🖼️
The project:
DIY built in shoe storage with three drawers. Bonus bench seat so your littlest people can be independent putting on their shoes.
- Materials:
3 x “besta” drawer systems or something similar
Large sheet of MDF for top
Trim for between drawers
Untreated structural pine for frame
- Tools:
multi tool for cutting in tight spaces
Drill for screwing drawers together
drop saw
- Step 1:
Assemble pre made drawer systems as per instructions included. Once complete place them in the desired location in which the bench seat will be built.
Build a simple 2x4 frame for the drawer systems to sit on top of. I used untreated structural pine.
- Step 2:
once happy with the height of the frame and the drawers are sitting on top, work out the trim required to fit in between each drawer system.
Screw the drawer and trim piece together from inside the drawer. Do this until all trim pieces are secure to the drawers.
Dependent on the space you are building the beach seat you might not need any trim and just simply have the drawers up against each other.
see picture below for reference.
- Step 3:
Once all secure and level, cut the large sheet of MDF to size. If your space is tricky like mine with heritage adornments you can use a contour gauge to work out the shapes around to get that perfect fit!
My MDF was a snug fit so there was no need to reinforce the top however if yours is not I would consider securing with screws from underneath to disguise it.
- Step 4:
The hard work is done!
time to prep the base and silicone all the gaps to achieve the seamless built in look.
I painted mine using a water based primer then finished it with Dulux “Aquanamel” semigloss in the colour to match my walls.
Ensure if drawers are pre painted like the ikea ones to rough them up with sandpaper, prime and paint with desired finish.
- Step 5:
Add desired hardware or none at all depending on drawers chosen!
Then fill with all your shoes, enjoy with a cushion on top or however!
