This project was built and designed by the team at Kreg Tool. It’s a simple and stylish bench that works well in any room, whether as a hallway seat, an entryway accent, or a cozy spot in the bedroom.
If you’re looking for a woodworking project that balances clean lines with functionality, this is a great one to try. The team at Kreg Tool provides clear guidance, making it easy to build even for beginners.
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Material Selection and Versatility
The bench is built from just five boards: two 1x4s, two 1x3s, and a single 1×8 for the seat slats. All of the lumber is standard dimensional stock available at most home improvement stores.
For the base, you can choose between premium pine for a painted finish or knotty pine for a rustic look. The slats were made from oak, but if you’re painting the whole bench, pine will work just fine.
This design is easy to personalize. You can mix wood types or use different stains and paint to match your space.
Cutting and Pocket Hole Setup
Before assembly begins, each part is cut to size. The team recommends cutting the legs first, then measuring other parts off those pieces to keep everything consistent.
For joinery, the Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 320 is used to drill pocket holes into the ends of the rails. It’s set to a ¾-inch thickness setting, which works well for standard 1x boards.
This pocket hole system keeps the assembly simple and strong. It’s especially useful for anyone just getting into woodworking.
Sanding and Prepping the Wood
Once the cuts are made, the next step is sanding every piece. A random orbit sander with 120-grit sandpaper smooths the surfaces and rounds the edges for a more finished appearance.
Sanding also prepares the wood for paint or stain, helping finishes adhere better and look more polished. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result.
Assembling the Bench Base
With everything prepped, the base is assembled by joining the legs to the rails using pocket hole screws. Clamps help keep everything square while driving in the screws.
Glue is optional for added strength, but the pocket hole system alone provides a solid hold. Once complete, the frame is sturdy and ready for the next step.
Attaching the Seat Slats
Next, the slats are installed. These can be spaced evenly or adjusted by eye depending on the look you want.
Fine-thread screws are used to attach the slats without splitting the hardwood. The result is a seat that’s strong, smooth, and secure.
Painting and Finishing the Bench
The base is painted with a smooth coat using a foam roller for the large areas and a brush for corners and edges. All surfaces should be clean and dust-free before painting.
Any visible pocket holes can be painted over to help them blend in. This creates a clean, finished look with minimal effort.
Highlighting the Natural Wood Slats
Since the slats are oak, the team chose to leave them natural and finish them with gel polyurethane. This enhances the grain and adds a protective layer to handle daily use.
Two coats provide a warm, rich tone while keeping the process simple. It’s an easy way to showcase the natural beauty of hardwood without complicated finishing techniques.
Final Assembly and Enjoying the Result
After the paint and finish have dried, the bench components are brought together. The contrast between the painted base and the natural wood top adds character and depth.
Once fully assembled, the bench is ready to use. It’s a clean, modern design that fits beautifully into nearly any space.