Build a Bay Window Seat with Storage | Step 1

December 22, 2014

A great way to spruce up a Bay Window is to build a sitting area complete with storage. The area beneath the seat can be a great place to store additional bedding, books, or seasonal clothing. This project is fairly simple for the average Do-It-Yourselfer. The entire makeover can be inexpensive as well with a cost of just $100 for materials.

Follow these simple instructions on How to Build a Bay Window Seat with Storage.

Step 1: Planning Your Project

Before you start cutting wood for your project you need to measure the angle of the protruding walls. While the standard angle is 135 degrees for a 45 degree wall, your Bay Window may vary slightly based on the design of your home.

You may even discover that the angle of the two walls may differ from one another. Don’t be too concerned about being overly precise with the frame work as small gaps will be covered with the finishing trim or filled in with caulking.

Determine the length, depth, and height of your project. A depth of 20 inches to 24 inches will allow plenty of storage space and an adequate seating area. The nominal height of the Bay Window Seat should be between 18 inches and 20 inches tall. In both cases you may need to adjust the height or depth to suit your existing window design.

Bay Window Bench

For aesthetics, it is best to leave a small gap from the bottom of the existing window frame to the top of the new storage area. This may not be possible if your existing bay window is very low and close to the floor, however if possible you should leave an area of the existing wall exposed just above the storage area, the colored wall will accentuate the white window trim and the seating area which would also be painted white.

Sitting Area Frame

Materials Required:

  • 2×4 lumber for the structural frame
  • 3/4” plywood for the seat area
  • 3/4” x 1-1/2” lumber for top deck front stiffener
  • Sheetrock or Wainscot for the vertical wall of the seating area
  • 3-1/2” woodscrews
  • 2” woodscrews
  • 1-1/2” woodscrews
  • Hinges
  • Paint
  • Caulking
  • Tack Cloths
  • Sandpaper

Tools Required:

  • Level
  • Wood Saw
  • Screw Driver
  • Measuring Tape
  • Paintbrush

Contact Info:

If you are searching for a professional glass replacement contractor to help you with your Bay Window repair or installation in the Naperville or Plainfield Illinois and surrounding areas; contact One Source Renovation, LLC at WindowRepairGuy.com or give us a call at (815)-634-8922.

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