This project takes advantage of three perfectly positioned windows to receive a window seat. The window sills in this house were damaged by animals. Replacing the thresholds resulted in the decision to build in a window seat. Sills replaced but trim trim left out - window seat will cover area where trim would be placed.
To get started, measure and cut 2" x 4" boards that will serve as ledger boards just below the window sills at the height of the window seat. Please note that a 3/4" melamine piece and a 3/4" trim piece will be installed on top of these ledger boards so be sure to leave room.
Make sure the outside corners of the ledger boards are cut at the correct angle to receive cross pieces that go from corner to corner. The ledger boards should also be held back approximately 2 1/4 inches from the edge of the wall to allow enough space to receive the cross pieces and panel melamine.
Using 16p nails, nail the ledger boards with the widest 2" x 4" side flat to the wall.
When the ledger boards are inside, measure and cut 2" x 4s" to serve as the front cross pieces at the top and bottom of the window seat. Make sure the top and bottom pieces are flush and connected to each other.
Nail the top cross piece to the angled ends of the ledger boards, making sure there is enough room for the melamine panel.
Nail the bottom cross piece to the bottom boards.
Measure and cut a melamine panel for the front of the window seat, slanting the edge cuts as needed. Put it in its place, but only temporarily. Do not place this panel yet.
Measure and cut the melamine for the top of the window seat, making sure the top piece extends over the front panel by 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Put the top melamine piece in place and check that it fits.
To purchase the correct size piano hinge, you should already have determined the size and shape (eg square, rectangle) of your storage access door.
Remove the top of the seat. Measure carefully and cut the opening very carefully with a circular saw (Image 1); Finished with a finishing handsaw. These cuts will show through the top of the seat, so be sure to tape the edge of the cut line before cutting to avoid chipping the melamine.
Turn the freshly cut melamine top piece and storage access piece over and back together. Attach the piano hinge to the raised part of the seat as well as to the bottom of the window seat (Image 2). Rotate the panel and check its operability and adjustment..
Use an iron to adhere the melamine trim to the exposed areas of the melamine.
With all panels in place, measure along the top seat panel to add the 3/4" round edge where the top seat panel meets the wall. Using caulk, the edge should cover any gaps between the top piece and wall.
Cut the 3/4" round trim, nail the trim to the wall and add caulking.
Add baseboard or trim along the front panel to match the rest of the room.
