DIY balcony chest

Loggias and balconies of typical apartments usually have a small area, and therefore require reasonable use of every centimeter of space. Recently, loggias have often been turned into a recreation area. At the same time, things that are rarely used are put away in a box on the balcony. Usually it is designed in the form of a bench or a small sofa.

Inside the product there is free space for storing vegetables and storing canned goods. Sofas with spacious drawers are equally suitable for both large loggias and modest areas. This simple piece of furniture is easy to make yourself.

How to make a box seat for a balcony with your own hands

Many owners of small apartments are faced with the issue of expanding the space of their homes.
Quite often, a balcony is the backup option that can solve the problem of missing square meters. A reasonably equipped and decorated balcony will not only be a wonderful place to relax, but can also solve the storage problem. This requires a little imagination and craftsmanship. An acceptable option would be a bench with storage space, which is easy to construct yourself. How to make a box for sitting on the balcony with your own hands? To carry out such creative and useful work, it is necessary to develop an action plan, select and prepare material, and collect the tools necessary for the work.

Top 5 popular models

1 Inverted bench

These models are suitable for personal plots. They have a durable metal frame and a soft seat. They are also convenient to use as a seat for garden work. To do this, just turn it over. They are also suitable for people who cannot bend and do work on their knees.

Produces benches like this. These models are comfortable. They can be transported from place to place, and can be conveniently taken from any part of the bench. The seat is made of a foam layer wrapped in vinyl leather. It is easy to care for: just wipe with a damp cloth. The model is foldable, which allows you to store it in any convenient place. Plus, it doesn't take up much space. Such structures can withstand loads of up to 100 kg.

The average market price is 1000 rubles.

bench Inverted bench

Advantages:

ease of use;
soft seat;
two working positions;
durable;
withstands impressive loads;
has several color options.

Flaws:

Mr. Logo

This model is made of steel with plastic inserts. The Taiwanese manufacturer took care of its customers. Their benches can be used for seating or for gardening work, such as weeding beds on your knees. They are easy to care for using detergents and a cloth. They wipe the polyurethane covering of the seat.

bench Mr. Logo

Advantages:

light weight (only 3 kg);
withstands loads up to 140 kg;
does not take up much space;
practical bench;
convenient to use.

Flaws:

3. Montero bench

This is an option from an Israeli manufacturer, which is made from propylene. This bench is convenient to use both in a personal plot and in parks, kindergartens, etc.

Average price: 20,000 rubles.

bench Montero bench

Advantages:

easy and quick to assemble;
long service life;
not exposed to temperature changes and direct sunlight;
Rot and corrosion do not form on the surface.

Flaws:

Bradaf

The company produces benches made of solid acacia, which are then covered with gray paint. At the same time, the design of the bench resembles an interesting antique design.

The average price is 30,000 rubles.

bench Bradaf

Advantages:

perfect size (seats 3 people);
high-quality environmentally friendly wood;
unforgettable vintage design.

Flaws:

high price;
difficult to find on sale.

Keter Eden Garden Bench

This bench is made of durable plastic. This is a bench-chest that fits perfectly into any garden interior. The model is practical, you can not only relax on it, but also store garden items, and things do not deteriorate over time. The chest is ventilated, but water does not pass through the holes. The material is very durable. It does not form mold or rot. You can care for the structure using ordinary water. In addition, the model is lightweight. It can be easily moved around the garden plot.

Average cost 16,000 rub.

bench Keter Eden Garden Bench

Advantages:

quick and easy to assemble;
undemanding in care;
robust design;
there is a place to store things;
interesting design.

Flaws:

Material selection

To make a box with a seat for a balcony with your own hands, it is better to use:

lumber, 25-30 mm thick. To facilitate the process, it is advantageous to choose sanded edged boards or perform sanding in advance;
wooden beam, with a section of 40x40 mm, for better strength of the entire structure;
piano hinges that will be used to secure the lid to the seating box on the balcony;
leatherette fabric and foam rubber for upholstery.

In order to save money, you can use old furniture by disassembling and preparing the material needed for construction.

When starting the work process, you should remember that the classic version of a box with a bench consists of the main parts:

two walls (back and front);
two sidewalls;
box lid;
bottom for the box.

After determining the parameters of the spare parts, you need to make a drawing of the product design. It will serve as a guide for the further creative process.

What you need for work

A bench with a drawer for a balcony can be made of different materials; I will tell you about the wood options, since it is the most reliable of all. In addition, such designs look very attractive and are easy to assemble on your own.

First, let's figure out what you will need to carry out the work:

Edged board	It is better to use options with a thickness of 25-30 mm; thinner boards are not very reliable, and thicker ones are too heavy. It is ideal to use polished elements, as they do not require additional processing, which greatly simplifies the work process
Wooden block	The frame will be made from it, so you need to choose options with a cross-section of at least 40x40 mm so that the structure is strong and reliable. When choosing, I advise you to pay special attention to the geometry of the bars; they often lead during the drying process, which is extremely undesirable - assembling a flat bench from crooked pieces is very problematic
Piano loop	A seat will be attached to it, which at the same time serves as a box lid. Such products are sold in furniture stores and are inexpensive, so you can easily purchase them. If the length is long, several loops may be required, it is important that they are located along the entire lid
Self-tapping screws	With their help we will assemble our bench, the length of the fasteners depends on the thickness of the board used, it should be approximately 25-30 mm longer to ensure reliability

Piano hinges allow you to create a reclining top in the bench without hassle

If you are making a soft seat, then in addition you will need to purchase foam rubber and furniture upholstery or leatherette. Although this work can be done later, the bench can be used either way.

