Last week Josh and Sarah came to town. It was awesome. Sarah managed to squeeze in a bunch of photos of me and Trey. For our fire pit idea we realized we didn't have any pretty chairs for the shoot—mostly just our camping chairs that we accidently left out in the snow. Josh was kind enough to whip up this adorable bench for our shoot. It's such a cute bench it has already made it's way into Elsie's living room.
Josh said he'd be happy to share how he made this bench (in one afternoon!). Here's what you need:
2 pine planks 3/4 " thick 10' long at least 12" wide
Drill
Screws (Tip: get Kreg wood screws! They are usually found in the tool section of your home store. They make it possible to screw in without pre driling and they won't split the wood.)
Wood glue
Sand paper (50 and 220 grit)
Optional: paint, stain, polyurethaneStep 1. Cut your pieces:
a. one 5' long (seat part)
b. two 2' long (legs) (cutting in triangle notches is not necessary, but its a simple way to give the bench a bit of character.)
c. one 4' 10.5" long (support piece)Step 2. Glue and screw in leg one either end of support piece (hint: mark the center of both sides of the boards with a pencil making it easier to line of pieces and then screwing them together.)
Step 3. Flip over and glue and screw seat piece across the middle.
Step 4. Allow glue to dry.Step 5. Sand really rough spot with 50 grit then switch to 220 grit for a smooth finish.
Step 6. Apply Stain it you prefer, let dry over night.
Step 7. apply a couple of coats of glossy, semi glossy, or satin polyurethane depending on your preference. Sand with 220 grit between coats.Step 8. Have a seat. :)
Thank you so much Josh for whipping up this bench for us! You guys rock. xo. Emma
*Photos by Arrow and Apple
Great tutorial and I love the way you added more personality to this project. You are amazing.
Posted by: janika R | March 08, 2013 at 10:59 AM
I am loving this tutorial! Thanks for the detailed instructions. I really think I could make this!
Posted by: LizI am loving this tutorial! Thanks for the detailed instructions. I really think I could make this! | March 08, 2013 at 11:33 AM
I absolutely love your blog! I am a new blogger and I am inspired daily by both of your creativity and passion!
Please come visit me over at: http://www.thezaleinvail.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Betsy Zale | March 08, 2013 at 11:40 AM
I love how simple this bench is...very clean and fresh feeling. Thanks for sharing the how to!
xo
Sarah
http://atticlace.blogspot.com
Posted by: sarah LoCascio | March 08, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Great work guys! Hand made stuff is always more beautiful! ;)
Last photo is lovely!
Xxx
http://carolinabin.com
Posted by: Carolina Bin | March 08, 2013 at 11:45 AM
So impressive and great tutorial!
xoxo
Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
Posted by: Juliette Laura | March 08, 2013 at 11:45 AM
What a great bench! Love this!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lulu | March 08, 2013 at 11:48 AM
It's a great tutorial, there's a lot of room to customize it with paint, stain, etc.
I'm mostly distracted by that beautiful mossy green blanket in the first picture. Where is it from?
Posted by: Sarah | March 08, 2013 at 11:48 AM
Great idea!
Posted by: Carlee | March 08, 2013 at 11:54 AM
Nice work on the bench! Love that the plants now have a home too :) looks so good!
Posted by: Lauren {Rustic Honey} | March 08, 2013 at 11:54 AM
It came out great!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Posted by: Jennifer | March 08, 2013 at 11:58 AM
Looks like something I could actually make. It is awesome!
Posted by: Jenny Lynn | March 08, 2013 at 12:10 PM
That bench is super cute but those painted floors... Wowza!
Posted by: Amanda | March 08, 2013 at 12:14 PM
He is a super handy guy! Wish we were more handy around here- I have a headboard I want to turn into a bench!
www.memoriesinthemess.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rebecca | March 08, 2013 at 12:15 PM
Awesome!! How perfect for the shoot.
http://developingapattern.com/
Posted by: Molly | March 08, 2013 at 12:17 PM
it would be cute if you used the bench as a guestbook at your wedding, when people enter have a cute sign and different colored markers so people can sign it and that way you have a piece of furniture that means a whole lot more :)
Posted by: Christine | March 08, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Look so nice and perfect pics. Have a ncie day.
http://www.fashiondenis.com/
Posted by: Denisa | March 08, 2013 at 12:27 PM
We have a question for you about your books!
We may have mistunderstood but we think we read that your book was finish and publish? were could we buy a copy? We are really exited to have a copy of your books!
Kélyna, Adréanne And Rachel, sisters and big fans of all your work!
Posted by: Kélyna, Adréanne & Rachel | March 08, 2013 at 12:32 PM
He makes it look so easy.. Husband and I might have to try it out!!
Posted by: Brittany | March 08, 2013 at 12:36 PM
this is great! my boyfriend built me a gorgeous arrangement of rustic cubby shelves a few months ago and now he's looking for a new project. i'll have to show him!
<3becky
www.loosefromthezoo.com
Posted by: Becky Loose From The Zoo | March 08, 2013 at 12:47 PM