Looking for a simple yet stunning woodworking project? These beautiful X-leg benches were created by Houseful of Handmade, and they are perfect for any entryway or outdoor space.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Hickory boards (or wood of your choice)
- 1×4 boards
- Wood glue
- Dowel pins
- Screws (1″ and 2″)
- Self-centering doweling jig
- Circular saw
- Planer
- Sander
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Wood finish (optional)
Step 1: Choosing Your Wood
Start by choosing your wood. For this project, the creator selected beautiful hickory boards. Hickory is known for its hardness and durability, making it an excellent choice for furniture. If you can’t find hickory, feel free to use any hardwood that suits your taste.
Step 2: Cutting the Bench Tops
Using a circular saw and a piece of rigid foam for support, cut the hickory boards to the desired length for your bench tops. The foam prevents the wood from bending while cutting, ensuring a clean cut.
Step 3: Preparing the Legs
Next, cut the legs from the 1×4 boards. Each leg needs to be cut at an angle, so make sure to set up a stop to ensure all pieces are the same length. This will help create a sturdy base for your benches.
Step 4: Creating a Jig for Assembly
To ensure that both X’s are even, build a simple jig from scrap plywood. This will help you align the legs correctly during assembly, preventing any wobbliness in the final product.
Step 5: Assembling the X-Legs
Using your self-centering doweling jig, drill dowel holes into the top of each leg. Once the holes are prepared, glue and screw the legs together, then fill the screw holes with dowels to keep everything neat and tidy.
Step 6: Attaching the Bench Top
Now it’s time to attach the legs to the bench top. Use dowel center points to mark where to drill holes in the bench top for the legs. This will ensure that everything aligns perfectly.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the glue is dry, give the entire bench a thorough sanding to smooth out any rough edges. If desired, apply a wood finish to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve built your own beautiful X-leg benches. These pieces not only serve a functional purpose but also add character to your space.