Soft upholstery makes the bench much more comfortable

Another factor that needs to be thought through in advance is whether the design will have a backrest, if so, then you will need more materials. If the bench will stand motionless, then the backrest can be attached separately to the wall; this option looks good, and it can be done after assembling the main structure without any alterations.

Instead of wood, you can use furniture board; it is very durable and well processed, but its price is noticeably higher than that of a simple board.

Furniture panels can be ordered cut into pieces of the required size

Sequence of work execution

The first priority is to prepare the elements for the base of the structure.
To do this, you should cut four beams, which will subsequently be located from the inside at the corners of the frame. Prepare material for all types of walls in the same way. The main condition for this work is the accuracy of measurements and careful cutting.
Assembling the side walls. To do this, you need to attach boards with self-tapping screws to two horizontally located bars placed at the appropriate interval. The result is two folded side walls. The point is to make them even; for this we must not forget about the level of each board.
It is better to fasten the sides with outside help. The fastening must be done based on what the seat box will be used for in the future. The boards can be attached either end to end or at a distance. It is important that the gaps between the boards are the same. This will give the box a neat appearance.

A simple option for fastening the bottom would be to fasten two bars from the inside of the lower part of the structure, then cross boards are nailed to them.
The lid should be assembled separately by attaching two boards from the inside. For complete reliability, it is advisable to install a diagonal spacer between the crossbars, this will avoid distortions of the shield. This simplest version of a lid for a box can be thoroughly used as a seat on the balcony.

To complete the work of fastening the cover, a piano hinge is attached to the transverse side of the shield and connected to the main structure. For better functioning of the lid and precise fixation of the hinge, washers can be installed on the sides. For convenience, it is advisable to stick seals on the upper edges of the structure; they will soften the sound when closing the lid.
For long-term operation of the product, it is advisable to use metal corners at the junctions of elements.
It is advisable to install a footrest from the front side to the bottom of the box to prevent dust from getting under it, as well as to absorb additional load.
After the seat for the balcony is built, you can move on to decorating.

The working process

All work can be divided into two parts - preparatory and assembly. We will analyze each of them separately to make it easier for you to understand all the operations performed.

Preparation

Work begins with the following activities:

First of all, you need to take measurements on the balcony to figure out how much space you have and what the maximum dimensions can be for our benches . You can make one or several benches, you must decide for yourself how many are needed;
For comfortable sitting, the height should not exceed 60 cm, as for the width, it should be at least 40 cm and no more than 70, otherwise it will again be uncomfortable to sit on it . As for the length, you must determine it yourself; you shouldn’t make the structure 3 meters long; it’s easier and more reasonable to make two benches;
Once you have decided on the basic parameters, you can make a sketch of the future product. Here you don’t need to be a professional draftsman; you need a diagram that will show all the main dimensions and design features. This will help you clearly understand the final result and make it easier to understand further work, because you will have a ready-made diagram in front of you;

An example of a simple bench with a backrest

Also, make sure in advance that the balcony is cleared of various rubbish and that all necessary materials and equipment are at hand . Also, as I noted above, you can sand the board at least on the front side, so as not to have to do this work later.

Assembly

The instructions for carrying out the work are not complicated, to make it even clearer, first I will show a diagram with the sequence of work, and below I will describe each of the points in detail:

The workflow consists of such operations

First of all, you need to cut the elements for the frame, in our case these are four bars that will be located in the corners from the inside . You can also cut the board for all the walls. The most important thing here is to carefully take measurements so as not to cut off excess and spoil the material; when cutting, do not press too hard so as not to damage the ends;

Accurate cutting is a prerequisite for a quality bench

You can assemble the side walls; to do this, take two bars, place them on a horizontal surface at the required distance, after which boards are placed on top and screwed with self-tapping screws . As a result, you should end up with two assembled sidewalls, it is important that they are smooth and not skewed, so control the even position of each board;
Next, you can attach the sides; for this it is better to attract an assistant to hold the resulting shields while assembling them. The board can be attached either tightly or with slots, if you do not need a blind box, then the distance between the elements should be the same so that the bench on the balcony looks neat;

The front board should cover both the block and the end of the side board, remember this

To secure the bottom, two bars are attached to the bottom from the inside, and transverse boards are attached to them; this is the simplest option;
Then you need to nail it to the bottom of the support, this is necessary so that the structure does not come into contact with the floor . This will allow the board not to become damp from the floor, and in the event of a water spill, the product will not get wet. The configuration of the legs can be any, as long as they are durable;
The top cover is assembled separately; the simplest option is to fasten two boards from the inside . To prevent the resulting shield from warping, I advise adding a diagonal spacer between the two crossbars, this will make the cover much stronger and more reliable;

This is what the simplest version of the lid looks like, which will also serve as a bench seat

Lastly, a piano hinge is attached to the end side of the lid, cut to the required size if necessary . Next, the structure is leaned against the box and fixed on it; if the seat will lie between the bars, then, in order for the lid to move normally, it is better to lay washers 1.5 mm thick on the sides in order to accurately fix the hinge.

Fastening must be done carefully and accurately

The finished box can be used, but it is much wiser to pre-coat it with a protective compound. This could be paint, or maybe varnish, which will give the surface the desired shade, without hiding the structure of the wood. If you wish, you can paint the surface with patterns or ornaments; it all depends on your wishes and preferences.

