Build A DIY Outdoor Cushion Storage Bench For Your Pool Area

A poolside bench can do several jobs at once: provide a place to sit, hide bulky outdoor cushions and towels, and give the entertaining area a more finished look. Building one yourself also makes it easier to match the bench to your paving, decking, fence colour and existing outdoor furniture.

The most successful design is sturdy, ventilated and easy to open after a swim. In Australia, that means planning for strong sunlight, sudden rain, salty coastal air and, in warmer regions, long periods of high humidity. A thoughtful layout and weather-resistant materials will help your storage seat stay useful through many summers.

Choose a practical poolside design

A rectangular bench with a hinged lid is usually the simplest option for a first DIY project. A useful finished size is about 1,500 mm wide, 500 mm deep and 500 mm high, including the lid. This gives two adults a comfortable seat while leaving enough internal room for several folded cushions, pool towels and a few lightweight toys.

Keep the depth manageable so the seat does not obstruct a path around the pool. Measure the space between the pool edge, outdoor table and any access gate before buying materials. Leave enough clearance for the lid to open fully without hitting a wall, screen or lounge chair.

A slatted or partially open base improves ventilation and helps prevent damp fabric from developing a musty smell. You can also divide the inside into two compartments, making it easier to separate dry seat pads from wet towels. Avoid using the storage box for chemical containers, glassware or anything that could spill onto cushions.

The bench should complement the outdoor setting rather than look like an oversized garden box. Merbau, spotted gum and treated pine are common choices in Australian outdoor projects. Hardwood costs more but has an attractive finish, while treated pine is easier to cut and generally more budget-friendly. Recycled timber can work well, provided it is sound, clean and free from old paint or unknown chemical treatments.

Gather materials and prepare the timber

For a basic 1,500 mm bench, you will need exterior-grade timber for the frame, cladding boards for the sides, a strong sheet or slats for the lid, stainless steel or galvanised screws, two or three heavy-duty hinges, a lid stay, exterior wood adhesive, sandpaper and an outdoor finish. Add rubber feet or adjustable furniture glides to lift the base slightly above wet paving.

Use exterior plywood rated for outdoor exposure if you prefer a smooth lid, but seal every cut edge carefully. Standard interior MDF and untreated particleboard are poor choices around a pool because splashes and condensation can cause them to swell. Select stainless steel fixings in coastal areas, where salty air can quickly corrode ordinary screws.

Before cutting, allow the timber to acclimatise in a dry, shaded place for several days. Check each board for bowing and mark the best-looking face for visible surfaces. A circular saw, drill, countersink bit, tape measure, square, clamps and orbital sander will make the job faster, although a handsaw can handle a smaller build.

Wear safety glasses, hearing protection and a dust mask while cutting and sanding. Work on a stable pair of trestles rather than the pool coping or a slippery patio. If you are buying long lengths from Bunnings, have them cut roughly to size for easier transport in a hatchback or ute, then make accurate cuts at home.

Build a strong and level frame

Start by making two rectangular end frames from treated pine or hardwood battens. Each frame should contain two vertical posts, a top rail and a bottom rail. Join the pieces with exterior screws and adhesive, pre-drilling near the ends to reduce splitting. Check each corner with a square before tightening the fixings.

Connect the end frames with front and rear rails, then add intermediate supports beneath the seat and around the top opening. The lid will be opened often, so the upper frame needs to remain rigid rather than flex when someone sits down. Place a central support under the lid if the bench is wider than about 1,200 mm.

The base can be made from narrow slats with small gaps between them or from an exterior plywood panel with several drainage holes. Slats are usually better beside a pool because they allow air to circulate and water to escape. Fit a fine insect mesh beneath the gaps if you are concerned about spiders or leaves entering the box.

Set the assembled frame on its intended location and check it with a spirit level. Pool paving may slope slightly to direct water away, so use durable plastic packers or adjustable feet rather than packing the frame with loose timber scraps. A level bench is more comfortable, and a correctly supported base is less likely to twist over time.

Add cladding, ventilation and a weatherproof lid

Attach the side boards horizontally for a traditional look or vertically for a taller, contemporary appearance. Leave a small, even expansion gap between boards, following the timber supplier’s recommendation. Timber expands and contracts in Australian heat, so tightly butted boards can buckle after a wet season or a run of very hot days.

