Woody1 Posted August 8, 2015 Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 (edited) Built this 2x4 bench from Jay Bates' plans. It was pretty easy for a beginner like me and I definitely recommend this project for other beginners! I learned a lot about angles and pocket hole joinery. Took about 3 or 4 hours in total to build but next time it will take even less time. Edited August 8, 2015 by Woody1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted August 8, 2015 Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 Nice job! Does it get painted? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody1 Posted August 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 Thanks! Haven't decided yet. Not really sure what would look good. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted August 8, 2015 Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 Well, standard 2x4s aren't going to weather well so, suggest something that gives a lot of protection being an outdoor piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapid Roger Posted August 8, 2015 Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 If you paint it (which I would recommend) It is going to really drink up the paint and probably take a primer coat as well as two or three coats of color. And depending where you live weather-wise, plan on re-painting the back and seat about every two years or so.I live in Kansas and we get ALL kinds of weather from 108 degrees in summer (now) to -30 degrees in winter with all the usual rain, snow and ice. I tend to use cedar and NO finish for outdoor stuff here. Yes, it turns a silver grey and doesn't look all that well but, the up-keep is much easier. And cedar weathers much better than pine anyway.Redwood and teak are other good outdoor woods although much more pricy. This is a good start and now that you have one under your belt, you might want to build another out of a bit more expensive wood next time. Rog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted August 8, 2015 Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 After painting all sides (especially the ends and bottoms of the legs) I would put 4 concrete cap blocks under the legs. You could cover them with mulch. The legs in contact with the ground will start rotting pretty quickly.You could also replace the legs with pressure treated 2x4's. I think you need to let the treated weather a month or more before painting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted August 8, 2015 Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 Before paint, I would epoxy coat the end grain that will rest on the ground or do as Steve suggests with treated 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody1 Posted August 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 Thank you for the suggestions. I think I'll epoxy the bottoms and put a few coats of outdoor poly. Now that I know I can make this I will use better wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted August 8, 2015 Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 Well done Woody! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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