DIMENSIONS & DRAWINGS

The interior dimensions of the boxes are roughly 2 inches less than the external dimensions. We say "roughly" because the walls are 7/8" thick, but there is also 1 3/4" thick framing on the corners. So, inside, due to the thickness of the walls, you lose 1 3/4" internally. But, on the corners where the framing is you lose 1 3/4" also. The height is 2" less internally for all sizes.

If one of our standard sizes is just a bit too small to hold your cushions, but you don't want to move up to the next highest size, just order the standard sized boxes and in the comment section let us know you need an extra inch or three in height or width or length or any combination thereof. We'll make the custom size changes of a couple inches for no extra charge.

ADVANCED OPTIONS

VENTILATION HOLES

The internal bottom of the storage bench is elevated one inch off the ground and has one inch diameter holes in the base of the box for ventilation. We also include a few 1/4-inch diameter holes just beneath the top lip on the back side wall to allow for cross ventilation. The vent holes don't allow water to get into the box. Or, you can choose your storage bench without ventilation holes at checkout. Our storage benches are made with tongue and groove construction and they are very close to being 100% watertight. But, we prefer to be safe and we recommend you include a piece of plastic at the top of anything you have inside the box so if a few drops of water do get in, they'll just sit on the plastic and nothing gets wet.

SINGLE OR SPLIT SEAT

Our standard seat is a single flap that opens front-to-back. Also available for no additional charge are 3 split seat options: double flap (front-to-back), double-flap (side-to-side), and triple flap (front-to-back). Split seats are a good idea for the larger boxes for added versatility and to keep the seat weight reasonable (we tend to overbuild things) See photos to the right for the difference between a single and a split seat. (L-R: standard single seat, split seat with double flap side-to-side.) We can also make compartments in the box to line up with the double and triple split seat options for a small additional charge. Just let us know

WITH OR WITHOUT FEET

You can also add feet for no additional charge. See image at right. This will elevate the walls 3/4" off the ground and the internal bottom of the storage bench will then be 1 3/4" off the ground. Its a good idea to add feet if you'd like to be able to clean or hose off the area underneath the bench.

CASTERS

We offer super-strong casters to add mobility to your box. Casters are rated to handle 320 pounds each and they lock in place! An installed set of 4 Casters is $79. They are available in Advanced Options. (Benches 96" and longer require a set of 6 casters to accommodate the extra weight.) The casters are 4 1/4" tall. But, we also add a 1 3/4" thick extra support base for them. So, the total height of the box is increased by 6". When ordering casters, your box will be built with the "no stands or feet" option like in the photos above. The casters are installed near the 4 corners.

We are often asked if we can partially hide the casters. We can add a 2 1/2" tall trim to cover approximately half the caster height. (Any more than that makes it difficult to lock and unlock the casters). If you choose to add casters and would like to add the trim also, please let us know. There is a small additional charge depending on the box size.

CUSTOM ENGRAVING

Would you like to add a personal engraved message to your furniture?

Select "Custom Engraving" under Advanced Options. The engraving size we normally use translates to about 14 characters per foot. The default color for lettering is black. If you prefer a different color, let us know. There will be a small charge for changing the font color.

We will center the engraving on the top board of the backrest or the front of the seat trim of a backless bench unless you specify elsewhere. Please let us know your instructions on placement and line break(s) – if not specified, they will be placed at the shop's discretion.

If you'd like a particular font style, please send a Word or PDF document with the font, spacing, and the exact wording and punctuation you’d like. We will trace your document directly onto the wood. Send it to [email protected].

If you are undecided on your engraving message, and would prefer to send it after you place your order, just let us know in the comment box so we know to expect it later. Due to limitations of the engraving tool (we cut ¼” wide and ¼” deep into the wood), we may not be able do certain fonts and will let you know if there is an issue.

MEMORIAL PLAQUE INLAY

If you plan a plaque for your bench, we can inlay it for you at no extra charge. We don't order or make plaques. Once your plaque is made, ship it to Forever Redwood at 33800 Annapolis Rd., Annapolis, CA 95412. A local engraver can assist you with the Plaque details. If you cannot find a local engraver, we recommend the following engraver:

Jay’s Engraving & Rubber Stamp Co. Attention: Ms. Janet Gossage 3185 Cleveland Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707 542 3873 www.jaysengraving.com

Be sure to let us know in the comments box that you will be sending a plaque for inlaying so we know to hold your bench until the plaque arrives. We will inlay your plaque in the center of the top backrest board, unless otherwise specified. If placed in this location, the plaque can be up to 3" H and any width you like. If there is no backrest (backless bench), we will place the plaque on the front trim piece of the seat unless you specify where you'd like the plaque placed.

The board is 4 3/4" but has a 1" notch to attach the slats, so the space to place a plaque is 3 3/4" as shown below. We recommend the plaques to be up to 3" to avoid issues with the edges.

A popular and less expensive way to place a long lasting message on a bench or other piece of furniture is to have us engrave the message directly onto the wood (see Custom Engraving for more information).