Renovating my ensuite bathroom I wanted to include a timber bench and began researching what was available and how I could make one myself. While staring at the timber bath mat (Duck Board) on my bathroom floor I realised all the pieces I needed were there waiting to be cut up and reassembled into what I wanted. The timber mat measured 80cm x 50cm and there was enough to make a bench 55cm long x 24cm wide x 31 cm high. I purchased a new timber mat from Bunnings to make the bench which took less than two days to make.
Steps
Step 1
Measure and count the timber pieces available in the mat and determine the most appropriate cuts you will need.
I cut the top at 55 cm long by 5 pieces wide and kept it screwed together.
This left me with 5 pieces at 25 cm long, and 5 pieces at full length of 80 cm long. I unscrewed all these pieces and worked out what I needed for the legs and support.
Step 2
Cut 2 pieces at 54 cm long for under the front and back of the bench then glue and screw through from the top.
Cut 4 pieces at 29 cm long and glue and screw them to 4 of the 25 cm pieces to make the four legs. This will leave a 3 cm space to fit, glue and screw under the top.
The remaining pieces will be enough to create the supporting frame screwed in half way down the legs.
Step 3
Chamfer any sharp edges and sand all pieces then assemble.
I used several coats of timber top bench oil to seal the timber or you could varnish or wax to finish.
Lastly fit anti-skid rubber floor pads to the bottom of the legs.
What design can you come up with using a single timber bath mat?
Have fun,
Stuart
