It is obvious I love reclaimed wood, and crates, but maybe you didn't know I also have a thing for benches too.
True story.
So...I built a bench out of old fence wood!
Sometimes I wonder if the people that threw this wood away would ever imagine that it could be this cute?! Probably not. It's all good, I have no problem with getting their trash and turning it into a treasure, for FREE!
There is just something about the natural rustic goodness that gets me giddy! Don't you agree? Oh, and do you remember my
"Sign and Chalkboard in One"? My kids have loved writing messages on it all summer.
So, do you want to make one? Well then, let's get started!
I cut the wood for this bench several weeks ago, and when I went to use my air compressor, it was dead. I was so frustrated, because I was so excited to build it. Fast forward to last week, and a new air compressor.
I am sure I took more pictures of the cutting process, but they are totally MIA. And so I tried to give you descriptions on the photos I had. I personally think it is easier to understand by looking at the pictures, but I wrote descriptions too.
The top board is from some fence boards I got at our city clean up last year, they are huge, 1x12's! So in love. I have big plans for the others stashed behind my shed. Anyway, I wanted the legs slightly tapered so I went with a 10 degree miter and a 5 degree bevel.
First, I determined the bench length I wanted, and cut the side piece to that length (mine was approx. 32 inches short point to short point, that is the top part), with the 10 degree miter on the ends. I also determined my height (approx 19 inches), and cut my legs (which were the support boards to a fence) from the 2x4's.
As you can see I laid the legs out and placed the top end of the side piece flush with the outside end of the leg. I then placed the board for the top of my bench and marked the length for the cut.
Next, I needed to get the width for my end pieces. I put down the top of the bench that I had cut, and stood the side board on its end and drew a line, I did that on both sides.
Using the lines as a guide I placed an end board down with one side already mitered. And marked where I needed to cut the other side. That gave me the measurements for the two end pieces.
I hope this is making since, it is my way of building without a plan and figuring the cuts and measurements as I go, I guess I could try to write up a plan, but life seems a little too crazy for me to add that to my plate!
Once all the pieces are cut it is time for the fun part, the build! Except if your air compressor breaks....then you wait, or just build without it, which you totally could do, skipping the nails and just using screws.
I decided that if I used the nail gun to attach all the pieces, then it would be faster to put together, so I waited until last week and then got to work. I was so glad I did! The glue and nails were perfect to build the bench quickly, and then I went back and added screws, which made it very sturdy.
I started by gluing and nailing one side piece to the legs. Make sure your legs are going the right direction and lean into the center, it can get confusing! When I finished cutting the legs I stood them all up together and marked the very center points so I didn't have to figure it out later, you can see an example in my
"I turned an end table into a desk" post, just scroll down to where I make the stool.
Then I did the other side. These legs would make a cute little stool wouldn't they? Just add another piece to each side....oh, sorry, sometimes I can't help it....back to the build.
The long side piece was next.
And the last side piece, don't forget the glue!
Ready for the top! See it sitting under the bench ready to be put on? I glued and nailed it down on all four sides.
This shot shows you where I placed the screws, I pre-drilled the holes and screwed them in, making sure to go right into the legs. I also screwed the top into the legs. It is nice and sturdy.
And that is it!
This little guy is going to be put to use! It's purpose will be for more than just holding a book...
I was just having fun taking pictures! My hope is to convert this small area, and that closet you see on the right into some type of mudroom area. I have put a lot of thought into it. I already have another project in the works, but this bench was the first installment of "My quest for a mudroom!" Without the space for one, I am trying to get creative, it is hard work! Lol!
Hugs!
Mindi
I will be linking to
these parties.