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Turquoise Flip-Top Bench

This was my first solo project using Ana's plans. I did the whole thing while my husband was out of town, with my 4 kids (including a toddler and newborn) milling around. We surprised him with it for his birthday when he got home. He was shocked.

The plans were straight-forward and easy to understand. I had everything cut at the hardware store, because I was afraid of the miter saw, but I ended up using it anyway to fix an incorrect measurement. (It wasn't so bad.)

I painted the bottom and stained the top separately, before putting them together, so I could get the finishes everywhere, and there wouldn't be bare wood showing through when you open the top.

I used narrow profile hinges, just like in the plan, and they work beautifully. Three was the prefect amount. The trickiest part was screwing the top on, because I was afraid the screws would protrude into the storage compartment. But I measured carefully (several times) and used clamps to keep everything in place. Then I marked where the screws would go with chalk. It worked perfectly.

This bench is the final step in reworking our entryway. We have a small house with lots of kids, so we need our spaces to work for us. Having a bench that also keeps up with our library books is a perfect addition. I can't wait to use Ana's plans to make the rest of the house work for us too!

More details on the blog post.
http://lassothemoon.typepad.com/lasso_the_moon/2013/06/entryway-flip-to…

Thanks, Ana!

ps. The time estimated is total time--including working around the kids, and trying to figure out how to turn on the miter saw (20 min!).

The money is my estimate of what it actually cost, even though my hardware store bill was a little more--but I'm using some of the screws, stain, etc on other projects.

Blog Link
Flip-Top Turquoise Bench
Built from Plan(s)
Pine Board Flip Top Storage Bench
Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The top is stained with "Early American" stain, a couple coats on each side. I had to touch up the stain when I filled the screw holes in the top and sanded them down. It didn't cover completely, but the holes do blend in nicely.

The paint is Behr "Mermaid Treasure". Then I sanded the corners lightly and wiped on some stain and quickly wiped it off again. I love it!
More details on the blog post.
http://lassothemoon.typepad.com/lasso_the_moon/2013/06/entryway-flip-top-turquoise-bench.html
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

SoCaliforniaMel

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 23:30

Great job on your first "solo" build. I still use my husband all the time too. He is a contractor and all so it's handy having him around especially when I need heavy stuff moved. hehe. I just hate when he says "your gonna cut your arm off". Geez :P My dad doesn't even worry about that and has let me cut wood since age 12. Anywho....
It looks like you've been building all by yourself for years. Very well built and looks sturdy. It can be hard with a whole bunch of little one running around. Or wanting to play with the power tools without realizing how dangerous. I always unplug my miter saw when it's not in use. (I too have to work around 4 little ones, boys ranging from 12 - 2) Don't be afraid of the saw. It's a lot easier than it looks, just watch your fingers. (or arms) haha
~Melody

Lasso the Moon

Sat, 07/06/2013 - 06:44

Yeah, after the first couple cuts I wasn't scared at all. But I did remember to unplug it every time. And lock it down. My 2-year-old wanted to help me drill all the holes--it's a wonder I got those hinges on straight. I do love the pocketholes for child participation, though. She set the screws in the holes for me, and thought she was big stuff.

SoCaliforniaMel

Sun, 07/07/2013 - 00:39

I never even thought about letting my 2 year old put the screws in. I always just have him hand me things or let him play w/ scrap wood. I dont have a Kreg Jig, I just hold the drill at an angle, but pocket holes are pocket holes right?. I'm gonna try that. Thanks. He will be so happy to actually get to do big boy work
~Melody

Lasso the Moon

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 21:14

Just a heads up if you want a pockethole jig...I couldn't afford the Kreg, and wasn't sure I'd even like building, so my husband found one at Harbor Freight for about $40. A little more affordable. If this one goes bad somehow, I'll probably upgrade, but it was a great way to start drilling pocket holes with not quite so much investment.
--Anna