Kids' Room Window Seat

Natural materials, such as cork on this step, decrease the off-gassing in the room and help prevent allergic reactions.

Using the portable circular saw and then the table saw, cut the 3/4-inch-thick Multi-core or plywood sheets into parts A¿G and N. Use a table saw with a 3/4-inch dado blade (or a router with a 3/4-inch straight bit) to cut the rabbets and dadoes on the right and left end panels (A, B) as shown. (All joinery cuts go on the inside faces of parts.) Also, cut a 3/4-inch rabbet along the rear edge of the floorboard (C). Use a jigsaw to cut the radius on the front corners of the right end panel (A) and the wall bracket (N). Set the plywood panels aside, then cut the face-frame rails, stiles, support cleats, and other parts (H, J, K, L, M, P, Q) from the poplar stock.

Please click here for assembly diagram

Arrange the short (P) and long (Q) floor cleats on a flat surface and glue the mitered ends together. After letting the glue at the joints set for a few minutes, apply a bead on the top faces of the cleats, then set the floorboard (C) on top of the cleats and position for a 1-inch overhang along the edges. Drill 3/16-inch holes along the perimeter (through the floorboard only), then drive 1-1/4-inch screws to secure the floorboard to the cleats.

Use glue and 5d finishing nails to attach the lower edge of the right end panel (A) to the edge of the floorboard as shown; make sure the front edges align. Repeat to attach the left end panel (B). With both end panels secured, attach the back panel (G) with glue and nails. Then glue the base divider (D) in place as shown (note the offset from center) and secure it with 1-5/8-inch drywall screws driven up through the floorboard and also through the back panel.

Apply glue inside the dadoes in the end panels, then slide the step platform (E) into place. Drive finishing nails through the ends and also through the platform into the upper edge of the base divider. Then glue the upper divider (F) in place and attach it with screws driven through the back panel.

To complete the bench assembly, use glue and finishing nails to attach the face-frame rails (H) and stiles (J, K) to the front edges of the bench panels and dividers as shown. Use a hammer and a nail set to countersink all the finishing nails in the frame and other areas, then fill the holes with wood filler. Let dry, then sand flush with the surface. Use glue and 1-1/4-inch screws to attach two support cleats (M): one to the top rail of the face frame (offset 3/4 inch from the left end) and one on the inside face of the right end panel (A), 24 inches from the floor.