How to Make a Wicker Trunk Into a Bench

Trunks are a great way to combine style and storage. With many flat-top trunks, the construction is such that they can also double as extra seating on a porch, in a sun room or other casual space. Wicker trunks tend to be a bit more fragile, and reinforcements will need to be made to avoid crushing your favorite piece. A few cuts to a sheet of plywood and a couple of screws are all it takes to convert your trunk into a bench, and still keep the storage. Your trunk will be sturdy enough for even full grown adults to sit comfortably. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Prepping the Pieces

1

Measure the inside of the trunk. Measure the sides top-to-bottom and side-to-side. If the sides are sloped in toward the bottom, get the side-to-side measurement at the bottom, as well.

2

Measure the inside of the top, side-to-side and front-to-back. If the top has an edge, or lip, measure the depth of that as well.

3

Cut two pieces of -inch plywood to the size and shape of the inside of your trunk's sides. Add the depth of the trunk top to the height of the pieces, minus inches for the plywood top you will add. Use a jigsaw to make the cuts. Slip them in to be sure they fit properly without forcing. Make any needed adjustments.

4

Cut a piece of -inch plywood to the inside dimensions of the trunk top. Set this piece inside the top to make sure it fits without forcing. Make any necessary adjustments.

5

Cut a 4-by-1-inch rectangular slot in the center of the top piece. Make the 4-inch side of the slot parallel with the width of the trunk. This will be used as a handhold.

6

Drill pilot holes along both side edges of the top piece with an 1/8-inch wood bit. Mark them 3/8 inch in from the edge. Make at least four holes, evenly spaced along each edge.

Reinforcing the Trunk

7

Stand the two side pieces upright on their bottom edge. You may need help to hold them in place. Or use a C-clamp to attach a piece of 2-by-4-inch scrap wood along the bottom edge to act as a brace.

8

Set the top piece on top of the top edge of the two side pieces. Drive a 1 5/8-inch drywall screw through each hole in the edges of the top into the top edges of the side pieces.

9

Set this three-sided plywood frame inside the trunk with the sides positioned against the sides. Close the trunk top.