Scrap Wood to Bath Bench by Paty Jager

After months of browsing online and through magazines, I decided I could build a bench for the master bath rather than purchase one.  When I asked my hubby to buy some 3" x 3" boards and 2" x 4" boards, he shook his head and said, "There are boards down in the scrap pile."

I frowned, knowing using boards from the scrap pile meant more sanding and work to make the bench smooth. However, I knew it was my only choice other than buying a bench. Which would also have to be run by the hubby and if he wasn't going to buy boards, he wasn't going to spend over a hundred dollars on a bench.

Knowing Daughter #2 was coming for a visit and is skilled with carpenter tools and a designing brain, I forewarned her we would be building a bench. The first night she arrived I showed her the picture of what I was thinking and the pile of lumber. She started sketching, and I told her the dimensions.  Of course, hubby couldn't keep out of the designing and tossed in his two cents about how he thought we should do it. Daughter #2 and I glanced at one another and continued with our plan. 

Daughter #2

We set up a tall metal shop table outside the garage, placing the saws we needed on the table. First we cut the pieces we needed then we started notching and making the pieces fit the way we'd planned.

After the bench was finished, I started sanding it with an electric sander. I used a coarse paper all over first knocking down the bumps and rounding the corners. To make the bench smooth, I used a smaller grit, working over the seat the most. No way do I want a sliver in my backside when I sit on the bench. ;)

With the bench sanded and cleaned, I picked a stain and started applying. At first I was afraid it might be too dark but I liked how the grain of the wood picked up the stain and made some great patterns on the wood.

I think Daughter #2 and I did a good job making a bench that only cost as much as four lag bolts and a quart of stain.

The process of working with my daughter and making something for the house was a rewarding experience. I enjoy making things for my house and using my own touches to make a one of a kind piece of furniture.