Last week we got the new fireplace wood burner in, and this week it’s all about the built-ins! Originally, I thought I would build cabinets and shelving on either side of the fireplace, but my plans evolved. My brother likes to entertain, so I thought having more seating would be the best use of this space. So the cabinets that I had originally bought from the Restore to use for the fireplace, I used for the custom kitchen island instead which worked out great!
Here’s a reminder of where we started…
Here is my original sketch from back in November! It’s always fun to look back at where we started and see where we ended up. Most of my projects evolve during the process and finish even better than I had originally pictured!
Alright! Let’s get to building these benches! For a list of tools needed for this project, you can download my free tool guide HERE.
Now that I had a better plan, it was time to figure out how to make them. Like most of my ideas, it starts with a rough sketch and some quick measurements, then a detailed cut list. These two benches were going to be slightly different sizes based on the space on either side of the fireplace, but I’ll keep it simple for the sake of this post. If you’re going to build these, chances are your measurements will be different anyway.
First, I started by building frames out of 2×4’s to make the base. I used wood glue and long wood screws to connect the pieces. Next, I added the legs to the base and attached them with pocket holes and wood glue.
Before putting on the top 2×4’s, I had to first use a jigsaw to cut around the legs so the bottom of the bench could slide in. I did not glue or screw the bottom down so that I could lift it up and attach the base frame to the studs in the wall for installation.
Once the plywood was in the bottom of the bench, I added 2×4’s for the top of the frame using pocket holes and wood glue.
I cut another piece of plywood for the top and made sure the bench fit!
The sides and top of the boxes are just 1/2″ plywood (3/4″ would work great too).
Here is some progress on the fireplace before the benches and flooring were installed. You can see the two outlets on either side that our electrician would move so they would be inside the inside the benches.
The benches were installed first, and then the flooring. There would be additional trim and baseboards added to the front of the benches to hide the flooring seams.
Second bench going in! I painted and added the sides of the benches before they were installed. You can see below that the back of the bench is missing on the left side. That is because we needed access to the junction box and would be added back in afterwards. This was not part of the original plan and something we had to modify on the fly.
After the benches were installed and screwed into the frames, I added the painted fronts. I glued and screwed the fronts in around the perimeter, attaching it to the frame. The screws would be covered up by the added trim.
You can see the panel in the back with the metal plates so it can be removed to access the junction box. The outlet for the fireplace blower is on the side underneath the fireplace bench where it will be out of sight. There is also an extra outlet which will come in handy.
Next, I added the tops which needed to overhang on the front just enough so that you could lift it open easily. These were going to double as storage benches to make the best use of the space. One side will probably be for firewood, and the other for anything else that needs storing in the living room.
Then I cut a 2″ strip off the back end of the top to make room for the hinges.
I was so happy that it actually worked just like I had imagined! The only flaw is that the bench tops don’t quite stay open when you lean them against the wall. I should have cut the strip on the back just a bit bigger and then I think it would have worked perfectly.
I also added 1×4’s and some moulding to the front of the boxes to give them some more visual interest and to cover up the screw holes and the flooring seam. I had to account for that extra depth when cutting the tops so they would overhang beyond the trim.
I built the frames for the front of the benches separately so that I could paint them before installing. I used wood glue and pocket holes for the frames, then glued the frames to the front of the benches and secured them with brad nails.
This is a handy trick for filling small nail holes. Before nailing in the face frames, add some painters tape and then nail it in. Fill the nail holes with putty and then remove the tape. Your nail holes will be filled and your paint will be intact! Just a tiny bit of touch up paint after and you’re good to go.
I decided to add a 1×2 strip on the front of the bench top to function as a handle. This was another late addition which is why it wasn’t painted beforehand. Again I just glued it on and secured it with brad nails.
After filling the nail holes and priming the lid handle, I added some picture frame moulding to the inner edge of the face frames for some additional detail. This isn’t functional, just makes it look nicer. I recommend using wood moulding instead of PVC (that’s what this is) because wood is way easier to paint. You can see I also forgot to paint the edges of the plywood. For a more finished look, you could add edge banding first, but I didn’t bother with this since the edges aren’t super visible.
We’re almost done! Final coats of paint and these benches are ready!
The last hurdle was installing our new wood burning stove which was a beast! We also added an outlet for the TV and sconces above either bench.
And there you have it! The finished fireplace with built in storage benches! We are really happy with how it turned out. We also left room for cushions to be added to the benches and still be at a comfortable sitting height. If you’re interested in the build plans for these, let me know and I will draft them up for you.
The last little detail I added was some shoe moulding around the edge to tie it all together.
Our first night in the house! We had a little slumber party in the living room to bask in the glow of the first fire in the new fireplace. It was a great night!
This is what the living room looks like now that my brother is completely moved in. The fireplace concrete finish matches the kitchen island and the cabinets and the benches are painted the same color as well to make the living room and the kitchen feel cohesive. I just love how it all came together!
The renovation is almost complete! Just one room left to do, the master bathroom. Subscribe so you don’t miss it! It may just be the best room in the entire house.
Until next week, happy DIY-ing!
xo,
Selene Builds Things
