Looking for a woodworking project that combines simplicity with elegance? Nick from Rad Dad Builds has crafted an amazing bench perfect for any entryway. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a functional and stylish piece that fits seamlessly into your home.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Maple lumber for the frame
- White oak for the bench top
- Titebond 2 glue
- Osmo oil finish
- White application pads
Tools:
- Router
- Vacuum
- Sander
- Drill
- Nail Gun
Step 1: Preparing the Area and Materials
The first step is to assess the area where the bench will be placed. Nick transformed his entryway by removing an unsightly pony wall and post that made the space feel cramped. He then decided to build a bench to cover the transition left on the floor.
Step 2: Milling the Lumber
Nick selected pieces of maple lumber for the frame and brought them to his jointer. Using the jointer, he created two flat surfaces perpendicular to each other on the lumber.
Step 3: Cutting to Size
Next, he set the guide on his table saw to six inches wide and ripped the pieces down. After ripping, he brought them down to their final thickness using a planer. While this process can be skipped by purchasing pre-milled lumber, Nick enjoys the milling stage.
Step 4: Cutting the Frame
He cut the underside of the frame to size with a 45-degree miter on each end using his miter saw, with an overall length of four feet. Nick then transferred these measurements to another piece of lumber and cut them the same way.
Step 5: Assembling the Frame
Before gluing the frame together, Nick removed any stubborn marks left from the milling process using an orbital sander. He also cut dominoes in all four corners of the frame for better alignment during gluing.
To glue the frame, Nick used Titebond 2 wood glue, applying it to each of the miters before tapping the frame together and clamping it to dry for a couple of hours.
Step 6: Preparing the Bench Top
While the frame dried, he selected a suitable piece of white oak for the bench top. After milling it flat and bringing it to an inch and a half in thickness, he cut it to 10 inches in width.
Step 7: Finalizing the Frame
Once the frame had dried, Nick removed the clamps and applied a chamfered edge to all the edges of the frame using a quarter-inch palm router. He then sanded all parts to a smooth 220 grit finish.
Step 8: Applying the Finish
For the finish, Nick used Osmo oil, applying it with a white pad and then wiping off the excess after letting it sit for a few minutes.
Step 9: Installing the Bench
Before bringing the bench in, Nick marked where the joists were below the floor using painter’s tape. He positioned the bench, transferring the markings to the frame, and pre-drilled holes for screws.
He applied a sparing amount of construction adhesive on the subfloor before securing the bench in place, ensuring it was square by shimming behind it.
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Using a 3/8-inch plug cutter, he cut plugs from a scrap piece of maple to cover the screws. After gluing and tapping the plugs in, he cut them flush and sanded them smooth.
Finally, Nick drilled holes to attach the bench top to the frame, clamped it down, and screwed it permanently in place. After cleaning up the dust, he applied a second coat of Osmo oil to complete the project.
Conclusion
This simple yet effective bench not only enhances the entryway but also adds a practical seating solution. Whether placed in an entryway, living room, or any other space, this bench is a versatile addition to any home.