- Take a 2-by-12 top, two 2-by-12 legs, and a length of 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 long enough to stretch between the legs. This last piece, the brace, is the key to a sturdy bench. The legs are nailed onto the ends of the brace, forming an upside-down 'U' shape. Then the top is secured to all three pieces, effectively locking the entire structure together. A similar effect can be achieved using two triangle-shaped pieces rather than the long brace, with each being secured to the top and one leg.
Although a simple bench is usually made from thick lumber because this is the simplest way to support the weight of several people, simple benches can also be built from thinner stock by using a different bracing method. A bench made from 3/4-inch lumber can be made much stronger by nailing and gluing 1-by-2 or 1-by-3 rails along all four edges. This not only braces the thinner top, but it gives the appearance of a much thicker piece of timber. In the same way, boxes can be built to serve as legs. - Window seats are frequently little more than large boxes, perhaps with decorative molding added around the top and bottom edges. With a little extra effort, the top can be turned into a lid by the simple addition of a piano hinge along the back edge, and a storage bench is built.
The bench/box can be set on short legs if desired. Just remember that you will need to make the legs tall enough to allow cleaning underneath. - Pew-style benches add back supports to the equation, and in doing so, they simplify the bracing process. By placing the legs at the very end of the bench rather than under it, the legs can be extended upward to serve as armrests and in the process, attach to both the seat and the backrest. The back then serves the same purpose as the braces used on simpler benches, but in a more stylish way.
Although most benches use a flat seat--and pews can certainly use flat seats and perpendicular backs--it is a simple matter to tilt the seat and back slightly in a pew bench for more comfortable seating. Setting the back of the seat lower than the front, perhaps 2 inches lower for a 16-inch wide seat, will make the bench much more comfortable. Round the front edges of the seat so the edge will not cut into your legs, and feel free to add a cushion if you so desire.
Angle the backrest for comfort also; you may want to experiment and see what is most comfortable to you. A 90- to 100-degree angle to the seat is a good place to start. - A banquette is an upholstered bench, often located along a wall. They often turn up in kitchens, where they are used to mimic a booth in a diner.
Banquettes are built in a manner similar to pews, but with a few differences:
The seats are generally upholstered, as opposed to using separate cushions.
Plywood is often used instead of lumber, as the styling (especially for kitchen use) requires larger pieces than are practical with solid lumber.
The armrest on one end of the banquette is removed to allow "scooting" out of the booth. Note that the outside leg still attaches to both seat and back; it is just the armrest area above the seat that is omitted. - Ornate moldings can be added to any bench for decorative purposes. Your imagination is your only limit here.
Benches can be finished in any way you choose. They can be stained, painted, or merely clear coated. Choose the type of finish that best suits your decorating scheme and provides the necessary durability. After all, a well-built bench will see a lot of use.
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