DIY Bench With Attached Side Table

Rip the 1x4 boards to 3 inches on the table saw and cut them to length. These will be the long rails for the bench.

Cut the 2x2 to size. These will be the legs for the bench.

• Mark the legs and the side rails so that the side rails are flushed to the outside edge of the legs.
• Set the Mortise Mate to 3/4” using the 6 mm drill bit drill a mortise into the legs and the side rails.
• Glue and clamp together. You should have two of these.

You can also use 1 1/2” pocket screws and wood glue to attach the long rails to the legs. Just set your pocket jig and bit to 3/4”.

Rip the side rails to 3 inches with a table saw and then cut to size.

Use either loose tenons with the Mortise Mate to attach the side rails to the legs as shown in the picture or use pocket screws. Make sure the rails are flush with the outside edge of the legs.

Screw the bench slat supports 3/4” down from the top of the long bench rails as shown in the picture. Use wood glue and 1 1/4” wood screws. Do this on both sides of the long rails.

Screw the bench slats to the bench slat supports using 1 1/4” wood screws. Tip: pre drill before screwing to prevent the wood splitting.

After gluing and cutting the countertop to size, use a jigsaw to cut out notches on the right side. The notches should be 3/4” x 3/4”. To keep the jigsaw cutting straight it helps to use a square.

Attach the countertop support 3/4” down on the right side of the bench. Use 1 1/4” wood screws.

Using the 1” forstner bit, drill holes in the edge of the supports (as shown in the picture) for the figure 8 fasteners. The fasteners should sit flush or slightly under the top of the wood.

Attach the countertop to the figure 8 fasteners using the provided screws. This will allow the wood to move with the seasons.

After gluing up the backrest + cutting it to size, use a jigsaw to cut out whatever shape you want. This is completely optional. You can just leave the backrest square! If you do want a wavy pattern, I suggest using bowls to layout what you like before cutting.

Using 1 1/2” pocket screws, attach the backrest to the back of the bench.

Stain + finish! Tip: sand each piece of wood before putting them together. Optional: round over the legs and rails using a 3/8” round over bit.

Use either a prefinished bench cushion or if you have sewing skills, then sew a cushion cover for the foam.

Use sticky tape Velcro to keep the bench cushion in place.