How-To: Jack’s Kid Bench

I tell my dad, "Suit up and boot up, time to go" then head for my bench to put on socks and shoes.

I tell my dad, “Suit up and boot up, time to go” then head for my bench to put on socks and shoes.

Jack is a bench-builder if I’ve ever seen one.

And since he is still in his pre-tall years, a bench that doubles as a stool is a nice helper around the house. We made this bench from Western Red Cedar 2×12, based on our Backyard Bench design. Jack has tested it out as a stool, a car, and a bench and it meets his strict criteria. And it’s a fun, easy project.

How-To. We could have made Jack’s Bench from any old framing lumber, but we chose cedar. Cedar is straight and flat, unlike most home center 2×12 stock. The bonus is that we get a second project out of it (see Backyard Bench) and, seriously, it smells good—even after a year inside.

I let my dad take this photo without me so the bench is easier to see.

The top is fastened to the legs. The legs, centered under the top, splay out at a 12 degree angle. We secure them underneath with a center strut or trestle cut to fit with 12 degree angles. Everything is fastened with deck screws.

Fun, fast, and used every single day in our house. Jack approves.

Mark

Mark is a licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor. He writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

See Full Bio