For extra airflow, leave a narrow protected gap below the lid or fit stainless-steel ventilation grilles near both ends. Cover the inside of each vent with mesh. The openings should be high enough to limit splash entry, and they should not be so large that small toys or fingers can become trapped.

Build the lid as a separate shallow frame with boards fixed across the top. It should overhang the sides by about 10 to 15 mm to throw rain away from the walls. Round over sharp corners with a router or sanding block, especially if children use the pool area. Sand all visible surfaces progressively until they feel smooth when wiped with a clean cloth.

Fit the hinges along the back edge and add a lid stay that prevents the top from falling suddenly. A gas strut can make a wide, heavy lid easier to lift, but choose a model suited to the lid’s weight and install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Test the opening angle before loading the box with cushions.

Plan the bench position with pool safety in mind. It must not form a convenient climbing step near a compliant barrier, gate or boundary fence. Australian pool fencing rules vary by state and by the age of the pool, so check your local council requirements and avoid placing furniture where it could compromise the barrier.

Protect the bench from sun, rain and pool water

Sand the completed timber before applying a finish, paying close attention to end grain and screw holes. A penetrating exterior oil highlights hardwood and is easy to refresh, while an outdoor paint system gives treated pine a more uniform colour. Use a product labelled for exterior timber and follow the preparation and recoating instructions.

Seal every exposed cut, especially the ends of rails, the underside of the lid and the edges of plywood. These areas absorb water quickly. Apply finish in shade on a dry day, and allow adequate curing time before putting cushions inside. In Brisbane or tropical north Queensland, humidity can extend drying times, so do not rush the process.

Keep the bench away from constant sprinkler spray and position the lid so prevailing rain does not run directly into the opening. In Melbourne, winter moisture and cooler drying conditions make ventilation particularly important. In coastal towns, rinse salt residue from the exterior with fresh water and inspect metal fixings regularly.

The box should protect cushions from showers but should not be treated as completely waterproof. Store cushions only when they are dry, and wipe water from the lid before opening it. A breathable outdoor storage cover can add protection, but avoid wrapping the entire box in airtight plastic, which traps condensation.

A practical poolside layout also considers nearby planting and drainage. If you are arranging pots or edible beds around the entertaining zone, use this sunny garden layout guidance to keep taller plants from shading the bench and to avoid watering foliage onto the timber.

Finish the storage system and style the seat

A simple internal liner can make the box easier to clean. Use a removable outdoor fabric liner, ventilated plastic baskets or low-profile polypropylene tubs rather than permanently gluing fabric to the timber. Removable containers let you lift out leaves, sand and damp towels without kneeling inside the bench.

Add a small drain hole at each low corner if the construction allows it, but protect the holes with mesh. You can also install a raised internal shelf made from slats. This creates a lower ventilated area for pool noodles or shoes while keeping cushions above any minor moisture that reaches the base.

For seating comfort, use outdoor foam with a quick-dry structure and fabric designed for UV exposure. Light colours can keep the seat cooler in full sun, while darker tones hide marks from sunscreen and wet swimwear. Secure loose cushions with discreet ties or non-slip matting so they do not slide when someone sits down.

The finished bench can be stained to match a timber deck, painted in a soft neutral to blend with rendered walls, or given a bold colour as a feature. Black hardware suits a modern pool courtyard, while brushed stainless steel works well with coastal landscaping. Add a narrow back cushion only if the bench remains clear of the pool barrier and does not reduce the walking space.

Inspect the bench at the start and end of each swimming season. Tighten loose screws, refresh the finish where it has faded, clear the vents and check that the lid stay still supports the top. A few minutes of maintenance will prevent small problems from becoming swollen boards or damaged cushions.

Measure your poolside space, sketch the bench dimensions and make a cutting list before purchasing timber. Build the frame carefully, allow airflow, seal every exposed edge and keep the finished seat clear of pool barriers. With those steps, your handmade storage bench can provide a tidy place for cushions, a useful seat for guests and a durable feature for outdoor entertaining.