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Five-Board Bench

This type of bench was common across Europe and North America and was most often made in pine and then painted. It was a popular piece of furniture for use both indoors and out. Its attraction lies in the ready availability of the raw material, the fact that it requires little in the way of woodworking skills, and that only the simplest of tools are needed. The method of construction means that the bench can be made in an infinite variety of sizes and adapted to fulfill a number of functions. By increasing its height, the bench naturally turns into a small table that, in style, is particularly suited for use in the yard or out on the porch. The dimensions given here are for a generous-sized two-seater.

ABILITY LEVEL

Novice

SIZE

36 x 16.875 x 12 in. (914 x 428 x 305 mm)

MATERIALS

Pine or any hardwood

CUTTING LIST

1 top

36 x 12 x .875 in. (914 x 305 x 22 mm)

2 ends

16 x 10 x .875 in. (406 x 254 x 22 mm)

2 sides

30 x 4 x .875 in. (762 x 102 x 22 mm)

See Template chapter for patterns of legs.

Note: If the bench is to be used in the yard or on a porch, use waterproof glue when assembling the final pieces.

1: Select and prepare all the material using the dimensions given. If necessary, make up the 12 in. (305 mm) width by edge-joining narrower boards (see Tools & Techniques chapter).

2: Cut out the shapes of the two end pieces (see Templates chapter for pattern) or cut them out to a shape of your own design.

3: Cut the housing for the side rails as shown. Cut these to suit the exact dimensions of the side pieces in case these differ from those given in the cutting list. These housing joints, when well made and glued and nailed or screwed together, add considerably to the rigidity of the finished bench.

4: Now shape the ends of the side rails as shown and smooth off all sawed edges and sharp corners.

5: Mark pencil guidelines 1.5 in. (38 mm) in and square across on each end of the side rails as an aid to nailing or screwing. Note the 1 in. (25 mm) overlap over the end pieces. This extra length reduces the risk of splitting when the side rails are joined to the end pieces.

6: Mark pencil guidelines square across the top, 4.5 in. (114 mm) in from each end and, parallel to the edge, 1.5 in. (38 mm) in from each edge. These, too, are an aid to nailing (or screwing).

7: The bench can be nailed together in traditional fashion, using finishing nails. Take care not to split the wood, especially when fitting the side rails. Punch the nail heads below the surface and fill the indentations.

8: As an alternative, you can join the bench together using countersunk screws. Drill and counterbore the holes to accommodate the screws and the wooden plugs glued in on top to conceal them. If hardwood is being used, it must be screwed together.

9: Begin assembly by joining the side rails to the end pieces. Apply glue first to strengthen the joints. Nail or screw as required.

10: Check that the basic frame remains square and then wipe off surplus glue and leave it to dry.

11: Check that the top will fit correctly. Line up the pencil guidelines to give about a 4 in. (102 mm) overhang at each end and a 1 in. (25 mm) overhang over each side rail.

12: Using the pencil lines as a guide, nail or screw the top into both ends and side pieces. The nails or screws will hold better in the side rails than in the end grain of the end pieces.

13: Punch all nail heads below the surface and fill the indentations, or glue and plug the counterbored screw holes.

14: Remove the pencil marks and sand all surfaces clean. Round over all sharp edges, especially those on the top of the seat.

15: Finish according to your choice by clear varnishing, staining, or painting. If the bench is to be used regularly outdoors, the application of a suitable wood preservative will prolong the life of the bench, especially if pine was used in its construction.