Garden Bench

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Comment by John Harrison on April 7, 2011 at 8:56pm

Step - by - Step instructions with each photo.

Comment by John Harrison on April 7, 2011 at 8:25pm

Stair Treads.  Picket Fence. Nails or Screws. Paint/Stain (Optional)

First, set up your dado blades 3/4". Set for a 3/4 cutting depth.  Strike a cut line 14" from the bottom of 2 treads (make sure they are opposing directionally).  You will be cutting a 1 1/2" wide dado.  Next, attach the seat to the sides with three 2" screws or nails.

Next, use the 2x4 from the picket fence and cut a piece the inside width of the bench. Attach to the base, flush with the floor.

Now, cut two more pieces of 2x4 the width of the bench. 45 the ends (as shown).  Lay across the back side of the bench and evenly space 5 pickets as you would want them.  Strike cut lines (you will dado out this area so that the pickets sit flush to your bench).  See pics.

Next, lay your pickets across your bench and attach the first brace so that the bottom of the brace is flush to the bottom of the seat.  Nail or screw accordingly.  Next, attach the second brace toward the top of the back side (as shown).

Make two 45* braces for your arm rests.  Next, make two arm rests.  I took 1 piece of tread 6" wide and split it in 2, using the table saw.  Router top and bottom edges (3 sides - not the back edge) with a 1/4 round bit.  Attach braces and rests and you're done!

This project takes less than 2 hours to make, and with little to no cost!

I get the stair treads for free from a local case maker (all the scrap and miscuts go into the dumpster...Free for the taking (ask first, it's always best).  I look on craig's list under free stuff for the picket fence.

I sell these benches unfinished for $50.00

Painted or stained for $65.00

A GREAT way to make some extra money.  ENJOY !!!!