It is better to coat the finished box with a protective compound

If you decide to make upholstery on the seat, then the easiest way to do the job is to use a furniture stapler; with it you can quickly secure the material from the inside of the cover . In order for the surface to be soft, the layer of foam rubber must be at least 5 cm; thinner material is pressed very hard.

You can not attach the upholstery, but sew several pillows; this option is both simpler and looks very stylish. In addition, if necessary, the pillows can be washed or used in another place.

This folding bench for the balcony looks very stylish

Decoration

You can use any method to decorate the seat.

A less labor-intensive and affordable method is painting and varnishing. Thematic drawings or ornaments applied to the box will add individuality.

To decorate a seat on a balcony, it is better to use the soft upholstery method. To do this, you will need to cut leatherette and polyurethane foam fabric to the size of the lid of the supply box, and use a furniture stapler to secure it to the inside of the tire.

To decorate a seat on a balcony, you can also use a regular cladding board. It can be sheathed on all sides of the product, and the ends can be decorated using self-adhesive film to match the skin.

To simplify the work, the box can be decorated with pillows sewn for this purpose. It will be comfortable but practical.

Building a box seat with your own hands is not difficult, but the result of your labor will bring a lot of pleasure. Such an impromptu bench on the balcony will be able to constructively solve several issues, such as storing things and household items that cluttered the balcony structure, preserving preserved food and vegetables, and will also provide a cozy and comfortable place for rest and privacy.

Related article: How best to insulate a balcony from the inside

Types of balcony sofas

Almost all factory soft corners and sofas are equipped with a recess for storing linen and other things. The range of furniture is quite wide. It is inappropriate to choose complex or elaborate models for the balcony. For a small area, products in a minimalist style are suitable.

A folding sofa on the loggia can be used not only as furniture for daytime relaxation, but also as a backup place for sleeping.

It is important that when unfolded it does not block the passage. If you equip additional heating in the room, you can use the sleeping place all year round.

Popular models:

Daybed or ottoman. This category includes pieces of furniture without backrests and armrests. Their role is played by sofa cushions and pillows. If you place the model against the wall, you can sit with a cushion under your back or attach a pillow holder to the wall.

Chair-bed. This product replaces a sofa and saves space. The model is suitable for relaxing, reading and sleeping.
Sofa book with linen box. This option is optimal for sleeping, relaxing and storing things.
Corner model. This is a convenient form of furniture for small rooms and non-standard loggias. The model can be semicircular or have two corners.
Sofa chest of drawers. The furniture option has comfortable, spacious drawers. You can put clothes from other seasons, bed linen, and various useful little things in them. A good idea is to use dresser drawers as a place to store sewing supplies, knitting needles, skeins of yarn and other craft items.

Bench with drawers. This model is equipped as an open shelf. The frame is made with one or more internal partitions dividing the space of the box. Additionally, drawers of suitable size are made, which are inserted into the compartments. They should be smaller than the niches themselves. In home goods, you can buy ready-made baskets or fabric boxes that are also suitable for these purposes.
Bench with doors. The cabinet doors can be decorated with fittings in the general style. This box is convenient to use for storing preserved food.

When choosing a ready-made sofa for a loggia, it is important to remember that not all models have internal boxes or niches for household accessories. A simple model of a bench with a drawer for things is easy to make with your own hands.

A bench with a storage box for the balcony - convenient and functional!

Content:

A balcony is a rather limited space, which means you need to use every centimeter wisely. In recent years, there has been a tendency to renovate balconies and loggias into a recreation area, while cluttered shelves, old furniture and seasonal items are no longer stored “outside” the apartment.

But what to do if you want to have a modern renovation on your balcony and set up a lounge area, but there is absolutely nowhere to put some things or seams away? Multifunctional furniture will come to the rescue, namely benches with built-in drawers. This is an ideal solution for both a small balcony and a spacious loggia, and it is quite possible to make such a piece of furniture with your own hands.

Corner version of a bench with niches

What will you need?

To cut materials you will need a power tool or a simple hacksaw. It is more convenient to use a jigsaw, which allows you to make cuts quickly and accurately. In this case, it will be possible to round the edges or make shaped elements. It is also effective to use circular saws, and as an option, so-called parquet floors, which are very easy to use. But they can only cut straight.

To screw in the screws you will need a screwdriver. The main thing is to prepare the bits of a suitable configuration. To prevent the board from cracking, you need to drill holes with a drill with a diameter of 2 mm.

To sand untreated boards, it is more convenient to use a sanding machine. Absolutely any model is suitable for this purpose. If it is not possible to acquire a power tool, you can use a block with sandpaper. It will take more time, but the result will be no worse.

It is best to take measurements with a tape measure, and for accurate markings take a carpenter's square, a strong ruler and a pencil.

What tools and materials will be needed?

If you decide to assemble a bench with a drawer for the balcony with your own hands, check that you have all the necessary tools for this.

Indicative list of tools:

ruler, angle (metal);
building level, tape measure;
pencil;
sandpaper;
plane;
jigsaw;
drill;
sander;
fasteners, drills;
hammer;
paint brushes.

Depending on the complexity of the bench-box design, the list may be supplemented or, conversely, reduced.

Next, if the box is being made from scratch, you need to buy materials for its manufacture:

chipboard sheets of suitable thickness;
bars measuring 4x4 cm for the frame;
protective primer for wood;
varnish, paint, etc.;
fabric, leatherette, printed material - if you plan to make a soft seat.

The most convenient material for making furniture with your own hands is wood. Strong, durable, easy to process, it will help you create a real interior masterpiece.

