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5 Board Bench

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 23:05
Difficulty
Starter Projects
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A simple bench that you can build from five basic boards. This bench can find uses throughout your home or even outdoors. Apply a beautiful finish to take this bench from basic to beautiful.

Dimensions
41 1/2" x11 1/2" x 36"

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 1×12 (8′ Length)
2 – 1×4 (8′ Length)

Common Materials
1 1/2 inch screws
2 inch finish nails
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

2 – 1×12 @ 17 1/4″ (Sides)
2 - 1×4 @ 41 1/2″ (Side Apron)
1 – 1×4 @ 36″ (Center Support)
1 – 1×12 @ 41 1/2″ (Top)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

Cut all your boards first. Predrill all your screw holes with a countersink bit. Always use glue. Check for square as you progress. Work on a clean level surface. Have fun and be safe.

Instructions

Step 1

Cut your sides as shown above. Use the measurements above to guide you.

Step 2

Cut your side apron pieces as shown above. The cut will be 2″ deep on either end.

Step 3

Fasten the center support as shown above. Keep top edge flush with the sides.

Step 4

Attach the sides as shown above. The apron sides will overextend the bench sides by 2″, as shown above.

Step 5

Project Type
Bench
Coffee Tables
Side and End Table Plans
Room
Bedroom
entry way
living room

Comments

bsurrounded (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 05:17

I don't need a bench, but I think I'm going to try this on a sofa side table. Thanks for sharing a finishing technique. I love the effect. What type of poly do you use? I love all your posts!

Catherine peac… (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 06:07

I've wanted one of these benches for a long time and I never see them. I will definitely make this one! I actually haven't done any wood work since highschool, but I'm looking forward to this one. Thanks for the great tutorial.

Funky Junk Interiors (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 07:08

I LOVE this post! I've been keeping my eye open for an authentic old bench in JUST the right slightly oversized depth but that's not going so well. :) This way would ensure I gitter done.

Thanks for the insructions! This one's a keeper for me!

I've never built anything myself from start to finish so this could prove interesting. :)

Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

Taija (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 08:36

Oh my goodness! My heart is leaping with delight! I have just the place for this little cutie. I Think I will make one! Thanks for sharing ALL of your wonderful ideas and plans!

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 10:19

My husband made me a very similar little bench for our porch (and our dining room in the winter). I love it. We didn't distress it, though. Next time.

Thanks for all your plans. I'm a pretty new reader and my husband and I have been loving going through your archives.

(PS - If you have a second, check out our version of the bench here. http://newlywoodwards.blogspot.com/2009/09/little-bench-built-for-two.h…)

Jackie (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 10:54

Just found your site through Ohdeedoh, and I have to say you are an angel for providing all these plans! The furniture is gorgeous... haven't gone many pages back yet but I already know my husband and I will just be aching to build every piece on the blog. Amazing work!

Jeanette (not verified)

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 14:44

My first visit to your site, I have wanted one of these little benches forever, I can't wait to build one, thanks for your hard work!