How To Make A Bench For $3
I try to be super resourceful with my materials and in this project it was no different. This only cost me the price of the screws because I was able to source some free wood strips from my local lumber store. These are the scraps they use on the forklift to move the wood from one place to another. When they are done, they trash them \ so you can get them for free. If you have a local recycling center in your area, you can also find some paint and stains for free which is how I got hold of mine.
After my clever resourcing, this whole project cost me $3! Being crafty doesn't have to be expensive as there are so many free supplies out there. Just do some research and see what's available in your area. There's no need for anything to go to waste! Let's help save the planet!
What you’ll need:
Wood - 2x3 4 @ 8” 4 @16” and @48” or adjust to the size you want
Black paint
Stain (I used old English by Minwax)
2.5” screws (I had 3” so I had to be careful they didn’t come though)
I started by sanding all my pieces of wood.
Next, I built my legs. They are a simple rectangular shape using my 2 8” and 2 16” pieces.
Like this.
Using my square and screw driver I attached them using 2 screws in each corner.
Like this.
Then I painted them with my black spray paint.
Next, I took my 48” long wooden boards for my bench top and stained them while the legs were drying.
Once the legs dried, I sanded the edges to give them a distressed look.
Once the boards were stained, I laid them on the floor with the top facing down. I then used my T square and lined up my boards. I marked a line 6.5" from the edge across all the boards in pencil. This is where I'll place the legs.
Like this
Then, I spaced my boards with my pencil to give a little space in between each board and screwed all the boards to the leg. This way you won't see any screws from the top of the bench.
Here it is all done! I love the way it came out!
I love it! I hope you do too and I hope you try to use some free resources for your next projects.
Be sure to check out my YouTube channel and Facebook page for more great projects!
Comments
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free wood strapping wood . i pick it up every time I go to my hardware store they are glad to get rid of it . i am happier to get it
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Awesome Job,it's beautiful!! And I LOVED how you used scrap wood!!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Hi Shelly...
How's the bench holding up..? Did you need to add any extra support to the legs (where they attach to the bench top) to keep it from being 'side-wobbly'..?
I love it and am going to build some...we're constantly mentioning that we need a little bench 'here or there' when we're outside. :)