How to Build a Bench in 60 Seconds - Cheater Method
Ok...SPOILER ALERT... so, this bench isn't 100% done. But, the initial assembly is around 44 seconds with the cups on the floor. I realized belatedly that I shouldn't have started with the cups already spaced out so let's call it a minute instead. 
All the pieces that I am using, come, as is, and ready to go in Lowes/Home Depot, Target and the craft stores. There is absolutely no cutting involved in building this bench. I used 2 stair treads, 2 crates and 6 heavy duty plastic storage cups. Could it be any more simple than that? As soon as I paint and stain it and decide what must be permanently attached, I will update this tutorial. For now this is just an idea that was too good to wait to share with all of you!
For new ways to update this look, see http://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/how-to-take-a-simple-bench-to-a-whole-new-level-28485487
OKAY!!!! The lumber dept guys at Home Depot took the time to analyze my bench and give me their opinions of how sturdy it is and how much weight it will support. The following is how I interpreted their analysis. They said up / down weight is not the issue. The stair treads on top of the wood crates supported like my picture would hold a great deal of weight. Possibly, even as much as 800 lbs to 900 lbs. Stair treads are specifically made to withstand a great deal of weight. They told me the boards are not going to break. The weakest part of this bench is when there is side to side movement aka horsin' around. Two adults scooting back and forth side to side is when it would be at its weakest point. To make this super strong, they suggested lag bolts for a secure hold. I think wood screws and wood glue will probably support most people's general use of this bench but go to the experts if you need more advice!! Stay tuned for a new bench entirely made from Home Depot items. Not sponsored by them in any way... just was there and I have wanted to make another bench for a while now.
Best entryway bench!
Here are my supplies. 2 stair treads, 2 wood crates, and 6 heavy duty cups. Update: In the last pictures, I added legs. It took 3 minutes to stain them and 4 minutes to attach them. The stair treads were $12.65 each, the wood crates were $10 and the cups were in packages of 3 for $2. The new legs and hardware came to $20 but really money well spent. I love the look.
First, I set my cups out in a pattern.
I set one stair tread on top.
I placed the crates on top, evenly spaced from the edges.
I placed the other stair tread on top and done for a temporary bench. So easy to glue and nail it together from this point.
The stair treads give it a nice bullnose edge to the front of the bench.
I used my favorite stain on the stair treads. Dura Seal Quick Coat.
So, here is one option... just playing around with colors and that is why one is mint and one is white.
So, I bit the bullet and spent $20 on legs and hardware.
Money well spent.
I am still working on the crates... but those legs... LOVE!
Here are the latest pictures. I am finishing out the crates to not look so crate-ish. I really love this two tone look.
I am pretty happy with it.
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Though I'm sure it doesn't take 60 seconds, I like the project. Thanks for the idea! We are moving to a new house and I want to buy or create some new furniture items. I looked through the Coleman Furniture reviews here and I'm going to make an order there. But having found your project, I guess, I'll try creating something similar.
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This is an excellent idea! I like your staining upgrades as well. I would be very temped to put doors on the front so it would hide the contents, just to increase the storage potential.
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Where did you get the cups? Could you describe them a little better please. I've gone to Target, Home Depot and Lowe's and no one knows what I'm talking about.
Very Pretty, BUT, 60 Seconds....? as described at the beginning??
Not confused, just wandering how high off the floor it is for a Bench?