How to Build a Contemporary Bench

Adding a contemporary bench to any room can not only be a gorgeous decorative element, but will provide additional seating for guests. Low benches can be created to place at the foot of a bed or placed under a window sill to create window seating. Contemporary style benches can be purchased in furniture stores. However, due to the clean lines of contemporary style, it is relatively simple to make a homemade contemporary bench.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Half-inch plywood
• Saw
• Wood glue
• Corner clamps
• Drill with drill bit
• Screws
• Wood putty
• Putty knife
• Metal shelving brackets
• Sandpaper or sander
• Paintbrushes
• Primer
• Paint
• Clear protective spray paint

Instructions

Preparation

1. Measure the area the bench is to be placed. This will give you an idea of the size of the final bench. Make a notation of these measurements, being sure to measure the width, height and length of the space.

2. Cut the seat of the bench from half-inch plywood. The seat should be as long and wide as the measurements of the area the bench is to be placed.

3. Saw the feet of the bench. Three bench feet must be cut out for benches longer than four feet. The bench feet should be simple, clean squares or rectangles, depending on the height of the bench. Make sure to cut the feet according to the height measurement taken in Step 1. Keep in mind that an additional half-inch will be added to the height of the feet due to the thickness of the bench seat.

4. Place the bench seat face-down. Apply a line of wood glue to each short end of the back of the bench face. Then, glue the feet into place. The feet should be flush with the end of the bench seat. Clamp the feet to the bench seat.

5. Use the tape measure to find the center of the bench seat. Apply a line of glue down the center and glue the third foot into place. Let the glue dry.

6. Carefully turn the bench over so that the feet are on a flat floor. Two people may be needed to do this, since the center foot is only held in place with glue.

Assembly

1. Pre-drill holes through the top of the bench seat into the feet beneath. Pre-drill holes every three inches. Then, screw the feet into place. Make sure the screws have a flat head and go slightly below the surface of the bench seat.

2. Apply wood putty to the top of the screw heads. Make sure the wood putty rises slightly above the plywood. Use the putty knife to tightly pack the screw-head holes with putty. Let dry.

3. Screw metal shelving brackets into the corners created by the feet and the bench. Two brackets should be used for each foot. Hold the bracket in place and screw in the top to the underside of the bench seat first. Then, screw the bracket to the backside of the foot. Four brackets should be used for the center foot; two on one side and two on the other.

4. Sand the entire surface of the bench to smooth rough edges and sand down the dried wood putty so that it is flat. Use an electric sander for faster results.

Painting

1. Apply one or two layers of primer to the entire bench. Let the primer dry in between coats. Make sure the primer is thoroughly dry before proceeding.

2. Paint the bench in the desired color to match with the room design. Two or more coats may be needed for full coverage. Let dry.

3. Spray on a clear protective coat for latex paint using long, even strokes. Apply one or two coats. Let dry for at least 24 hours before sitting on the bench.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use paint and spray protective coatings in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Handyman Wire: Building a Bench for Your Deck