Preparing an idea for implementation

The first thing you need to decide is where exactly on the balcony the bench will be placed. From here you can choose the optimal size and design of the product.

To ensure that the work goes smoothly, be sure to draw up a drawing that will contain:

Placement of a bench in space;
Number and sizes of boxes;
Product dimensions (be sure to indicate each parameter on paper).

This scheme will help to avoid mistakes when cutting materials, assembling and installing the structure.

Scheme of a garden bench with an opening seat to the balcony:

Front end

Bottom of the bench

Bench top cover

Think about what design of drawers will be most convenient in your case (pull-out, opening from the top or from the end, etc.), about the presence of a back and armrests. Any additional elements make the bench more difficult to implement and require more materials.

Thermobox for vegetables

Despite the opportunity to turn a loggia into a recreation area, winter garden or office, most owners of small standard apartments abandon these ideas in order to use the free space for storage for canning and root crops. In order to properly arrange a box on the balcony for fresh vegetables and fruits, it is necessary to take into account the conditions suitable for storing each crop.

There are several important nuances:

Onions should be stored in a dry place, separate from other vegetables.
Root vegetables retain their properties well in ventilated plastic containers at temperatures just above zero. Humidity can be quite high.
Potatoes (except for the above conditions) need to be darkened so that solanine does not form in the tubers. The box with root vegetables must be closed, and each layer covered with hygroscopic fabric, otherwise the potatoes will quickly sprout. Optimal storage temperature: from +1 to +5 degrees.
White cabbage should be laid out on an open surface, stalks up, and stored at a temperature of +1 to +2 degrees.
Fruit crops are best stored in plastic or wooden containers or cardboard boxes. Containers must have slots for ventilation. To avoid rotting, each layer of fruit must be sprinkled with sawdust or covered with paper to absorb excess moisture.

Before arranging boxes on the balcony for long-term storage of fresh fruits, vegetables or canned goods, care must be taken to create optimal temperature conditions and a suitable microclimate. In regions with a warm climate, it is enough to glaze the balcony and cover the bottom of the boxes with foam plastic. If the weather conditions are harsh, then heating must be installed in the loggia.

The most affordable way to arrange a space for storing vegetables is to build a box for the balcony from chipboard, OSB or plywood (as described above). It is optimal to place it at the end of the loggia, then it will be enough to install the front wall as a single sheet, and the walls of the balcony will serve as the back and side surfaces.

Cover the top of the box with a lid. A layer of polystyrene foam or other insulation should be placed on the bottom of the box, and the inner surface of the walls should be lined with foil insulation. Some owners prefer to use storage units with split systems, automatic heaters with thermostats.

The process of making a bench with a drawer for the balcony

The simplest bench-box for a balcony will look like a box made of chipboard with an opening top lid on hinges. The entire interior space of the bench will serve as storage space.

This bench consists of several elements:

two side walls;
front and back walls;
bottom;
top cover.

For more convenient storage organization, the internal compartment of the box can be divided into two parts by a partition and the lid can be made of two independent parts.

Making a bench with a drawer step by step:

Markings are applied to the chipboard bars and sheets exactly according to the dimensions of the product indicated in the drawings. Remember that the opposing parts (walls, bottom and lid) must match in size;
The necessary parts are sawn, their edges are carefully polished;
Next, markings for fastenings are applied to the parts. This must be done as accurately as possible so that the box does not become “skewed”;
Using an electric drill, holes are drilled for fastening all the elements of the bench;
When all the holes are ready, you can begin assembling the frame. If the box is not planned to be moved, its back wall can be attached to the wall of the balcony for better stability and strength of the product;
The walls and bottom of the bench are attached to the frame using screws;
The lid (or several lids) is attached last using hinges.

Video instruction:

This completes the process of assembling the bench with a functional drawer. The next step will be decorating it, but before that you need to perform a few more important steps.

The first thing is to once again go over all uneven edges, protruding chips, etc. with sandpaper. to avoid injury when using the bench.

The second is to treat the structure with protective compounds against insects and mold. This can be done by different means, just choose the one that suits you in terms of properties (for an open or closed room) and price.

Recommendations for novice carpenters

To minimize the risk of errors creeping into the calculations, it is better to act together when taking measurements. In this case, checking the results will make it possible to find at this stage all the shortcomings, the consequences of which are unsightly cracks, or, conversely, a sofa that inexplicably “grew fat” during the assembly process. There are some more tips:

human comfort is the main criterion when choosing a size: a narrow seat or low back will make the sofa not very comfortable furniture;
the drawing helps to calculate not only the amount of lumber and fabric, but also the number of fastening elements - corners, hinges, screws;
minimalism is the best style for sofas forced to live on balconies, since the abundance of “decorations” is the fate of full-fledged upholstered furniture in the corresponding interiors;
materials purchased with a reserve are a blessing, because defects are an almost constant companion for beginners, and surpluses are always easy to find another use for;
When laying foam rubber, it is recommended to glue it in several places; this operation will prevent its possible displacement during intensive use;
rushing during production is the enemy of quality, so before working on creating a sofa, it is better to spend more time studying the topic.

Decorating a bench-box for a balcony

Since the main task of such a bench is to bring coziness and comfort to the balcony interior, its seat must be made soft. This can be done in several ways:

place a couple of comfortable pillows on the lid of the bench-box;
sew an oblong dense pillow with elastic bands at the corners, which will easily attach it to the lid and remove it if necessary;
cover the upper part of the bench with a pleasant-to-touch fabric or other material, use foam rubber as a soft filler.

