How to Build a Basic Window Seat

Windows are ideal places to read, write, think or just relax. A window seat is essentially a rectangular box built from wood to fit the width of the window opening. You may choose to add storage below the seat or close off the front and add matching trim for a built-in appearance. The addition of a cushion or series of cushions can provide the finishing touch to a window seat.

• 1

  Lay the two 16-by-36-inch plywood panels on edge with the 36-inch edges flat on a work surface, parallel to each other, with the inside edges 18 inches apart. These are the top and bottom panels of the seat.

• 2

  Insert one 16-by-18-inch plywood panel between the top and bottom panels on each end with the 18-inch edges flat on the work surface and the 16-inch edges flush against the inside faces of the top and bottom panels. This will form a rectangular assembly. The opening will be covered by the front and back side panels. These are the end panels. If your work surface is uneven or you are having difficulty keeping the panels in position, you may lay the panels down and hold up two panels at a time to fasten the assembly together and continue in that manner.

• 3

  Drive flush trim wood screws every 4 to 6 inches through the top and bottom panels into the edges of the ends at each joint using a screw gun.

• 4

  Align one 18-by-36-inch panel over each opening in the assembly. Fasten each panel to the outside edges of the top, bottom and end panels with flush trim wood screws evenly spaced every 4 to 6 inches.

• 5

  Center a decorative molding panel in the center of the bench front. Drive finish nails through the panel every 2 inches with a hammer. Set the nails 1/16-inch below the surface of the panel with a nail set.

• 6

  Measure, mark and cut the molding fit around the bottom front and sides of the window seat. Cut two 17 1/2-inch lengths and one 36-inch length. Cut a 45-degree angle on one end of each 17 1/2-inch length so that the long point is on the outside face of the molding. Cut a 45-degree angle on both ends of the 36-inch length so that the long points are on the outside face of the molding.

• 7

  Position the molding along the bottom of the front and sides of the window seat. The 45-degree angles on the 17 1/2-inch sides should be facing the front of the seat so that they fit together with the 36-inch front to form a 90-degree angle at the corners. Drive finish nails through the molding and into the window seat every 3 to 6 inches. Set the nails 1/16-inch into the surface of the molding with a nail set.

• 8

  Fill the screw and nail holes with wood putty using the edge of a putty knife to pack the putty tightly into the holes. Allow the putty to dry overnight.

• 9

  Sand the putty with 120-grit sandpaper until it is flush with the surface of the wood. Always sand with the grain to avoid scratching the wood surface.

• 10

  Paint the window seat with a paintbrush and interior paint. Allow the paint to dry 4 hours. Move the seat into position in front of the window. Allow the paint to dry 72 hours before heavy use.