Long, low, framed storage ledge

[meanwhile]

We're working on a build with a long, low, framed ledge beneath a couple of windows with some kind of integrated storage – currently trying to figure out how the storage will work. We opted to just frame it instead of doing full cabinetry to save money. We might just put drywall on top and figure out some kind of drawer fronts for each section of the framing.

 

I'd love to model this out in Home Designer. The Cabinet tools seem to get me somewhat close, but it seems like I might be using the wrong tool for the job. Would anyone be able to guide me on this? Getting it to wrap around the very small divider wall on the far right is especially tricky.

 

Thanks!

[y-g-m-n]

cabinet will not work as you are framing with 2x4s....

Cabinets are plywood boxes with drawers and doors on a face frame.

 

So you could draw this as a special wall and ceiling structure room. for wall change dims and spacing of stud

 

Personally I would remove all this framing.

Finish out room like it was never there expect do not apply any window trim yet.

So flooring is under what ever you make to allow for future changes and just looks better.

 

Have a custom cabinet made.

No toe kick

Counter top could be plywood or butcher block or stone etc account for choice in design and could be window stool or just come up and align with it...

Here is where you need design it before building.

I see 3 boxes each having 2 doors maybe inset doors or full coverage doors

 

Maybe make them lower so they become window seats and then only the top is hinged to lift up and store junk inside.

 

These are the fun projects trim carpenters love.

 

Hell reply with dims I might like to have a stab at design.

 

[meanwhile]

Thanks so much. A custom cabinet was definitely the initial idea, but we're building on a budget, so we decided to just frame it to save and still add some really basic storage. That being said, visualizing an alternative might convince the owners to do a proper cabinet. I might give that a try, but if you wanted to for kicks, well no pressure of course, but by all means! I don't really know what I'm doing.

 

[y-g-m-n]

Very simple window bench that fits your space.

HD Cabinet grade 3/4" Birch plywood.

Make front in 2 pieces since over ft.

OR make from 1x2 etc trim lumber CHEAP stuff.

Then use pocket screws to make face frame.

Cut plywood to make some verticals.

Add 2x4 over wall to support "countertop" and one at bottom for drawer slide hardware to attach to.

 

Make drawers from same plywood or you can get them custom made online or locally.

Have owner pick counter top to be butcher block or if they want just use plywood.

 

then have owners pick out pillows and cushions.

Double as window set and 4 drawer storage underneath.

 

Of you want the side with short wall on RIGHT can make on angle or curve to reduce banged up knees.

 

have fun and be creative

 

Window Bench.calibz

[meanwhile]

@y-g-m-nThat's really awesome, thanks! I threw it into the model, hopefully it will convince them. If it doesn't, I'm still curious how one might model in the existing framing and some storage within that. I'm also curious about modeling in a flip-up seat for top-down storage. Seems like there might not be tools for this, but I wonder if I'm just missing them?

[Jo_Ann]

Make your own drawers within the software

Box shapes,cabinet fronts (front only), then the handle.
Block the components to each individual drawer, and that will allow you to open and close each drawer as you please.
Above the drawers, add a custom countertop  (shaped to fit around the short wall extension).

 

[y-g-m-n]

well to model lets first think of how would you build the flip up seat?

 

I think I would use piece of plywood for the top and then cut 3 hatches which go all the way to the front and about 4-6" from back wall so I have room for piano hinge.

Under plywood you need some sort of Ledge for lid to rest on when close. (1x4) glued and short screwed to under side and sticking into opening a bit or so framing structure.

 

I would just point to the top and use a LEADER with some text saying lift up top for storage underneath and give dims and then say owner to cover with cushions.