It is also important to have a comfortable backrest. It can be either hard or soft. If you don’t want to upholster the elements of the drawer, you can also use ordinary pillows in this case - hang them on the wall instead of the back of the bench.

The most original looking seats and backrests are made from “fluffy” and soft materials – faux fur, velor, velsoft. They will add comfort and brightness to any interior.

To make the base of the bench look aesthetically pleasing, the wooden parts can be painted in any color that matches the interior of the balcony. In addition, an excellent solution would be to use stencils of a certain theme (plants, flowers, fish, etc.).

Related article: Do you need light on the balcony?

The process of making a soft seat:

Peculiarities

On the balcony, a box with a seat will not take up much space and will become a cozy decoration of the space, as well as an interesting option for its proper layout. The purpose of the box under the bench can be very different . For example, it can completely replace a small cellar and protect vegetables from drying out and premature spoilage during the warm period. During the cold season, it will protect supplies from frost. But if you plan to store vegetable products in a box, you need to line the inside with insulation with a reflector.

Instead of provisions, it is convenient to keep used cans, spare blankets, pots and everything that will certainly come in handy one day in a box on the balcony. In addition, the box can be turned into a comfortable sofa, which is especially beneficial on a spacious balcony. An extra bed with ample storage will be useful in any apartment.

On top of the box there can be a hard bench or a soft seat made of foam rubber or pillows. A single piece of foam rubber is a budget solution, and pillows are a practical option since they can be used elsewhere.

It is most popular to design a bench-box with a top loading and a hinged lid. It is also used as a seat. Such boxes are equally advantageous when built into the corner and at the end of the balcony. The tall version of the chest-box is built up to the window sill, increasing the usable area of the structure.

Of course, you won’t be able to sit on such a box, but it is suitable for placing some design elements.

The second type of box, more popular, is a compact daybed with a drawer and doors. It is usually located at the end of the balcony for storing small-sized items. It will be convenient to equip the box with several shelves. This cabinet can be designed as an open shelving unit with baskets.

Another option is a banquette with a drawer. Comfortable seat on a sturdy base with internal storage. You won’t be able to take a full nap on it, but lying down with a book or sitting down with a cup of coffee is quite comfortable.

The most convenient, but the most dimensional type of balcony structure is a box-bed. This is a complete place for a relaxing holiday. If the balcony is glazed and insulated, you can use the bed all year round. And inside store food supplies and everything that takes up useful space in the apartment.

How to make a chest-bench for the balcony simply and inexpensively with your own hands

The chest is an ancient piece of furniture that has not lost its popularity. The secret of its success lies in the fact that one product combines several useful functions at once. First of all, it is a closed storage box, secondly, the chest can be used as a bench or table, thirdly, a little imagination - and it becomes a decorative object. In the living room or bedroom, such a box can be used as a coffee table or bedside table, but in the hallway, in the children's room, on the balcony or in the kitchen, a bench will be more needed.

The traditional, most suitable material from which a chest is made is wood. Depending on the interior of the room and the tasks that the box will perform, you can decorate it yourself with fabric or leather upholstery, ceramic, mosaic, and artistic decor. And also add a mattress, soft pillows, etc.

Preparing the circuit

A correctly drawn up diagram or drawing helps to calculate the required amount of materials and accessories for homemade balcony furniture.

If chipboard cutting is ordered in a store or furniture workshop, you will need dimensions accurate to 1 mm.

To make the project easier to make, each part is drawn separately.

When taking measurements and during production, they use the same tape measure, since every centimeter can be important when accurately adjusting to the size of the balcony.

Andrey Peregubsky

Furniture handyman

Ask a Question

When measuring a balcony, be sure to check all dimensions - there are often situations when the width of the balcony at the partition and at the door may be different. This will lead to gaps remaining between the furniture and the wall or the structure will not fit in the given location.

The drawing indicates the methods of fastening the parts and whether any additional products are used (corners, ties) - this will help you not to visit the store again, but to buy everything you need at once.

Be sure to take into account the thickness of chipboard, laminated chipboard (16 mm) if they will cover the frame with it.

Making a universal chest

We propose to make a chest that, thanks to its small size and flat lid, can be placed on the balcony, in the nursery, or in the hallway. It is universal, has a reliable design, and everyone can choose the finishing option depending on their own taste and interior requirements.

What do you need for work?

To make a chest for a balcony, you should prepare tools and finishing materials:

hacksaw;
jigsaw;
screwdriver;
piano loop;
folding or telescopic brackets to hold the lid in the open position;
self-tapping screws;
clamps;
paint;
paint brush;
masking tape;
hot glue, construction gun;
a grinding machine with attachments or sandpaper;
wood glue.

We recommend choosing veneered chipboard (16 mm) or thick plywood as the main manufacturing material.

You need to cut it yourself or order cutting of the following blanks:

2 pcs. for the front and rear walls (in diagram A) – 26x85 cm;
2 pcs. side walls (B) – 26x37 cm;
1 piece for the bottom (E) – 37x82 cm;
1 for cover (G) – 42.2x87.2 cm;

For supports, use a wooden beam with a section of 15x15 mm:

2 parts (C) 820x15x15 mm;
2 parts (D) 340x15x15 mm.

You need to cut out the following from a 15 mm board:

mounting rail (F) with parameters 696x15x33 mm;
4 leg blanks 350x15x92 mm;
4 leg blanks 350x15x77 mm.

