Slatted Coastal Built-in Benches

Small space storage is essential, especially in a pool house. Using affordable planks of wood and some white paint we created slatted coastal built-in benches that are functional AND adorable.

The pool house is only an 8 x 10 structure and we wanted to pack it with function. We added cabinetry and a drinks fridge but also wanted a place to store outdoor cushions, towels, and pool toys when not in use. You can see the full reveal here.

The built-in bench actually has two tops that lift up for storage. I think the slatted front looks so cool, but it also serves a purpose – air flow; allowing pillows and cushions to breathe inside.

The lines also give the illusion of a larger space.

Do you want to know how to build your own?

How to Build a Coastal Slatted Built-in Bench

Materials

• 6 8’ lengths of 2×4
• 7 8’ lengths of 1×5
• 1 8’ length of 1×3
• Hinges
• Kreg Jig
• 1 1/4” Kreg Screws

Method

1. Bottom braces: Cut 3 pieces of 2×4 to 3” short of the depth of your bench, then drill pocket holes into each end.
2. Top braces: Cut 4 pieces of 2×4 to 4 1/2” short of the depth of your bench, then drill pocket holes into each end.
3. Vertical braces: Cut 6 pieces of 2×4 to 11” lengths and drill pocket holes into each end.
4. Attach 1 length of 2×4 (2” side down) along the corner of your wall.
5. Attach 3 vertical braces to the top of the corner beam, up the wall.
6. Attach 3 bottom braces to the corner beam, along the floor.
7. Attach a second 8’ length of 2×4 to the front of the bottom braces.
8. Attach 3 vertical braces to the top of the front beam.
9. Attach a 3rd 8’ length to the top of the wall vertical braces.
10. Attach a 4th 8’ length to the face of the top beam along the wall.
11. Attach a 5th 8’ length to the top of the front vertical braces.
12. Attach 1 top brace between the two top beams at each end.
13. Attach 2 top braces next to each other, in the centre of the bench, between the two top beams.
14. Attach 1 8’ length of 1×3 along the wall, covering the double beam along the wall.
15. Spacing apart, attach 1×5 lengths up the front of the bench, using brad nails.
16. Cut 6 4’ lengths of 1×5
17. Do this twice: Edge glue 3 lengths of 1×5 together, clamp. To make this stronger you can use a biscuit jointer.
18. Attach the two tops to the bench using the hinges

To finish the benches, I painted them. First I primed them with an oil based primer and once dry applied two coats of MooreGLO Exterior Paint in white. I used exterior paint because this is an unheated space, but would use interior paint in high gloss if it was for an indoor room.

It’s become the perfect hang out spot!

I’ll be sharing plans for the butcher block counters soon, but in the meantime you can see more of my husband’s build plans here. Would love to know what you guys think of these benches. Leave a comment below or send me an email.