Cherry Bench with Turned Legs
Shaker-Inspired Bench with Turned Legs
Shaker-Inspired Cherry Bench
There’s something timeless about a simple Shaker-inspired bench. Clean lines, sturdy construction, and thoughtful details make this cherry bench a beautiful and functional addition to any home.
Whether placed in an entryway as a convenient spot to sit while taking shoes on and off, or used as extra seating in the kitchen or living room, this bench is built to be used every day for years to come.
The legs on this bench are turned with a subtle detail near the apron, adding just enough character without overwhelming the clean design. If you don’t have access to a wood lathe, or if turned legs simply aren’t your style, this project can easily be adapted with tapered legs for a more modern look.
Using the Wood Lathe to Create a Small Bead Detail Near the Top and a Round Cylinder at the Bottom of the Legs
A small bead detail routed into the apron adds another layer of craftsmanship and gives the piece a refined finish without making it overly decorative.
For joinery, the aprons are attached to the legs using traditional mortise-and-tenon construction, creating a strong and durable frame. If you’d prefer to simplify the build, pocket hole screws are also a perfectly acceptable option and can make the project more approachable for beginner woodworkers.
Using the Mortising Machine to Cut the Mortises at the Top of the Legs
The Parts of the Bench Turned, Milled, and Cut to Size
Using a Bead Molding Bit in the Router to Cut a Small Bead Detail at the Bottom of the Apron
The bench seat is made from two boards joined together. When working with cherry, I often like to align the boards at the sapwood. This creates a subtle “live-edge” style line down the center of the seat while also helping disguise the seam where the boards meet.
Gluing Up the Bench
Joining the Boards at the Sapwood for the Bench Seat
Finishing the Bench with Waterlox Wipe-On Varnish
This is a fun and rewarding project that can be completed over the course of a few days in the shop. The result is a sturdy, handcrafted bench that combines beauty, practicality, and traditional woodworking techniques.
Attaching the Solid Wood Bench Seat with Shop-Made Wooden Clips, Sometimes Referred to as Buttons, Allowing for Expansion and Contraction
Finished Shaker Bench with Turned Legs in Solid Cherry — 18” Tall × 14” Wide × 51.5” Long
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next one.