In the presented version, square-shaped wooden frames made of boards (9x33 mm) are used as decorative elements. You will need:

12 planks of 13 cm;
8 planks of 10 cm each.

You will also need 1 mounting rail (in diagram H) - 80 cm.

The diagram below clearly demonstrates all the components to make a chest for a balcony.

You will also need 3 linear meters of wooden slats (16x4 mm) to make overlays - finishing the box lid. If an edge strip or a special profile is used instead of a strip, the parameters of the cover (G) should be reconsidered and the thickness of the strip should be increased.

Work order

Prepare the workpieces for work: sand their surfaces and ends with emery cloth. After that, start assembling:

Attach support bars D and C to the inner parts of the box walls using glue and self-tapping screws. This should be done in such a way that they become flush with the lower edges of the sidewalls. The bottom of the box will be mounted to these bars.
Drill holes for self-tapping screws (53x3.5 mm) in the walls of the box for assembly. Connect the parts, having previously coated all contact surfaces with glue. The overhead legs will hide the screw heads.
We put the bottom inside the box and screw it with self-tapping screws to the installed supports. The bottom is an important part of the entire structure, ensuring its rigidity.

We cut down one of the parts of the paired legs to the thickness of the joint, so the leg will be symmetrical. Glue the parts together in pairs. We fix the connections with clamps and leave until the glue dries completely.
Afterwards we cover all the parts with stain. To achieve a darker color on the legs, apply several layers of the product.
When the processing is completed, the stain has dried, we begin to open the parts with varnish. To get a glossy shine, you need to apply the varnish in 3 passes. Apply each subsequent layer only after the previous one has dried.
We install the box sideways to install the corner legs. We carry out the work from the inside using self-tapping screws. Don't forget to further strengthen the connections with glue.
We install the mounting rail F using adhesive. We fix the connection with 3 screws. The latter should be screwed into the box from its inside. We postpone the work until the glue has completely dried.
We attach a piano loop to the rail for further hanging of the chest lid.
Let's move on to finishing the lid. Glue the lining to the ends. We fix the glued strips with masking tape until they dry completely. If you consider it necessary to trim the upper edges of the walls with edging, you should pay attention to the position of the F strip; the piano hinge must be in the correct position.
We hang the lid on the finished box.
To be able to hold the upper part in the open position, we will install brackets (folding or telescopic). Sometimes, to simplify the design of boxes, brackets are not used - the chest is placed in a room or on a balcony near the wall. Therefore, when opening the lid leans against it.
You can start decorating the chest on the balcony with your own hands. We cut the ends of the planks at an angle of 45 degrees to form squares. We collect the elements using a mustache and glue them together. We tint the installed decor in the desired color using stain, and after drying, coat it with varnish. The product will look harmonious if the tone of the finish matches the tone of the legs. Using glue, we decorate the box (front panels) with wooden squares as shown in the photo, or choose our own option for placing the finishing.

Related article: The difference between a loggia and a balcony

Options for arranging a soft bench-chest seat

The box will be more comfortable for sitting if you sew a soft mattress with your own hands. To do this, measure the parameters of the cover and cut out a similar rectangular piece of thick foam rubber. Then you should cut out and sew a cover for it from the fabric. Recessing the stitches into the filling, additionally sew the mattress. This will allow it to better retain its shape. Attach the soft seat to the lid of the chest in a way that is convenient for you. We suggest drilling two holes in each corner to thread the laces that secure the product.

Beautiful bright pillows will make the arrangement more comfortable, in addition, they will decorate your balcony.

Soft products, made by yourself and in harmony with the overall style of the space, can be placed not only on top of the seat, but also made part of a wooden or improvised hanging backrest.

Improvise, use your imagination, and the chest-bench will help you organize the storage of necessary things and sit comfortably on the balcony.

Locations and views

A garden bench has several “legitimate” places where you cannot do without it.

Summer bench in a shady place

A place to rest in the shade will be a welcome respite in the middle of a hot summer day. It can be found on the north side of the house, under the spreading crown of trees, in an ivy-covered gazebo. Place the bench with its back against a wall, hedge, tree trunk - if the space behind is closed, a person feels more comfortable.

A cozy “grotto” made of ivy creates the desired shade and reliable protection from the “rear”

Bench for privacy

You should have a place where you don’t take guests, but go there alone. This is your secret refuge, where it’s nice to sit in silence, get away from everyday problems, read, and dream. It is advisable to find a corner in which you would be closed from prying eyes, but at the same time you could see if someone was approaching.

Sitting on this bench, you will see the first blossoming flower and feel its sweet aroma

View bench

Find “strategic” points in your garden from which the most successful plant groups and attractive corners are visible, and place benches here. What is worth admiring? Garden compositions with a one-way view, flower beds, an alpine slide, a pond, beautiful surroundings (if any).

View benches

Bench by the water

The measured murmur of water calms and puts you in a philosophical mood. It’s nice to sit by a picturesque pond or a clear stream after a hard day, relax, watch the fish and dragonflies, and recharge with the energy of nature. Therefore, if there is a water composition in the garden, there should definitely be a bench on the shore.

From the bench you can see the mirror of the pond and the picturesque rocky composition

Circular bench

If there is a large old tree on the site, you can equip a bench by placing it around the trunk. This will give an excellent all-round view, allowing you to change viewpoints depending on the season, lighting, and mood.

Not any tree will do, but only one whose crown is located high enough and does not block the view. It is recommended to fill the tree trunk circle with decorative crushed stone - it’s better for the roots, and the shoes will be clean in wet weather.

