2 boards. To do this, I first glue and nail a piece to the front of each plywood leg and then to the front edge of the bench seat. Note: After all that work of placing the center leg, it didn't fit the baskets on either side. So, I moved it and used a flat piece of plywood to support the seam.
- Now, the kid's baskets for hats and gloves fit in the openings.
- The last step is to locate the studs in your wall and install the hooks.
- Once the bench is screwed into the wall, our awkward nook has a purpose.
What You Need for This Project
Cut list
- Bench Seat – 1 @ 12" D x 26" L (miter one end at half the corner angle)
- Bench Seat – 1 @ 12" D x 37 ½" L (miter one end at half the corner angle and the other to follow the back wall)
- ¾ plywood supports – 3 @ 4" H x Cut to fit between legs and at angled end of bench
- Legs – 3 @ 11”D x 18” H
- 1x2 Trim – 3 @ 18”H
- 1x2 Trim – 3 @ Cut to fit the front edge of the bench
- Backer Board for Hooks – 1 @ 4" H x 26" L (Bevel ends at 45-degrees)
Materials
- (2) ¾ x 2 x 4 plywood
- (2) 1 x 2 x 8
- 1 ¼-inch pocket hole screws
- 1 5/8-inch finish nails
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
- Primer and paint