After seeing benches like these on a wedding blog, I really wanted to build my own. It was a super easy project, and really cheap! Here's what you need:
• 2 – 2x6x8′ boards. They cost about $3 each at Home Depot.
• Screws, sandpaper and stain.
Cut List:
3 – 2×6 @ 47″
4 – 2×6 @ 16″
That’s it! I decided how long I wanted my bench to be (which was 47" long by 16" tall). Then, I cut out my pieces. I decided to do 45 degree angle joints on the ends, as opposed to having a flat edge exposed on the sides. I had to use my table saw to get the 45′s on the legs and two flat boards. This was very effin’ scary. Using my Kreg jig, I drilled holes in both of the flat boards that sandwich the tall center one. I offset my holes so that the screws wouldn’t hit each other. You can see in the picture that I accidentally drilled holes in my center piece too. Builder fail. That side will just have to face the back ;)
Attach your 3 top boards together. Then screw in your legs. I decided not to countersink and fill, kind of because I like the industrial look, but mostly because I’m lazy. Then you just sand that sucker up and voila! You’ve got a gorgeous bench perfect for any home. I decided to get a little fancy with my finishing and do a two-tone stain. It took about an hour to do the two colors and not drip on everything, as opposed to the 15 minutes one color would take. I think the extra time was definitely worth it!
Comments
LoriQ (not verified)
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 16:58
here's a dumb question
How is the center top board attached to the ones on either side? I've never built anything before, so this is probably obvious to everyone else. :-/
LoriQ (not verified)
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 17:00
here's a dumb question
How is the center top board attached to the other top boards? I've never built anything, so this is probably obvious to everyone else. :-/
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 03/12/2012 - 20:39
I used a kreg jig to join the
I used a kreg jig to join the 3 boards. If you don't have a jig you can "toenail" the screws by drilling them from below at a 45 degree angle. I would join the vertical into one side at a typical 90 degree angle, then toenail the other board. You could add extra security with L brackets
claydowling
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 03:57
Scary table saw
The usual solution for cutting a long piece like this on a table saw is to build a crosscut sled first. There are a lot of good guides on the internet for how to build a crosscut sled.
I build something that is a bit oversized, so much so that I had to incorporate a box for some weights so it's stable on my table. But I can easily support a three foot board on this sled with room to spare before it runs off the end.
The sled supports the board and makes it so you aren't fighting your work in a dangerous situation. This sled made my saw completely non-scary to use.
One thing I've noticed about a table saw is that when you buy the saw, that's only the start of the tool. You'll spend a lot of time refining it with add-ons and jigs that you build for it.
Alicia47
Sat, 01/25/2014 - 11:12
Measurements
I wanted to make this bench, went and bought the supplies, got home to cut it, and the measurements are off. I cannot figure out any possible way to make this bench 47 inches long without running out of wood. Is it possible that the measurements are off? Or can I just not figure out how to cut it so I don't fall short on my wood? Someone please help!