Thursday, July 30, 2009

I Built A Bench!!

Sorry for the delay in my updates, but I've been busy building this fantastic bench (not really, I just haven't done exciting things). I've been yearning for the Pottery Barn "Samantha" style bench for our apartment's entry way, but its out of my unemployment price range and, of course, it can't be shipped to APOs. Instead, I channeled Bill Bowen and decided to build one myself.
I copied down PB's measurements, converted them into centimeters, and drew a detailed diagram in case no one at the hardware store spoke English. Fortunately I found someone who spoke enough English to cut the wood to specifications without any problems. I got a top, a slightly shorter bottom board, two sides, and two smaller pieces to make cubbies with.
Here's the standard bench... it was sturdy enough to hold me sitting at this point.
I learned how to use the drill- they should make smaller versions, it was hard to use it to get into the corners, and I ended up just using a screwdriver for most of those. The picture below has the cubbies spaced out...
And here is the (almost) final product!! It needs some stain, and I am going to make/purchase some cushions for the seat and some baskets for the cubbies to store hats, gloves, etc.
Cameron providing proof that its sturdy enough. He was hesitant to sit on it, but it held. Daddy should be proud, I only had to email him twice with questions!
I will update with pictures of the final product after it gets stained and has cushions and baskets!