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How to Build Banquette Bench Booth Seating In Your Kitchen

If you've always dreamed of having booth seating or a corner storage bench in your breakfast nook, you're in luck. You're going to love this detailed tutorial for how to build a banquette bench in your kitchen!

Thank you to Columbia Forest Products / PureBond Hardwood Plywood for sponsoring this banquette bench project! All opinions are entirely my own and based on my honest experience. This post also contains affiliate links, but nothing that I wouldn’t wholeheartedly recommend anyway! Read my full disclosure here.

We moved into a new fixer-upper at the start of the new year. The first time we came and looked at the house when we were contemplating purchasing it, we talked through all of our different renovation ideas for over an hour (to read all about our renovation plans for this home, you’ve gotta check out this post).

To be honest, we felt a little bit like Chip and Jo walking through the house….”knock this wall down here”…”open this wall up”… It was so fun. It’s really exciting to see some of those big ideas taking shape now.

One of those ideas that we both agreed on right away was installing a banquette bench in the corner of the breakfast nook. We thought it would add some character to the kitchen and provide some extra storage.

We plan to install a dishwasher in the kitchen island, so we know that we’re going to be losing some cabinet storage, so the extra storage is definitely needed.

Before Photos

Here’s what the corner of the breakfast nook looked like before we built the banquette bench. Isn’t it just calling for an update?!

Corner breakfast nook area in kitchen with tan walls and white trim with windows and hanging light

Logan did a great job making my vision come to life with this banquette bench. I described what I was thinking and showed him a few inspiration photos and he came up with this killer design.

One aspect of the build that complicated things a bit (but nooooo regrets) was the angled back and angled base of the bench. We went back and forth a lot about this before deciding to angle both the back and the base. We wanted the booth seating to be comfy.

As our little ones grow up, I imagine sitting here for family dinners, toddler craft time, and working on my laptop while kiddos play in the backyard…Comfort was key, which is why we decided to angle the back and the base (for your feet). We also plan to make custom cushions and build a custom-sized table for the banquette eventually.

A big thank you goes out to PureBond Hardwood Plywood for sponsoring this fun DIY project. We were thrilled with the quality of the plywood for the banquette bench, which is something that is definitely important if you’re going to be trying to match kitchen cabinets and staining rather than painting. Here’s a quick informative video to tell you more about Why PureBond?

How To Build A Banquette: Step-by-Step Instructions

Supplies for banquette bench:

Step 1: Measure space and plan your banquette bench

This step is so obvious, I know! But it doesn’t hurt to mention that the planning (and measuring) portion of building your banquette bench is one of the most important parts.

You’ve heard the saying “measure twice, cut once”…this couldn’t be more true!

Having a good plan for the banquette bench for your kitchen is where you need to start. All of the dimensions you’ll see in this banquette bench tutorial are customized to our specific kitchen, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

Step 2: Remove baseboards.

Photo collage showing how to remove baseboards in your breakfast nook before installing banquette bench seating

The baseboards in the corner of your kitchen will need to be removed in order to install your corner bench seating.

The best way to remove baseboards is to run a utility knife along the top of the baseboard where your caulk line is. Next, use a pry bar and hammer to get it behind the baseboard and pry it off of the wall.

Read more about how to remove baseboards in this guide!

Step 3: Build interior framing.

Interior framing for corner bench seating in kitchen

The interior framing of the booth seating is built using 2x4s. These provide the major structural support for the bench.

Once these are installed, the plywood will attach directly onto the framing.

Also, this is a great option for those of us who can’t assemble the entire project in a garage or workshop and bring it in to install.

2x4s formed as bracket for interior framing of corner bench seating

There are two brackets that fit together in the corner to form a box.

Interior framing for corner bench seating in breakfast nook

The other four brackets go along the wall.

Step 4: Build the back of the banquette bench framing.

Angled 2x4s for the back of bench in kitchen

The 2x4s for the framing on the back of the bench are angled at approximately 5 degrees. To get these cuts, we built a jig for the table saw.

After the angled 2x4s are cut, you can screw into the bottom framing.

Framing for the back of bench with angle

Step 5: Install interior and back framing.

Corner brackets built with 2x4s for corner bench seating in kitchen

Start with the corner framing brackets. They should fit together to form a box in the corner of your breakfast nook.

If you’re lucky, your corner walls will be nice and square.

But, we can speak from experience after living in two fixer-uppers that were built in the 60’s and 70’s….not all walls are square. We were pretty fortunate that this particular corner of our kitchen was relatively square…whew!

Interior framing for bench seating in breakfast nook built with 2x4s
Close up shot of 2x4 framing screwed together

Set your other framing brackets on the edges of the bench and in the middle of each wall.

