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How to Build a Bench in Under 30 Minutes for $30
If you are on a tight budget and want to add seating to your outdoor space, building a bench is a great option. With limited tools and materials, you can create a comfortable seating area for two people. In this article, we will go over the step-by-step process of building a bench in under 30 minutes for $30. So, let’s get started!
Tools and Materials
For this project, you will need a circular saw, a drill, a speed square, a tape measure, and a pencil. As far as the materials go, you will need four exterior-grade 2x8x8 boards and a handful of exterior wood screws.
Cutting the Boards
The first step of this process is cutting down the boards for the seat and the back. For this bench, the boards are only 48 inches long, and you will get two of them out of each board. You will need to do this two times to get a total of four 48-inch long pieces.
When making these cuts, use the large speed square to guide the circular saw straight down perpendicular to the board. Use a piece of foam to support the material evenly and check the depth of the saw blade to prevent it from cutting too far down but still cut all the way through the wood.
Upgrade Your Circular Saw
Before proceeding, you should consider upgrading your circular saw blade to a better quality one. Inexpensive saws can perform better when you replace the blade with a Diablo tool. The six and a half-inch finish blade is a great option as it gives a beautiful cut while extending the efficiency of the cordless circular saw. The blade has a thin kerf that allows the saw to perform better and the battery life to last longer.
Making an Angled Cut
For the angled cut, you will need the speed square to calculate or find that angle. You will start by putting the end of the lip of the speed square against the bottom of the board and rolling it over until you align 30 degrees with the edge of the board. That gives you your 30-degree angle, which you can mark with a pencil and cut with a circular saw.
For the other end of the board, come down 38 inches, and cut it the same way with the speed square. You will need two of these, and you can get them out of one board. Do the same process for the other leg.
Adding a Taper to the Legs
To add a taper to the back of the legs, refer to the instructions on the website for the dimensions. Lay out two tick marks per the measurements, use a straight edge to connect those two marks, and then follow along that line with a circular saw. Use that board as a template for the other board and make the exact same cut.
For the shorter part of the leg, do the same process, but the first angle will be 40 degrees. Find the 40-degree angle with the speed square, come over from the point 19 inches, and cut that angle at 45 degrees. Lay it out, trace it, and make a duplicate for the other side.
Attaching the Legs
The legs will be laid out with the short board on top of the long board, and four wood screws will attach them. To find where it will go, measure from the point, come up 12 and a quarter inches, and then measure from the back of the leg, come out five and three-eighths of an inch, and make a mark at both locations. Connect those marks to have the line where the shorter leg will fall. Use a straight edge at the bottom of the feet to ensure that the bottom of the legs is flat. Then, attach it with four two and a half-inch wood screws.
For the other side of the bench, orient it the opposite way, so the taller piece is going the opposite way, and that gives you the mirrored leg. When laying out the legs, make sure to find the 45-degree end, which will be at the very front of the bench. Use the straight edge along the bottom to ensure that the bottom of the legs is flat and use scrap wood to support the legs while attaching them.
Attaching the Seat and Back Boards
Space the legs out with the seat board on top and secure it in place by hanging it off the edge by about an inch and a half. The two boards for the seats should be spaced anywhere from a quarter to a half inch, and the backboards should be flush with the top of the bench and the back of the leg. Use wood screws to secure them in place.
Conclusion
Building a bench in under 30 minutes for $30 is an excellent project for someone who wants to add seating to their outdoor space. With limited tools and materials, you can create a comfortable seating area for two people. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a bench that can be used around a fire pit or in any other outdoor space.