An Old-School Woodworking Project
Modern Bench — The finished bench, showcasing its simple, modern design.
Every once in a while, I like to go back and look at some of the projects I built years ago. This bench is one of those projects.
I built it back in 2017 using nothing but construction lumber from the home center. The total cost of the materials was about $40 — two 2x8x8s and one 4x4x8.
The funny thing is, that wasn’t even the plan.
Cutting the Lap Joint — Using the table saw to cut the lap joint in the bench leg.
I originally went to Monteath Lumber to pick up some nicer material for the project. When I got there, the place was closed. It turned out to be Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
So, on the way home, I stopped at Home Depot and decided to see what I could find.
Drilling for the Dowel — Drilling a 1¼-inch hole beneath the lap joint to accept the reinforcing dowel.
I had to make a few changes to the plans to work with the material that was available, but I got lucky and found some pretty decent boards. Once I got them home and started working with them, I realized I could make it work.
And I think the bench turned out really nice.
Gluing in the Dowel — The 1¼-inch dowel is glued securely in place beneath the lap joint.
One of the details from this project is something I’ve continued to use over the years.
When I reinforced the lap joint, I added a 1 1/4-inch dowel underneath the joint. That way, when the lag bolt is screwed into the bench leg, it’s going into long grain rather than end grain.
That makes for a significantly stronger joint.
Attaching the Brace — Attaching the brace to the leg with wood glue and a 5-inch lag bolt.
It’s one of those details that nobody will ever see once the bench is finished, but it makes a big difference in how strong the joint is.
That’s one of the things I enjoy about woodworking. Sometimes the details that matter most are the ones nobody ever sees.
Measuring for the Top — Taking a final measurement before cutting the bench top to length.
What I really like about this project is what happened after I built it. Over the years, woodworkers from all over the world have built their own versions of this bench.
That’s one of my favorite things about sharing woodworking projects online. You build something in your shop, put it out there, and years later you start seeing other people building it in their own shops.
The Finished Bench in the Shop — The completed bench in my shop on the day it was finished back in 2017
Want to build one yourself?
I’ve got the plans ready to go. Click the link below, grab the plans, and add this bench to your next project list.
And when you build it, take a photo and tag me on Instagram. I want to see what you make with it, and I’ll share some of my favorites.
Modern Bench Design Plans
Download Plans