The circular wooden bench blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape

Bench at the entrance

A traditional element of Russian estates is a bench at the entrance. Previously, it was intended not so much for the owners as for travelers passing by. Everyone could sit on it, drink water from the well, and share news. In villages today, it still serves as a “heap” where neighbors hold gatherings. You too can get something similar.

If you don’t want to invite a visitor into your home, you can resolve issues while sitting on a bench

Bench in the vegetable garden area

Who said you don't need furniture in your garden? Just the opposite. After hours of weeding, there is no greater pleasure than sitting down on a comfortable bench and soothing your aching back. Better yet, combine business with pleasure and install a bench with the exotic name “cash-punka”.

This is nothing more than a spacious chest in which the lid serves as a seat. Excellent storage for hoes, hoes and other garden tools.

Multifunctional “punk cash register” - if you want, put it in the garden, or if you want, put it on the playground

Landscape design project from Sad-dizain

More details

Bench as an art object

Do you dream of a bench that is not only pleasant to sit on, but also interesting to look at? You can, of course, order designer furniture. Or you can, using your imagination, create interesting artistic compositions yourself with a garden bench in the leading role.

Use everything you have at hand - vases and baskets of flowers, hats, flower pots, wreaths of wild flowers, pillows, a beautiful shawl, gardening tools. And even though such a composition is short-lived, it is the result of your interaction with the garden. And this is the main thing.

A hedge instead of a backrest is a non-standard solution

Simple seat on the balcony

At this site we made a cabinet from lining. The customer asked if we could make him a built-in nightstand. You can put things inside and sit on it. We offered him this option.

The frame was assembled from slats with a cross section of 20*45 mm. The front wall was made of clapboard. The top cover was also mounted from clapboard. The ends were covered with a decorative corner.

The seat cover was secured with 2 hinges. The hinges are screwed to the front, so the structure opens to a person. This is the simplest option, it is done faster than others. To make the lid rigid, we reinforced it with 3 slats.

The customer liked sitting on our furniture. He said - I’ll throw pillows here and read books, otherwise there’s nowhere to hide from the TV in the apartment.

Convenience

Don’t think that benches are inconvenient for the kitchen and family gatherings, rather the opposite. Thanks to the wide production possibilities, benches differ in shape, assembly, presence of individual elements and functionality. What are the characteristics of kitchen furniture?

The choice is influenced by the upholstery on the seat and back of the furniture;
Availability of internal free space for storing kitchen utensils, additional drawers in the seats;
The height of the back of the bench (or lack thereof);
Dimensions of the kitchen corner;
Materials from which the bench is made.

An integral element of the bench is an internal box in which you can store supplies or kitchen utensils. Many benches are made empty from the inside, and the folding seat serves as a lid. This solution saves space in the room and does not affect the design of the furniture.

The multifunctionality of furniture does not end there. Despite the fact that today everyone is accustomed to sleeping on soft beds, benches and an extra bed do not lose their relevance. A sofa bench for the kitchen is suitable for owners of studio apartments, as well as for houses where there are always a lot of guests.

It is advisable that the bench be soft - it is more comfortable for guests to sit

An upholstered bench for the kitchen is the desire of every household, so kitchen corners are usually upholstered in leather with internal filling. Faux leather is the best solution for kitchen furniture. It is easy to wash, while the aesthetic qualities of the material are excellent.

To avoid unpleasant incidents with upholstery, a rational solution would be a wooden bench for the kitchen with tie-down cushions. This option is ideal for families with children; in addition, such a bench can become an element of several design styles at once, because you can change the covers on the pillows or remove them altogether.

And one more detail – the back. It would seem an insignificant element that has a design function. But besides this, the back of the bench is practically the main detail in the comfort of furniture, although its presence does not always please the owners of the kitchen. The backrest takes up extra space and is usually moved closer to the wall, which reduces the number of options for remodeling the room.

It's just a kitchen bench, but there's a lot of information you need to know. Therefore, you should not immediately discount this type of furniture - take a closer look at it and you will definitely notice a number of advantages of kitchen benches.

Locker made of furniture board

When we arrived at the site, we saw the frame for the locker had already been completed. The customer installed it himself - the job stopped halfway. He asked us to do everything again. Then there would be holes left from the old nails. So People's Windows came up with another plan to convert the old locker into a new one.

We thought of a neat chest for storing camping equipment. Everything should fit here - my pot, grill for meat, skewers, folding table. That's what the customer wanted.

Also, make me a smooth lid. I want to sit, smoke and chat on the phone with friends. Yes, you need a place to put your laptop.

All the owner's wishes were fulfilled.

We made the top cover from solid wood 18 mm thick. This locker lid is smooth. It is convenient to move the fifth point. This chest is very similar to a shop in terms of functionality.

As a result, this furniture can accommodate one person of any weight and build.

We made and installed a folding table close to the seat.

The laptop will be located here. The table was set at a height for a specific person.

All the customer’s wishes were taken into account. He was pleased and undoubtedly spends more time on his favorite balcony.

Advantages and disadvantages of kitchen benches

Like any category of kitchen furniture, a bench has advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken into account when choosing. Advantages:

rational use of space;
comfortable accommodation;
multifunctionality (drawer, folding seat with storage compartment);
the presence of a back makes the design comfortable;
some models have soft upholstery;
the transformer provides an additional sleeping place;
light weight compared to a kitchen sofa;
combination with almost any style of kitchen.

A mini bench for the kitchen has a set of positive qualities.

