Welcome back, DIY enthusiasts! Following our Live Edge Table Build Tutorial, in this blog post we’re diving into crafting matching live edge benches, where you’ll learn how to make matching live edge benches for your table.
But don’t fret if you don’t have the table; these benches stand out as solo accent pieces, perfect for bedrooms or hallways!
I am very excited to show you how easy these benches are to make. They will be a popular choice statement piece in your home for many years to come.
Get ready for a fun and straightforward project that’ll elevate your home decor and impress your guests.
Supplies Needed to Build Live Edge Bench:
- Live Edge Slab
- Metal Bench Legs
- 1 ¼” Wood Screws
- Polycrylic Matte Finish Sealer
- Brush/Roller
- 220 Grit sand paper or sanding sponge
- Tack Cloth
The supply list for this build is very small. All of it can be found at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Even the Live Edge Slabs can be found there too!
It is awesome how the big box stores have started carrying these live edge slabs. They are already dried, planed and sanded roughly.
Tools Needed to Build a DIY Live Edge Wood Bench:
This build is at the top of my list of favorite ones. WHY THOUGH? Well, mostly because the less tools a build requires means more people willing to attempt it.
I am here to not only show you how to build things, but also give you builds that are made for beginners and get you addicted to DIY.
Every time you use tools it helps build your confidence. This confidence will carry you into your next project and will help you grow and evolve as a DIYer!
Building confidence through DIY is our mission!
PRO TIP: Don’t stress about lacking tools. Borrow from friends or family initially, gradually investing in essentials as you gain experience.
After you do a few projects you will start to see which tools are worth your money to invest in. There are a lot that will be a waste of money.
Fun Fact: These live edge slab came from a friends tree that fell down during a storm. It was a massive tree that they called a “water oak tree” and it so happened to be right on the lake. They did a great job milling the tree themselves into 11′ long x 3′-4′ wide tree slab and they gifted us two of them.
We had them dried professionally and planed. From there we did all the finishing work on them ourselves! Each single slab weighed a couple hundred pounds and so much hard work went into preserving this wood. I love the story behind these tables and they will be cherished in our home for so many years to come!
How to Build a DIY Live Edge Wood Bench:
- Choose your desired piece of wood and determine its final length and width.
- Select metal bench legs that complement your design.
- Cut the slab to your preferred length.
- Decide which side of the slab faces up.
- Sand both sides with 220 grit sandpaper and edges until you have a smooth surface.
- There will also be milling marks most likely. You will sand these down to your preference as well. Sand them off completely or leave some for the character.
- Sand the bark edges to your liking, ensuring no loose bark remains.
- The bark edges will need a little bit of extra sanding. This will be to your preference but make sure you don’t leave any loose bark behind. You want the loose bulk of the bark pieces sanded off.
- Apply a clear coat of polyurethane to all surfaces, starting with the bottom and sides.
- Repeat with your second coat and third coat on all sides minimum.
- Finish by sealing the top surface, applying at least three coats minimum.
- The most important thing to remember…This is a piece of furniture that will get a lot of use in your home. You want the top protected and sealed well for it to last for many years to come.
- Sand lightly between sealer coats with a minimum 220 grit sanding sponge.
- Last thing to do, attach the metal legs using the screws that came with the legs.
- For 2’-4’ benches, use two legs.
- For 5’-8’ benches, use three legs.
- Any bench 9’+ requires four or more legs.
- Flip over and admire your stunning creation!
I seriously can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am for you to start this build!
This project promises a quick and rewarding weekend endeavor. Not only will it be an easy quick weekend project. This one will build a lot of confidence in your DIY skills in such a short period of time.
Once completed, consider exploring our Live-Edge Slab Table Tutorial for a matching ensemble.
Congratulations on embarking on this exciting journey! Your friends and family will surely be impressed by your newfound skills. Happy building!
If or when you do this DIY project, I’d love for you to tag us on Instagram so I can see what you create!
COZY HOME, COZY RECIPES:
Every cozy home deserves amazing recipes, and it’s even better when those recipes are both delicious and healthy. Our goal is to provide tasty meals that are easy to make, regardless of your skill level.
Fast, easy meals leave more time for fun activities, making your home a hub of joy and good food.
CONNECT WITH US:
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MORE COZY KITCHEN RECIPES:
If you’re hungry for more, explore our collection of Cozy Kitchen Recipes. Another healthy favorite is the “Sausage Potato Veggie Bake.” Find these recipes and more here.
DIY RESOURCES:
For additional resources, check out our DIY Tutorials, offering a wealth of information to enhance your home improvement skills.
