DealDash Builds: a Bench
Building a simple bench from scratch is very easy even with a minimum of woodworking skills and can even be a fun family project.
Building a bench from scratch can be a wonderful bonding experience with your kids, and should only take an afternoon unless you decide to turn the “simple” bench into a much more intricate one.
The first thing that you are going to need to do is make sure that you have the proper materials for the job. The bare minimum of what you will need is listed below.
Materials:
- Saw (or pre-cut wood)
- Paintbrush
- Drill
- Wood screws
- 2×10 wooden board
- 2×2 cut to 8′ length
- 1X4 wooden board 8′ (2)
- Wooden dowl rod
- Paint or wood stain
Directions:
- Cut the side pieces for your bench. Take a single 2×10 wooden board and cut two equal sized pieces to the height of your new bench using a saw.
- Attach the brace bar. Using wood screws for each bar, attach a 2×2 cut to 8′ length to each side piece. This 2×2 should be attached 1 ½” from the top of the side pieces. Be sure not to use the screws closer to any of the edges of the board so your wood doesn’t split.
- Attach the sides of the bench to each other. Use two 8’ 1x4s to attach the sides of the bench to each other. The top edge of the 1×4 will be flush with the top of the side pieces.
- Drill dowel holes into both ends of the 2x2s and the matching location on the 1x4s. Use dowels to attach these and then use your wood screws, pass from the outside of the bench sides and into the 1x4s, use two screws for each end of the 1×4 boards.
- Add the seating area. Use two 8’ 2x4s. Use long wood screws, go through the side boards and into the seat boards, please use 6 screws on each side.
- Paint your creation. If you made this bench with your kids, how about letting them paint this bench however they would like? When they get sick of it being lime green or hot pink you can always paint it a more “grown up” color.
That’s it, folks. If you need to get some supplies before you get started on your project make sure you visit DealDash. DealDash has the tools that you will need for this project as well as just about any other home improvement that you can think of doing. Just click on this link here and it will take you to the Home, Garden, and Tools category.