Next, you can set the back of the bench framing pieces in along the walls. Then, screw the back framing into the interior brackets.

Step 6: Cut & install the front piece to the framing.

Close up shot of interior framing for dinette bench in kitchen

This 2×4 is attached to the front sides of the framing brackets and locks everything together in place.

They are joined with two 45-degree miter cuts so they help keep your project square as you assemble all the necessary parts.

Step 7: Build and install plywood interior boxes for storage.

Plywood boxes for storage inside of dinette bench seating

The storage boxes that go inside the framing can be built from plywood panels to provide storage inside the bench.

Build them to size so they will be able to slide into the brackets easily. Give yourself at least 1/8” or so wiggle room so you don’t have trouble sliding them into the brackets.

Seal one side of the panels with wipe-on polyurethane so the inside of the boxes are sealed. Assemble the boxes with a little bit of wood glue and clamps before securing them with a nail gun.

The other option we considered was to drop in boxes between the 2×4 frames to have a cleaner look. We opted for more storage space and built the slide-in boxes.

Interior framing and plywood storage boxes for banquette corner bench seating

Next, slide the boxes into the interior framing.

Step 8: Level bench.

Level sitting on top of bench being built in breakfast nook for built in seating

It would be awesome if all flooring was perfectly level, but that just hasn’t been the case in any of the homes we’ve owned. You definitely want to check to see if your framing is level before moving on with this banquette bench build.

Set a level on the top of the bench framing and add wood shims under the banquette bench on the floor until each support bracket is nice and level.

Step 9: Attach back to wall.

Back support pieces screwed into wall for back of bench seating

Using wall anchors and #9 construction screws, attach each back support piece to the wall. Be sure to make sure they are level and straight before screwing them into place.

Step 10: Cut plywood panels for the corner storage bench.

This is where having a drawn-out plan is going to come in handy for you. Remember to measure twice (or five times), and cut once.

You’ll want to cut out the plywood panels that attach to the front of the bench (down where the feet will go), the seat of the bench, the back of the bench, as well as the side of the bench.

Since we had a lot of angles on our banquette bench, Logan did a few test cuts using small pieces of scrap wood to make sure the angles were right before cutting everything on the table saw.

Once the panels are all cut, you should bring them inside and set them in place to make sure everything is perfect before moving on. This is called “dry fitting”.

Step 11: Stain and seal plywood panels.

Can of Minwax Wood Finish sitting on top of plywood panel

Once the panels are good to go, you can bring them back out to your garage or work area to stain. We matched the stain for our kitchen cabinets, which ended up being this stain. We tested tons of different stains and combinations on some scrap plywood pieces before finally finding one that worked!

It is incredibly important to be as detailed as possible when matching stains. We had to “pop” the grain with a damp rag, stir the stain when applying the first coat, and lightly stain the second coat. Be sure to write down your process or else you’ll end up having mismatched stains from piece to piece.

Use a staining rag to rub the stain on the plywood panels and wipe off excess with a dry rag. We had to wait about 6 hours for the stain to soak in and dry before rubbing on the polyurethane to seal the panels.

This was mostly because it was cold and raining outside. We used fans and heaters to offset the weather at the time of the project.

We did 2 coats of poly and lightly sanded with 0000 wire wool in between coats of poly. If you don’t sand down the “nibs” and smooth the brush marks between coats of poly, your finish won’t be very smooth.

Step 12: Install front panels on the bench.

Now it’s time to start installing the panels to the bench and it will really start coming together! First, add some wood glue where the panels will touch the brackets.

Then clamp them into place and level them with wood shims on the floor. Lastly, screw the panels into the interior framing in several places using construction screws.

Be sure to only screw where your trim will cover the screw holes.

Half built bench seating in kitchen
Attaching bench seating in kitchen breakfast nook

Step 13: Install bench seat.

The panels for the bench seat should now be cut so there is a small strip about 3/4″ (thickness of the plywood) deep on the back to provide space for the seats to open.

You can install this piece first on the back of the bench by applying wood glue and then screwing it into place on the framing. Next, the front portion of the bench seats can be set into place (they will be attached later with the hinges).

Step 14: Install the back panel to the bench.

Adding wood glue to back support beams behind back of bench seating in corner
Securing back panels to bench seating

Next up, you can attach the back panels to the bench. First, apply some wood glue to the support panels and then set the plywood panel onto the back and secure by using 1 1/2” brad nails.

We used brad nails because the putty marks will be very small and unnoticeable at the end of the project.

Step 15: Install the side panel on the bench.

Installing side panel on corner bench in kitchen

The last panel to install is the side panel. You can attach this in the same way with 1 1/2” brad nails.

Step 16: Cut trim pieces.

