Description

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate Do-It-Yourselfer – Moderate
Completion Time: 1 day
Placed under a window, television or beside the fireplace, a multiple-cubby bench is useful for storing everyday items. Don’t limit yourself to one; they’re a handy and versatile option for the whole house!
This cubby bench measures 15 ¾” x 97 1/2" x 19" and is built from solid maple boards and maple-finish plywood. A distinguishing feature: it’s assembled almost entirely using wood biscuits, so joints are invisible. Since using a biscuit joiner requires some experience, this one-day job is better suited to intermediate DIYers.

TOOLS

  • Mitre saw
  • Table saw
  • Biscuit joiner
  • Screwdriver drill
  • Square
  • Pencil
  • Tape measure

MATERIALS

  • 2 sheets maple-finish plywood, ¾” x 48″ X 96″
  • 3 maple boards, 1″ x 3″ x 96″
  • 148 No. 10 biscuits, ¾” x 2 1/8″
  • Wood glue
  • 1 ½” No. 8 wood screws

BEFORE ASSEMBLY

ELEVATION(S)

NOTES

ASSEMBLING FURNITURE WITH WOOD BISCUITS

This sturdy method of assembly involves inserting thin slices of compressed wood (“biscuits”) into slots made with a plate (or biscuit) joiner. When the biscuits come into contact with glue applied in the slots, they swell and stay wedged in place, holding the construction together.
Once you have taken the time to learn how to use a biscuit joiner, the specialized tool required for this type of assembly, you will find it a quick and easy technique.