Materials:
1" x 4" pine lumber
circular saw
tape measure
carpenter 's square
power drill
power screwdriver
galvanized screws
wood glue
sandpaper
exterior alkyd primer
exterior latex paint
Steps:
- Cut five top boards measuring 4' in length. Use the circular saw to cut the boards to length . Sand smoothly using a 120-grit sandpaper, softening the edges (remember you'll be sitting on this!).
- Cut four 2" x 2" boards to a length of 16" (these will be used for the inside of the legs). Cut eight 1" x 4" boards to a length of 16" (these will be the outer part of the leg). Attach the 1x4s to the 2x2s (lay them lengthwise together and attach using galvanized screws). What you will have is a 2x2 with the two 1x4s shaped like an "L". Assemble all four legs in this manner. Sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper.
- Cut the front and the back apron boards out of 1" x 4" lumber to a length of 37 1/2" (Why the half? Once the sides are attached to the legs, the length of the sides and the legs together will allow the top boards to hang over 3" on each end--get it? Don't worry, you will!). Cut out your side aprons to a length of 11 7/16 ".
- Lay two legs down flat, and attach the front apron to the back of the legs. The board should butt against the 2" x 2", attach it using galvanized screws. Do the same for the other two legs. Then attach the two side aprons to complete the bottom of the bench. To support the top boards,cut 3 2" x 2" boards to the length of the measurement between the front and back apron. Attach from the front and back apron by drilling pilot holes and use galavanized screws. Patch the holes with exterior spackle. You should now have the bottom of the bench constructed.
- Find the center of the side apron and mark. Set the first top board so that the center of the top board will rest on the center of the side apron (allow the board to hang over 3" on each end). Screw up from underneath the 2" x 2" into the bottom of the top board (it's a good idea to drill pilot holes through the 2" x 2 " so the wood won't split). Using a couple of nails as a spacer, place the next board on the top of the bench and again attach from underneath. Do this for the remaining top boards. You should have an overhang at the edge of 1". Now you should have a great outdoor bench built.
Note: Prime and paint all the boards before you attach all the pieces. It's almost impossible to get between the slats once it's assembled.
stain for railing spindles - Northern White
stain for railing caps - Olde Ironside
Resources stain - Cuprinol
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Website:
www.sherwin.com Also in this Episode
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