The DIY Porch Bench That Doubles As Firewood Storage For Stylish Curb Appeal

So, you're thinking about updating your outdoor bench. It's true that outdoor seating can add an element of warmth and community to your front doorstep, but consider DIYing a bench that does even more. If you keep firewood handy, you already know that you need to keep it dry; and since you can't store firewood indoors, why not keep it inside your porch bench? 

Crafting a storage bench can add style and functionality to your space — not to mention seating. But the addition of hidden storage can also elevate your home's curb appeal by removing eye sores like firewood from the yard. DIY storage benches are gaining popularity because they're easy to build, and the benefits they offer are both functional and aesthetic. To craft this bench, you will want a material that can endure the elements outdoors, such as redwood. You'll also need wood glue and screws to properly secure your work. You'll also need a nail-gun, a drill, and, if you don't buy your wood pre-cut, a saw.

Start by crafting the base for your bench. In her version of this DIY, TikTok content creator nailgun.nelly builds a planter using 1-by-6-inch planks to support the bench on one side; the other side is supported by vertically placed planks fastened together. You can approach it the same way or build two planters — one for each side — if space allows. Next, link some boards between the planter and the side panel for stability, then attach more planks to serve as a border around the top. Add shorter boards to span the length between the inside of the planter and the side panel to form the bench top. 

@nailgun.nelly

DIY Fire Wood Storage Bench- made this for my front porch so I would have easy access to fire wood during the winter and it wven has. Side planter! 👉🏼Full tutorial on my Youtube! #storage #firewood #bench #benchbuild #planter #diyproject

♬ original sound – Janelle Payne

At the bottom, build a shelf by nailing boards between the planter and the side panel; it will hold the wood. Add trim to the top and bottom of the opening to better contain the firewood. Finally, sand the surface of the bench and coat it with a wood sealer to protect it. Alternatively, you can paint or stain the wood to better match your front porch. Just remember to add an outdoor-safe topcoat to protect the color.

Once your bench is ready, decorate it with cushions and add your favorite plants to the planter box. Functionality doesn't have to compete with style, so support your new piece with outdoor decor. If the porch is larger and your welcome mat looks lonely, consider a larger outdoor rug to tie the space together. Add hanging plants along the porch (these can complement the ones in the planter) and in front of the bench for an element of warmth and nature. Craft a matching side table to further the look.