Along with the obvious advantages, the bench still has several disadvantages. The main ones:

a non-compact model takes up a lot of space in a small kitchen;
inconvenience during cleaning (difficult to move);
a bench with a drawer creates a gap above the floor (dust and dirt easily accumulate);
Soft upholstery needs constant cleaning.

Such furniture also has its disadvantages.

Another disadvantage is the inconvenience when a neighbor leaves the table.

Full bench (bench) on the balcony

The owner wanted a full-fledged shop. I want a wide bench so that I can sit down and smoke, so that there is room for the cat, just me and my son, so that I can sit down and discuss business. That's what he said. But of course, so that there is no wasted space, make a luggage compartment inside.

We offered our own option. Make the frame from 40*40 mm timber. Install a rib inside to distribute the load over the lid area. Make it yourself from 28 mm solid wood. The sides of the bench were covered with clapboard.

Work was in full swing. We bought the best material, put a cabinet in one corner, and made a desk from solid pine in the other corner. Then we set to work on the bench. The frame was installed quickly in 0.5 days, measurements were taken, the radii of curvature were approved and the dimensions were passed on to the guys in the carpentry. The next day the bench was completely assembled.

Thick base (28 mm) – gives greater strength to the structure. Using a milling table made it possible to carefully round the corners and chamfer them. The lining was screwed on with “invisible” screws (some of it went under the baseboard, some of it was invisible under the cover).

The customer received everything he wanted. A durable, neat product that will last for many years. Here, you can sit alone with your son, discuss plans, look into the distance.

What you need for work

First, let's figure out what you will need to carry out the work:

Piano hinges allow you to create a reclining top in the bench without hassle

If you are making a soft seat, then in addition you will need to purchase foam rubber and furniture upholstery or leatherette. Although this work can be done later, the bench can be used either way.

Soft upholstery makes the bench much more comfortable

Instead of wood, you can use furniture board; it is very durable and well processed, but its price is noticeably higher than that of a simple board.

Furniture panels can be ordered cut into pieces of the required size

For assembly we will need a set of tools; the list of basic devices is as follows:

The board can be sanded in advance so as not to waste time on this work later.

The square allows you to quickly mark perfectly right angles

Chest of drawers on the balcony

Built-in lockers on balconies are not suitable for everyone. Therefore, at our next project, we made a cabinet chest of drawers that you can sit on. The material was laminated chipboard. The tabletop was made thick, 24 mm thick. They made two huge boxes inside.

To make it comfortable to sit on the chest of drawers, the owners asked for a backrest. We made it hanging. The back does not come into contact with the chest of drawers and serves solely to support the back.

We were also asked to make a folding table from the same material.

As a result, we occupied the entire left side of the balcony with furniture. It is not only pleasing to the eye but also functional. You can put school notebooks and textbooks in the boxes. Now it will be more pleasant to study your lessons while enjoying the beautiful view.

Where can I use it?

At all times, people have strived for a comfortable life. This is what motivated people to work on grandiose transformations. Today no one wants to sit on uncomfortable and ugly benches. Modern street furniture is widely used not only in the improvement of city and country parks, public gardens, train stations, airports, playgrounds, but also for private areas:

Streets ─ with the help of MAFs, huge city squares are transformed, and outdoor banquets, weddings and other outdoor events are organized;
Park ─ the most popular furniture design in the park has always been a bench with a back, armrests or without them;
Country plot ─ garden plots are also equipped with comfortable, functional furniture. For a comfortable stay, the garden area can be filled with benches, swings, tables of various configurations, both with and without drawers. From standard items you can create a comfortable set of outdoor furniture.

In addition, outdoor furniture is used in cafes and restaurants with open areas, some shops and other establishments.

Choosing a bench design

A bench for a balcony can come in different variations, but it should be light and elegant enough so as not to visually burden the small space of the balcony. The bench can be made comfortable by upholstering it with soft fabric, or you can simply place pillows on the seat.

There are two types of benches according to their functionality:

Ordinary, intended only for recreation. To make such a bench with your own hands you will need a minimum amount of materials. This type is easy to assemble.
Multifunctional benches are designed not only for sitting. A bench for a balcony with a box for storing any items requires more time to manufacture.

The bench should not take up much space on the balcony, so its width and length are selected individually for each room. The bench can be of a very simple design, or you can equip it with armrests and a backrest.

A bench with a drawer on the balcony is not only useful, but also a beautiful piece of furniture

The advantages of folding and folding benches are obvious; they unfold only when necessary, and when assembled they take up very little space. The disadvantage of these structures is less strength.

Tip: When building a bench for a loggia, take care of its versatility. It should be a simple, but reliable and strong element of the interior.

Where can I put it

A beautiful homemade bench will look beautiful on the site and in the house. It can be placed in the garden, next to fruit trees or fragrant flowers, to create a cozy resting place. Ideally, make a small canopy and add a table to it. The result is a comfortable summer area for drinking tea and spending time in nature.

Another option is to place it on a covered or open porch. If the space is protected from moisture, you can even install an unvarnished bench. It will exude a pleasant woody aroma.

A stylish compact bench will decorate any corner of your summer cottage.

There is also a place for a homemade bench in the house. It will fit especially well in country style: rustic, Provence, directly country, as well as in interiors made in an eclectic, ethnic spirit (approx. Scandinavian style) or eco-themed.

In a classic interior, a laconic bench made of thin boards and elegant metal legs will look beautiful. Such furniture will fit in the hallway, on the balcony and even in the kitchen.