How to Make a Simple Bench
Awhile back I built a trough party table from a free table that I was given. Unfortunately, the table did not come with any chairs or benches. Not being able to follow plans very well I made my own benches making up the design as I went along. This bench was the out come, which made my trough party table more appealing to a buyer.
The table I wanted the benches for was a bigger than average table, So my sizes were to fit this table. Sizes available on my website. I started by making my frame which was so simple. I drilled my holes and lined the wood up and screwed in the screws.
I used recycled wood, which I cleaned up by feeding it through a thickness planer. This removed all the old stain and varnish and cleaned the wood ready to build. I cut 12 pieces of wood to the correct height. (This will depends on the table you use and the height you want the bench to be). The legs were given a quick sand with and orbital sander and the edges removed with a wood router to soften the look.
I used a spade bit to drill half way through the legs because I was unable to get longer carriage bolts to attach the legs. It does not show in the image but I also added a long screw through the legs into the base to stop the legs from moving. Glue was added for extra measure.
The carriage bolt heads add a nicer look to the bench. But any bolts can be used.
I cut smaller sections of wood to fit between the legs to make them more sturdy. I used a countersink drill bit to drill out the screw hole so I could hide the screws. These were later filled with wood filler.
The tops of my benches were made from recycled wood planks left over from a building site. The sides of the wood planks were damaged which were cut down using a table saw. I started in the middle of the bench frame adding the top planks working my way out. The screws were countersunk so the heads did not stick out and cause injury.
There was too much excess wood hanging over the sides. These were trimmed down using a circular saw. The edges were rounded off with a wood router and round over bit. The surface was sanded using an orbital sander, using 120 grit up to 320 grit sandpaper.
TA-DA A simple wooden bench that can be made to fit any table or picnic bench. Building this project out of recycled materials mean the cost to me was next to nothing. Your costs may differ depending on what supplies you have at home. This bench still took me a day to complete. I must of had many coffee breaks. Looking for your next project don't overlook that broken chair on the side of the road it could become your next treasure like mine. Looking for a new game for family gathering or parties check out this super fun horse racing game for all ages.
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Momo s on Apr 20, 2019
I like it!...but I'm wondering why you didn't make the frame the width of the 4 boards you were using rather than have to trim the overhang
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Unique Creations By Anita on Apr 20, 2019
I originally wanted a bit of hangover but once I sat in it I found it dug into the back of my legs. So I just cut the hangover away.
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Unique Creations By Anita on May 02, 2019
Thank you😁
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