Pieces of trim laying on work bench

We decided to add trim to the bottom of the bench for visual interest and texture. You could also add them to the back of the bench if you wanted, but we plan on adding cushions later, so we didn’t do that. The trim pieces are made with 3/4 inch oak trim in various widths.

Step 17: Sand, stain, and seal trim pieces.

Man holding sander on trim piece

Once all of the trim pieces are cut to size, you can lightly sand, stain and then seal them with polyurethane.

Be sure to test some scrap pieces first. Solid oak trim will take stain different than the plywood. You may need to tweak your process to account for this.

Also, be careful when staining the end grains and sides of your trim. They really soak in the stain!

Step 18: Attach trim pieces.

Man nailing trim on booth seating in kitchen

The trim pieces are attached using 1 1/2” brad nails. It really starts to come together when the trim pieces are attached. Don’t they make a big difference in this banquette bench?!

Step 19: Cut and install the top trim piece.

Man nailing in top trim piece into corner bench in breakfast nook

To really finish things off nicely, we added a top trim piece that slightly overhangs on the back of the banquette bench. This piece was routed so it is rounded on the front side.

Similar to the other trim pieces, you’ll want to stain and seal these with polyurethane before installing.

Step 20: Putty holes.

Man putting in wood putty in nail holes

Using wood putty that matches your stain, fill in all holes with wood putty.

Step 21: Add hinges.

Hinges being screwed in on lift up bench seating with storage

The last step is to get that bench seat attached with hinges to make it a corner storage bench with lifting seats.

Remember, the seat of the bench is only sitting on top and hasn’t been attached quite yet. We used these cabinet hinges to make sure the bench seat lifts.

Don’t get upset when fitting your hinges. You’ll need to make a few adjustments to get your bench seat opening and closing properly.

Front view of bench seating in kitchen

That’s it!! I’m obsessed with how it turned out! The corner seat really adds soooo much to our kitchen, don’t you think?

Bench seating in kitchen with seat that lifts up to provide extra storage

I’m so glad that we decided to stain the banquette bench to match our kitchen cabinets, rather than paint it. The stain really brings out the beautiful texture in the grain of the oak veneer plywood panels we used from PureBond Plywood.

We’ve already started to move some things into the kitchen corner bench and take advantage of the extra storage. It will be perfect for small kitchen appliances that aren’t used all that often (like our bread machine and meat grinder) as well as extra glassware and table linens.

If you follow along on our Instagram stories, you know that we’ve changed our focus to wrapping up our little girl’s nursery, our master closet expansion and new bathroom, so building a table for this area will have to wait a bit. I think I’m going to grab one off of Craigslist for now so we can start sitting at our kitchen corner bench!

Side view of corner bench seating in kitchen
Before and after photos of breakfast nook with built in corner bench installed with text overlay that says how to build a banquette bench in your kitchen

What’s your favorite project you’ve ever made from plywood?

Let me know in the comments below!!

38 thoughts on “How to Build Banquette Bench Booth Seating In Your Kitchen

  1. This looks SO GOOD!!! Your tutorial is so detailed that I’m thinking I could follow it. I had a little corner like this in our old kitchen that I never knew what to do with and this would have been perfect. Thanks for the project inspiration!

    1. To be honest, that was the hardest part of this entire project! It is a double bevel cut. You will need a miter gauge and a table saw that can cut at an angle. It is a very complicated cut that is probably best left to advanced woodworkers.

      If you have the right tools for the job, get a pile of scrap wood and start experimenting to understand the angles that you will need to cut. Lots of practice will help!

  2. So much informative & valuable article. Just brilliant & superb. Love this so much. Thanks for sharing.

  3. I would like to make something like this but I’m wondering about the weight limit. I am 250+ and am trying to come up with an alternative that will hold a bigger person (300+) comfortably.

    1. To be honest, that was the hardest part of this entire project! It is called a “double bevel cut”. You will need a miter gauge and a table saw that can cut at an angle. It is a very complicated cut that is probably best left to advanced woodworkers.

      If you have the right tools for the job, get a pile of scrap wood and start experimenting to understand the angles that you will need to cut. Lots of practice will help!

  4. Hi! What an amazing tutorial for a beautiful final product. Thanks for all the hard work you put toward the step by step instructions.
    I wonder how long this might take someone with no prior woodworking experience? Also, is there a way to simplify the corner that everyone is asking about?

