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How to make D.I.Y. dining table bench seats

A dining table and bench seats made from recycled timber in a modern kitchen

Overview

These dining table bench seats are made from recycled timber and they look great in any modern setting. You could even put them beside a wall or coffee table as a room feature. They're really easy to make and bring a rustic touch to your home.

Steps

1

Assemble the legs

Lay out the legs for the bench by placing a 365mm length for the floor. To each side of this screw the 268mm pieces in from the top down. From the 268mm side pieces, screw the 175mm length into place on top. Attach them by drilling clearance holes with a 6.5mm bit, then countersinking pilot holes with a 5mm bit. Apply glue to the joins. Use the 100mm bugle screws to secure.
A person applying adhesive to the end of a piece of timber

2

Attach the legs

Drill pilot holes with a 5mm bit through the leg and then through the underside of the bench. Flip the bench. Using the pilot holes as a guide, use a 22mm spade bit to countersink for the cup head bolts through the top. Pre-drill with a 10mm bit through the bench top and the legs for the bolts. Once the holes are drilled put the bolts in from the top, attach the legs and tighten the nuts with a ratchet and sprocket set.
A person using a hammer to knock bolts through an upturned bench seat

3

Cut the legs to size

Cut the timber for your legs to size. To make this project easier, you can have your timber pre-cut at your local Bunnings*. We cut our 90mm x 45mm hardwood to the following lengths:

  • 365mm lengths x 4
  • 268mm lengths x 8
  • 175mm lengths x 4

*Not available at all Bunnings stores.

A rectangle made out of timber

4

Measure and mark for the legs

Choose the nicest looking side for the top of the bench seat. Then flip the bench to the underside and measure and mark where the legs will go. We attached our 100mm in from each end, and centred 10mm from both edges.
A person marking the corner of a piece of timber using a set square

5

Plane and sand the bench

Plane the edges of the bench seat to remove any rough edges and splinters. You can then give the top and bottom of the bench a sand. You may like to leave some of the paint and other markings on the timber for character if you like. When you use the belt sander, start with a coarse 36 grit, then move to a finer grit as the timber becomes smoother. Then use the orbital sander with a 240 grit sandpaper for a final finish and to round off the edges.
A person wearing protective gear planing the edge of a piece of timber using an electric planer

6

Sand the legs

For a nice finish, use 120 grit sandpaper with the belt sander to remove any rough edges.
A person sanding a timber rectangle using a belt sander

7

Measure and cut the bench

We made our benches to measure 285mm x 2000mm x 50mm in length but you can make them as long as you like. Use the tape measure and square to mark your benches to length and cut them to size using a circular saw.
A person marking 2 metres on a length of recycled timber using a measuring tape

8

Stain the legs

We've chosen to stain our legs Japanese Black. Simply use a rag to apply it, but not too thickly so it highlights the natural grain of the timber. When using the stain always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Work in a well-ventilated area and use the appropriate safety gear.
A person applying black stain to a timber rectangle

9

Wax the bench

Wipe any sawdust from the bench seat after you've sanded. Now it's a good idea to apply a natural wax to protect the timber and to highlight the grain. Apply as many coats as needed.
A Bunnings team member waxing a piece of timber

10

Sit back and relax

Your dining table bench is now complete and it looks great. It's time to put it with your dining table, or it would even look great against a wall or near a coffee table.
A bench seat with recycled timber top and black legs

Suggested products

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.