November 2014 - Custom Cabinet and Bookcase Design Blog

Installing A Window Seat

29. November 2014 · Write a comment · Categories: Built-in Installation · Tags: window seat

Custom Window Seat Installation

I recently made a custom window seat for this window alcove. [photo above] The customer originally had a bench in this spot but wanted something more permanent with storage. We decided installing a window seat with a hinged lid was the best option.

Measuring and making this window seat was done earlier and in my shop, this post is only the installation portion of the finished window seat.

Preparing the space:

The first step involved with installing the window seat was to carefully remove the existing baseboard trim. I decided that I was going to save the old trim so that it matched trim in the area.

I used a utility knife to cut the baseboard caulking seams and a scrap block and pry bar to gently pry the baseboard off the wall. The scrap block of wood is placed against the plaster wall to prevent damage from the pry bar.

Installing the box:

I purposely made my window seat box a few inches narrower than the opening. I did this so I wold not have to fit it to fit. the front panel was made larger and will be scribed to fit wall to wall.

Using a level and shims, I make sure the window box sits level in its resting spot as well as centered in the opening. I located the wall studs and pre-drilled and counter sunk 2 1/2″ screws through the box and into the studs. I try to keep my screws up high, under the hinge rail, to hide them.

As much as I hated to, I also installed two screws in the bottom front of the window seat box and into the hardwood floor.

Installing the front panel:

I checked the floor which was level and both side walls, which were plumb. I was lucky because that meant minimal scribing.

I place the edges of the panel to the walls to see how they would sit and they looked really good, so instead of scribing I measured side to side, added 1/16″ of an inch and then cut my panel to that measurement with 30 degree bevels on both ends.

The bevels allow the panel to slide into place without a fight, but with the sharp point of the bevel tight to the walls. The top portion of the bevel is also hidden by the seat frame, so I had no worries of an exposed cavity.

Once I had the window seat front panel in place, I applied Gorilla wood glue and then secured the panel with finish nails. I used my Paslode cordless finish nailer for this project. I have to say that this was not an easy spot in the house to get to and dragging a compressor and hose would have been torture.

Installing The Window Seat Lid Top:

I pre-assembled the lid and frame in the shop. On site, I installed the lid top similar to the front panel by scribing to the walls. I also use a back bevel to get a super tight fit to the walls.

I secured the lid frame to the box frame with glue and finish nails. Once this was complete, I installed a piece of decorative molding along the top edge of the front panel located just under the window seat lid.

Lastly, I reinstalled the baseboard, used wood filler at all exposed nail holes, sanded flush, vacuumed up and notified the painter.

The post Installing A Window Seat appeared first on A Concord Carpenter.

8 Clever Ways To Use A Rolling Library Ladder All Over The House

Time to go above and beyond library walls.

The classic rolling library ladder often evokes images of majestic libraries, full of epic bookshelves, and maybe Belle sing-songing about escaping her provincial life. But they can be used for a great variety of purposes – from straight utilitarian practicality, or adding a unique sense of design and room architecture. You may even be able to combine the two; let’s browse how a rolling library ladder could be just the right addition for your room. (Note: all photos were customer submitted!)

Kitchen Rolling Ladder

Why not maximize your space? Finding a ladder set up that will provide access yet give you flexibility and room to cook is the way to go.

Dressing Room / Boudoir Rolling Ladder

A great use of space for fashion-savvy folks. Especially if you are shuffling multiple outfits or bodies in and out of a compact area, the dressing room rolling ladder may make it all come together.

Living Room / Sitting Room Rolling Ladder

The right rolling ladder can bridge elegance in design to enabling so many options – wouldn’t you want to explore those sprawling bookshelves with your guests, as the piano plays on through the night?

Home Office Rolling Ladder

If you have files up to your eyeballs, or higher – maybe it’s time to maximize the shelving space available. Or if you are in a tight city apartment, and your “office” and “living room” (and more) don’t exactly have clear boundaries, the rolling ladder can help. Did you notice how the curved support rail connects between shelves, passing over the window?

(Stationary) Rolling Ladders In Place of Stairs

Sometimes fitting a true stairwell into a space just doesn’t work. With the right set up, a bit of strategy and some innovation, a rolling ladder could do a good stand-in for a full stair case.

Atrium / Side Exit Rolling Ladders

Don’t let that extra wall space go to waste. A well-placed rolling ladder can give you access to storage or shelving that a doorway might otherwise inhibit. With a built-in ladder you can re-position at will, there is no more hassle.

Pantry Rolling Ladders

Got a tall pantry or alcove where you store particular items? Maximize the area by using a rolling ladder – compact and flexible.

Rolling Ladders In The Closet

Are you a collector? Is your spouse one? Maybe you have an extensive wardrobe or need to maintain one for your other activities; this might be the perfect solution for you. Keep your accessories and special items within arm’s reach, and bring some serious style to your wardrobe with a rolling ladder in your closet.

With all of these great ideas, have you found out where a rolling ladder would best fit in your home? Let us walk you through selecting all the right parts with our step by step ordering process – we’ll help you every step of the way. Or check here if you want to browse our Ladder Kits and various components.