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A low toddler-scale lounge bench built entirely from 1x3 and 1x2 slats. Small enough for a toddler to climb, sturdy enough for school-age kids. All brad-nailed.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x3 uprights | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 18 1/4" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| 1x3 back slats | 11 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 19" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| 1x3 arm parts | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 15 3/4" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| 1x3 long rails | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 31 1/2" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| 1x3 seat front/back | 3 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 33" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| 1x3 seat slats | 11 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 12 1/4" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| 1x3 side pieces | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 17 1/4" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| 1x2 top rails | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 33" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| 1x2 back support | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 36 1/2" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| 1x2 seat supports | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 31 1/2" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| 1x2 side supports | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 15 3/4" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 1x3, 8 ft Seat, back, and side slats. | 7 each | ☐ |
| 1x2, 8 ft Supports and rails. | 3 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4 in and 2 in | 1 box | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 1 bottle | ☐ |
| Child-safe paint or finish | 1 quart | ☐ |
Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Miter Saw. Materials: 1x2, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4 in and 2 in, Wood glue
The finished seat height is 12", so place the seat support 11-1/4" off the ground (accounting for the seat slat thickness). Add an extra 1x2 across the back of the middle support for the backrest to lean against — it makes assembly easier and gives the back something solid to bear on.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x2, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4 in and 2 in, Wood glue
Put the back-support 1x2 on the inside of the armrests rather than at the very back. This sits the seat back up a little straighter and looks better than mounting it flush to the rear.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x2, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4 in and 2 in, Wood glue
Place the top support about 2" down from the top. On a bench this size you can skip a separate middle support — it holds up fine without one.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4 in and 2 in, Wood glue
Nail the seat slats and back slats in place with glue and brads, keeping even gaps. Build up the seat and back as the settee shape comes together.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, 1x2, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4 in and 2 in, Wood glue, Child-safe paint or finish
Add the side 1x2s after the back is on and in place — they tend to overlap, so fitting them last lets you trim them to fit cleanly. Sand every edge and slat smooth (kids will be climbing on this), fill nail holes, and finish or paint in a child-safe coating.