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Build a Kid's Country Bench

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Build a Kid's Country Bench
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Beginner Projects
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A cute bench that also stores! This simple easy to build bench incorporates traditional style with storage. Add a colorful cushion and give your children a reading space. Photo by Jenny.

Build a Kid's Country Bench

Since I have received quite a few emails requesting beginner projects, or first time projects, I wanted to post a children's bench, like this one from Land of Nod, something you can build with a jigsaw and a drill, something you can build with your kids, and give to your kids.

Something you can use for storage, put at the foot of a twin bed, or even use as a nightstand.

If you haven't build anything before, this is a project for you.  Plans follow.

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Build a Kid's Country Bench

Dimensions
Build a Kid's Country Bench
Dimensions are shown above. Composition is solid wood.

Preparation

Shopping List

Shopping List 1 – 1×12, 12′ Long 1 – 1×3, 8′ Long 2″ Screws Wood Glue Wood Filler Tools Jigsaw Drill Sander Tape Measure Square Finishing Supplies

Common Materials
120 grit sandpaper
Cut List

Cutting List 2 – 1×12 @ 29 3/4″ (Shelves) 1 – 1×12 @ 6″ (Divider) 2 – 1×12 @ 18 1/4″ (Sides) 1 – 1×12 @ 36″ (Top) 2 – 1×3 @ 36″ (Top Trim)

Tools
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection

Instructions

Step 1

Divider and Shelves. Begin by marking the shelves 14 1/2″ from each end, as shown above. This is the joint. Mark both sides so you also know where to fasten from. Then drill a pilot hole and fasten the divider to the shelves, as shown above. Check for square.

Step 2

Sides. Mark the sides as you did the shelves, on both the inside and the outside. Then fasten the shelves to the sides. Predrill and countersink your screws, as you did in step 1.

Step 3

Side Cutout. Use a round object to draw out your side cutouts and then use a jigsaw to carefully cutout the sides as shown above.

Step 4

Top. Mark the top 2 3/8″ in from either end and position on top of the bench. Fasten to the sides.

Step 5

Step 6

Finish. Fill any holes with wood filler and sand and finish as desired.

Project Type
Side and End Table Plans
Bench
Room
Bathroom
Bedroom
Kids and Toys
living room
Nursery and Baby
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Angie (not verified)

Thu, 04/08/2010 - 06:26

I'm in the middle of painting 10 peices of furniture for my first sale ever as well as redecorating my home but this is one project I plan on trying to tackle. You are an inspiration! Thank you for showing the rest of us that Yes You Can!! ;)

Lici (not verified)

Thu, 04/08/2010 - 06:47

thank you. i just started on the small picnic table and i love that the size is so manageable. i'll be trying this bench next. it's great to have low cost projects to build confidence on.

Flipperdelph (not verified)

Thu, 04/08/2010 - 06:56

Hi,

I've never done anything but I'd loved trying this one out...!
Just a newbie question: will the screws remain visible, or should we hide them with wood filler ?
Thanks !

Tuli (not verified)

Thu, 04/08/2010 - 07:06

@Flipperdelph: You'll want to countersink the screws, which lets the head of the screw sit below the plane of the board and allows you to fill the holes with wood filler.

gkey (not verified)

Thu, 04/08/2010 - 11:54

Dear Clever-Country-Carpenter,
I have yet to start my first project....I continue to read every single word here on your site though. (Thank you. Please don't disappear before I get to start) Holding out hope for a building center to be created and some tools and supplies in place for my birthday and mothers day in just a few weeks!
love,
thinking of many wonderful creations I CAN do myself
in
NE

Amanda (not verified)

Fri, 04/09/2010 - 03:15

Nice, with some hook and loop with nice fabric, you can even hide the shelves. These may be my dining room benches.

Stephanie Lujan (not verified)

Sat, 01/05/2013 - 22:55

Hi, I am in the middle of making this bench. It's super cute and we want to use it as an entry-way bench to sit on while removing your shoes, etc... But, it suddenly occurred to me that this may not be weight-bearing. Any responses would be helpful.
Thanks!

Jake

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 06:17

Stephanie this bench should be very sturdy. You can improve its sturdiness by using a combination of PH screws and good wood glue (I use Titebond III) and maybe add the right angle braces you can get at Big Orange or Big Blue. If you are not into PHs then use good glue as you screw the project together. In the end, however, if it does start to sway the user should have time to get off before total failure.