Is it possible to make the storage bench below using only wood glue, screws, and 3/4-inch plywood or MDF?
The only requirement is that it must support a 80lb kid sitting on it. 4.5" floor clearance is a must. I don't think it would be strong enough (diagram is to scale). Any ideas to make it stronger are much appreciated. I'm in a remote area with limited tools (saw, drill, screws, glue, and 1 trip to home center)
Best Answer
Resisting vertical forces
Add a rail front and rear, inset from front and rear edges. The rail would be 31" wide x 2" high. Make it taller for greater strength.
Resisting lateral forces
The greatest weakness is lateral collapse by lozenging. Adding metal corner brackets or adding a back panel would prevent that. With an inset back panel you wouldn't need a rear rail.
Minimum would be an unobtrusive triangular wooden brace centrally at each end of the underside of the top, glued with tenons or plenty of dowels.