You can use either 30" or 36" wide by
24 5/8" deep refrigerator cabinets, and use either
the standard 2
doors, or you could even substitute drawers--just check
the heights of the deep/shallow drawers to determine the
best configuration for you.
From an engineering standpoint, you'll want to ensure there's sufficient support for the
cabinets to hold the combined weight of multiple humans
as well as whatever you have stored inside the
cabinetry. The 24" deep refrigerator cabinets are only
15 1/4" high which conveniently allows for additional
support underneath the cabinets in the form of a plinth
box constructed of plywood. (Keep in mind that a
comfortable height for a banquette is between 18" - 20".
Any cushions that you use will add to the final height
of the seat.)
Considerations when planning your
window seat or banquette:
- Reinforce the back corners of the
units with corner bracing--either corner braces made
out of sections of 2x4 or metal corner braces.
- Leave off the backs of the
cabinets, and secure 2x4's on the inside back of the
cabinet through the cabinet top, and then liberally
through the 2x4's into the back wall into studs with
5"+ wood screws.
LIBERALLY.
- Gang all cabinets together and
secure them to any adjoining side walls with 3"+ wood
screws, directly into studs.
- Finally, build a base out of 3/4" plywood to
provide adequate support to the cabinets and any
humans sitting on them. Secure the cabinets to
the base with L-brackets and then paint/stain it to
match or to disappear, depending on your preference.
Top with a piece of 3/4" plywood cut
to fit and painted/stained or veneer and edgebanded
to match. Top with cushionery of your choice!
Then, sit down and enjoy a much needed rest!
