Introduction: Simple Red Bench

About: I like to dabble in a bit of everything: woodworking, metalworking, sewing, electronics.

This is a simple project that I knocked out in an afternoon (well a couple afternoons if you count waiting for paint to dry).

I needed some seating for my back patio. Before I started worry about lounges and tables, I wanted something simple that could sit a couple people if need be.

Step 1: Building the Box

Construction was very simple. I started with a couple 2x10's and after using my circular saw to cut them to length, I ran them through my table saw just to take off the rounded edges. This part is optional, but I wanted to minimize how visible the seams were.

I just used butt joints to form a long rectangular box with an open bottom. Everything is held together with wood glue and decking screws. This is optional, but I used biscuits to help keep everything aligned while I assembled the box.

Step 2: Hiding the Screws

I used wood filler to cover my screw holes and fill any cracks and seams. The next day after it dried, I went back and sanded it flush.

Step 3: Paint

I wanted a bright ostentatious color, like a bright orange or a teal or something, but this red was the best I was able to find in deck stain at Lowe's.

Step 4: Legs

I had these hairpin legs laying around from another project. They were painted black, but I put several coats of spar urethane on them to give them a fighting chance against the elements. So far I haven't noticed any rust spots.

Step 5: Done

That's about it. If you wanted, this is something you could make in a few hours with just a circular saw and a drill.

Step 6: Bottle Opener

I added a stainless steel bottle opener that I found at Home Depot.

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This project was completed April 12, 2018.