Chest Combines Storage, Seating

With its simple country styling and room for storage under a hinged bench seat, this handsome and functional piece of furniture is ideal for almost any room in the house. In the bedroom, it holds extra blankets, pillows and out-of-season clothes. In the family room or den, it keeps videos, games and toys out of sight. And it serves as the always-welcome extra seat.

The project calls for about 18 board feet of oak lumber, one 4-by-8 sheet of oak plywood, moldings, dowel pins, hinges, nails, glue and oil or stain. It requires mostly straight cuts and a few curved cuts traced from full-size patterns.

Even amateur do-it-yourselfers will be able to finish this project. After the parts are cut, the rectangular chest section is assembled and the moldings are attached. The backrest, arm supports and armrests are then fastened with screws, the lid is attached and the trim is affixed.

Although it can be purchased, the seat cushion can be made by covering a piece of plywood with foam rubber, wrapping it with fabric, then tacking, stapling or sewing the ends.

The completed chest and seat measures about 48 inches long by 19 inches deep. It stands about 36 inches tall in back.

The Blanket Chest and Seat plan, No. 789, is $7.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with 20 photos, traceable patterns, exploded diagrams and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

A package of three blanket chest plans, No. C74, is $15.95 and includes this chest project and two others. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $3.95. Prices include postage and handling (for first-class mail, add $1 per item up to $3 maximum).

MEMO: To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Please specify plan numbers.