If you are a follower of this blog you should know by now that I am NOT creative. Try as I might, I do more screwing up and building. I did come across a relatively easy (even for me) bench project that I wanted to share. Cool thing? It can be done in a day (again, even by me!).
It literally takes two boards and 18 screws (plus a few tools!). How easy is that???
I was very skeptical at first because I thought this was too easy and therefore too good to be true. As you will see, it was actually easy and only took a few hours. A more skilled woodworker will probably be able to knock this project out in less than half the time it took me. For a beginner though, set aside about 4 -5 hours just to be on the safe side. As a side note, I purchased double the boards I needed and some extra deck screws. This was a personal choice in case I measured wrong or lost a screw or two. After all, when it comes to these projects I have been known to mess up. For me, it is always rather safe than sorry type of situation. Plus, who has time to go back to the hardware store if they mess up?!
Tools:
You will need the following tools:
Speed Square
Drill/Driver
Circular Saw
Countersink Drill Bit
Materials:
2 2×8 boards
18 2 ½ inch deck screws
Construction Adhesive
Exterior Finish
The legs:
You will use the 2×8 10ft board for the legs. Start at the end of the board and mark off a 22 ½ degree line with the speed square (you will draw at an angle). Repeat this step one more time with this board. You should have each end marked off. After you have both of your angles marked, you can begin cutting.
Using your circular saw you will now cut along the lines you marked. Since I am not well versed in the saws and their usage, I had my husband assist me to make sure I was doing this correctly (scroll up in case you may wonder why!). Once you cut the ends off, measure the length of the board that remains. Mark the line at the halfway point. Now cut along that line. **You should have two smaller pieces of wood, the same angle/length and two bigger pieces.
The seat and back:
Measure the length of the 8ft board. Mark the center/halfway point with a straight line. Using your circular saw cut the line. You should now have two boards that are 4ft each in length.
Assembly:
You are now ready to assemble the pieces. Start by joining the legs together with (3) 2 ½ deck screws and the adhesive. Pre-drill 3 holes in the middle of the leg board and the top (on each side). You should now have 3 screws in on each leg and 6 holes drilled on each leg. Attach the seat board to the middle and the back of the bench to the top.
Once all of the parts are screwed in, take the exterior finish and paint the bench. Let dry completely for about 24 hours, just to be safe. After this step is completed you are ready to enjoy your bench.
Legs:
You will start by cutting the legs out of the 2×8 x 10ft board.