Garden Bench

Fashion a relaxed garden bench out of three old chairs and some scrap lumber. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

three old chairs
5' plank
two pieces of wood (5' x 3")
selection of screws
two 6" pieces of wood trim
four 4" pieces of dowel
power saw
measuring tape
pencil
primer
paint

Steps:

1. Remove the backs of the chairs, which will form the back of the bench.
2. Prime and paint all four pieces in desired color. Once dry, sand the pieces for a distressed look.
3. Select four legs and four spreaders from the discarded chairs, and then paint and distress them as above.
4. Position the legs and spreaders (angle the spreaders for an informal look). Drill pilot holes and attach them with screws (figure A).
5. Attach the legs by drilling through the top of the seat.
6. Attach wood strips for additional support in the front and back (figure B).
7. Install the three seat backs by screwing them to the seat (figure C). Once the bench is complete, be sure to lean it against a wall for additional support.
8. To build the armrests, nail wood trim to two dowels and glue to the bench at either end (figure D).