building bench\storage on framing

I'm still in the planning stages of finishing the basement (That first sentence really does'nt make sense, does it?). Every time I think I have it all planned out, my wife chimes in with her two cents. She does have a great idea, only I'm not quite sure how to build it. Here it is. On one wall she wants to have a bench that comes out from the wall. Top of the bench would open up for storage of toys etc... Maybe have it 8 or 9 feet long, bench height, and I'm thinking maybe 36" deep. Has anyone done something like this? How hard would it be to do? I've made some sketches (I can't draw either), but I'm sure I am missing some parts.
I intend to do 2X4 stud walls , 1 inch away from the cinder block, insulation etc..
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

I'd just finish the basement, including the drywall and paint, without the bench. Then you can build the bench as a piece of furniture. You can either attach it to the wall or not. But 36" deep sounds way too deep to me. It sounds easy to build. It's basically just a box with a hinged lid. I'd probably make it an inch or so low and put removable cushions on it (otherwise, it going to be very uncomfortable to sit on for more than a few minutes). Even so, a flat surface won't be comfortable for extended periods of sitting. Put the hinges for the lid a few inches from the back, so that the lid will stay open without having to hold it open. I'd probably use a piano hinge. Use a chair rail to protect the wall from the lid.

Mount the electrical receptacles on that wall higher than normal so they won't be blocked by the bench. And don't run the cable low where it might be hit by a screw as you attach the bench to the wall.

 

I think a built-in bench/toy box is a great idea.

If you have young children I strongly suggest you purchase the slow closers. These are available from Rocklear and perhaps others. They prevent the lid from slamming down and pinching fingers.

 

Thanks for your responses.
You mentioned a couple of things that I would not have thought of. I was actually at home depot tonight looking for what you call " slow closers", I had no idea what they were called. This was a concern of mine becouse of the age of my children. They did not carry anything like it. ANy other places I might find them? What is Rocklear? . Thanks for your help again. any additional ideas that come to mind I'm always open.

 

Sorry, but I spelled the name wrong. Its Rockler. They are a mail order company. As far as I know, this is the only place they are available.

Here's the pages with the "soft down lid supports".
http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/findprod.cfm?sku=414&DID=6

and another one

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdet...catid=29&DID=6

and a third

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdet...catid=29&DID=6

and a 4th - a toy box ;id support

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdet...catid=29&DID=6

Their website is http://www.rockler.com

look for specialty hardware for cabinets.

 

Thanks Bob-
These soft down supports are exactly what I was looking for.