    1. Thanks! For someone with absolutely no woodworking experience, this is a pretty complicated build. Not to say it’s not possible, but you may want to start with some other projects to get comfortable using your woodworking tools first. Here are some basic woodworking projects we have tutorials for:
      https://www.makingmanzanita.com/diy-bench/ ( << this is great one to start with! ) - https://www.makingmanzanita.com/blanket-ladder/
      https://www.makingmanzanita.com/hallway-cabinet/
      https://www.makingmanzanita.com/diy-planter-box/

      To simplify that corner (and really the whole project) you could avoid doing the angled back and bottom. If those were 90 degree angles, it would be much simpler to build. You could also get rid of the back entirely and just build the bottom bench and have the wall behind you.

      Hope that helps! Good luck 🙂

  5. Awesome Stuff – I think i’ll use this.
    Can you give some rough dimensions for:
    bench sitting height
    total height
    from wall to edge of bench

    Thanks so much

    1. Hi there David, Apologies for the delay in our response. Here are some of the rough dimensions for the banquette:

      bench sitting height – 16″ with 2″ cushion or without cushion 18″
      total height – 39 7/8″
      from wall to edge of bench – 23 1/2″

  6. This is so perfect! I designed our kitchen specifically with a dining booth in mind. I have always wanted one for cozy family seating for all sorts of activities. We plan to follow your plans, thanks for the DIY encouragement.

  7. Hi Logan and Chelsea
    I love your banquette. We are finishing our basement and want to add this banquette so the kids have a place to hang out and eat their snacks. Love your tutorial how to Build it with the supplies. Can you tell us dimensions of the entire bench? We are uncertain how high the bench should be and how wide and how much to angle the back and at the foot area? I look forwards to hearing from you!

    1. Hi there, sorry for the delay in our response Stacy. The angle of the seat back is 3 degree and the angel of the foot area is 15 degrees. The bench sitting height should be 18″, so if you want to account for a 2″ cushion, you’d want to build it 16″ tall. The total height of our banquette (including back) was 39 7/8″. From the wall out to the front edge of the bench was 23 1/2″. For the width, it should be build to custom fit in your space and with your table, but allow about 24″to 28″ inches in width for each seated person to fit comfortably. Hope that is helpful! Since you mentioned kids, I also would recommend trying to get a soft close hinge to prevent their fingers sitting hurt if they are opening the lids.

  8. Great project, I’d like to use this design. The problem I hope you can help with is there’s no mention of how the plywood is being attached to the corner box frame. In step 7 there appears to be a new piece of wood in that area. Am I missing something?

    1. Since you referenced Step 7, I’m assuming you are talking about the plywood storage boxes in the bottom. Those aren’t really attached to the corner frame. They are just built to fit directly in the openings of the frames and it was a pretty tight fit so no additional attachment was required.

  9. Could I get an update of how things have held up and how you like it now? Thank you in advance!

    1. Great question! We’re still so happy with it. We haven’t yet ordered custom cushions, which we still do plan on doing. There are a couple very small dings from my kids dropping heavy things, which would have been prevented with cushions. Otherwise, they are as good as new. I think the only thing we would do differently if we had to start all over is use soft close hinges so we don’t have to be as careful about kiddo’s fingers getting slammed.

      Earlier this week, we did publish a DIY table top tutorial which shows a current view of the space and a table that works well. https://www.makingmanzanita.com/diy-table-top/

  10. On the closest side of the bench in your pictures, what does the other side of the small corner that sticks out from the angled bottom of the bench look like? Could you upload a picture? Hopefully my description makes sense!

    Thanks!

  11. Hello – I have a question. In step 13 you talk about adding 3/4 inch trim to the bench top in the back to provide space for the seats to open. In your image, it looks like this trim is resting on the frame the entire way across. However, in step 5: “Install interior and back framing” – the angled back pieces are the full width of the 3.5inch frame. So how is the 3/4 piece resting on the frame the entire way across? This is the only part that confuses me. I already built the frame. Just want to make sure I don’t go further and mess up the hinges!

    1. Hi Cam. The 3/4 piece in the back isn’t trim, but instead it’s a just a ripped down piece of plywood so the hinges attached to the two pieces underneath and have room to swing up to open. Here’s a couple of closer pictures so you can see what I mean. Hope that helps! hinge detail side hinge detail inside hinge detail top

  12. Hi! Love your plan, using it to make one for a clients home! Question, on angled pieces on the fronts of the unit, is there a reason the top framing 2×4 doesn’t hit flush? Where you lay the front long 2×4 that’s beveled on top of the short vertical angled piece it looks like there is a 1/4 or so difference. What is the reason for that? Referencing the photo above step 6! Thanks!

  13. Your images show the L-shaped “front piece” resting on the triangle-shaped 2x4s, but I’m wondering how you secure the front piece in the corner, where you didn’t put any of those angled 2x4s.

    Great write-up. I’m going to pull a lot of inspiration from this post. You’re one of the few people with the courage to build the angled bench seating, which looks cool and is more comfy + space-friendly.
    .

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