Chevron Wood Bench With Hairpin Legs!

I built a wood bench for my tiny front porch!

But turns out my husband likes it...so it ended up in our room!

Chevron is such a popular pattern and adds some fun when done with wood!

Step 1: Supplies!

Supplies:
Plywood

Pine boards or reclaimed wood

Miter saw/Table saw

Liquid Nails

Apple cider vinegar

Steel wool

Hairpin Legs

Screws/drill/bits

Polyurethane

Step 2: Make a Base

I used a lot of reclaimed wood for this build...
but some new lumber too.

First I measured and cut the plywood down with the table saw to the right size for the porch.

12 inches deep and 5 feet long.

Step 3: Start Mitering!

Next, I pulled out the miter saw I bought at a yard sale for $30 a
whole year ago and still haven't used!

(Brand new these saws range from $150 to $500!)

I know, a year ago! I'm kicking myself...this is the BEST tool ever!

It's super easy to set the cut angle to whatever degree you need.

I set mine at 45* and started cutting!

I decided to set my chevron off center...for sheer aesthetic purposes.
So the long section was 11 inches long, while the short pieces were 5.5 inches.

It just took some careful measuring and I was in business!
They come together on 45* angles and the other end is cut at the 45* too!

Until all the pieces fit together.

Then it's just some fancy figuring to get all the little corners and clean edges.

Step 4: Sanding!

Once in place, I sanded each board.

I have a hand sander, but decided a belt sander would be awesome!

After all, it's gotta be smooth enough to sit on!

Step 5: Aging, Distressing...

Next...I did a distressing technique on a couple of the boards.
I didn't want them all to look the same.

So I used a little Apple Cider Vinegar and Steel Wool...

And just rubbed down a few boards.

And...they basically just look wet.

But...let them dry completely overnight.

In the morning...look at these speckles!
The distressing is fun and makes them look

weathered...although they are completely smooth!

I love the variation!

Step 6: Glue It Down and Seal It!

Okay, next. Liquid Nails.
Just like putting frosting on a cupcake!

I put the glue on the chevron piece and then fit it into place on the plywood.

Until they are all glued down!

Now to wait and let it dry completely!

Next I painted the top with polyurethane...2 quick coats.

Step 7: Add the Legs!

Next it's easy to just flip the board over and secure the legs with screws!

{Using the drill I won back in July!}

A Bench is only as good as its legs.
I received 4 fabulous Flat Tip Hairpin legs from Hairpin Legs for Less!

These are 18" raw steel legs...they run $17 each plus shipping.

They are available in tons of colors for about $35 each.

Flip it over and enjoy!

Step 8: Sit Back and Relax!

This bench pairs great with a dining table too!

I want to get some longer legs and build a wood top desk...I love this look!

Perfect for photo shoots, tiny front porches and rustic seating!

Check out my blog Doodlecraft for more daily awesomeness!

And please vote for me in the Wood Working contest!