DIY Kitchen Bench Seat

Cutting

• 1

  Cut two lengths of 1-by-12-inch lumber measuring 18 inches long. These are the bench legs. Label these pieces.

• 2

  Cut one length of 1-by-12 inch lumber measuring 42 inches long. This is the bench seat. Label this piece.

• 3

  Cut two lengths of 1-by-4-inch lumber measuring 42 inches long. These are the front and back of the bench. Label these pieces.

• 4

  Cut another length of 1-by-4-inch lumber measuring 40 inches long. This is the center support for the bench. Label this piece.

Assembly

• 5

  Place the two legs vertically on a flat surface. Arrange them so they are parallel to each other and 40 inches apart.

• 6

  Place one of the side pieces flat across the front of the two legs. Adjust the position of the side board until its top is flush with the top of the legs. Use one 1/2-inch wood screws to attach the side to the legs. Repeat on the other side of the bench.

• 7

  Position the center support board in between the two legs of the bench. Adjust it so that it is in the center between the two sides. Screw the board in place with 1 1/2-inch wood screws.

• 8

  Place the seat board on top of the bench frame. Adjust it so that it is centered over the bench. Screw the seat in place by screwing the ends of the board into the legs with 1 1/2-inch wood screws.

Finishing

• 9

  Fill all screw holes with wood filler. Allow the filler to dry completely.

• 10

  Sand the bench all over with 120-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface of the bench and make it more comfortable.

• 11

  Apply wood primer to the entire bench surface with a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry before painting.

• 12

  Paint the entire bench with wood paint in desired color. Let the paint dry thoroughly before use.