How to build bathroom bench seat legs?

[Dani64]

 

 hi community! I’m making these bathroom benches from hardwood sourced from an old deck BUT Im not happy with them and need help with legs, 2 I’ve done so far but I’m looking for a better/easier way if anyone could help! 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Dani64,

Those bathroom benches look great so far — both the leg designs you’ve done are aesthetically pleasing and seem structurally solid. They’re also probably among the simplest and easiest solutions for this kind of project, which is always a win.

Could you help us understand a bit more about what you’re not happy with? Is it the style, the stability, or maybe how they fit the space? That way, we can offer some ideas or alternative approaches that better match what you’re after. You’re doing awesome work already, and with a few tweaks, we can make these benches exactly what you want! 

To mix things up, here are some alternative leg styles you might consider: straight square legs—four simple vertical legs, classic and sturdy for a clean, minimalist look; trestle legs—two legs on each end connected by a horizontal stretcher, offering stability and a farmhouse feel; hairpin legs—thin metal legs that give a modern, industrial contrast and are easy to install; A-frame legs—legs angled outward in an “A” shape, adding dynamic style and strong support; and box frame legs—four legs connected by horizontal boards near the floor, creating a solid, contemporary frame with potential for extra storage.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Dani64]

I think the main problem is working out a quicker process as these took me ages to do! I’m not great at working out angles to cut, and how to make each leg set the same. They are a little organic so not going to be identical but any clues I’d welcome! 🙂

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Dani64,

If you’re planning on making multiples of these benches, creating jigs is by far the most effective way to get each set of legs identical. Once you’ve made a set you’re happy with, you can use it as the template to build a simple jig that lets you mark out and cut the angles the same way every time. It doesn’t need to be complicated — even a couple of offcuts screwed together on a fixed sheet at the right angle can save a lot of measuring and guesswork. This way, you can speed up the process, reduce mistakes, and ensure consistency across all your benches.

Let me tag @Dave-1 and @Nailbag to see if they have any thoughts.

Mitchell

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Dani64 

Yeah, angles for seats or tables for that matter I struggled with as well. @MitchellMc 's suggestion is spot on with making up a jig/template so you can replicate your work.

Here is my outside table with benchseats. It explains the process and how I stepped through making a template up so I could get the angles right before using the timber I wanted. Outdoor table build 

What type of feet are you thinking of doing?

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @Dani64 

Looks like you're doing a terrific job with the benches. I agree with @MitchellMc in making a jig that enable you to easily replicate. If you're able to dismantle the one already built, those legs would already make an ideal template or simply something to copy from. Just transfer the measurements and angles across. 

To help replicate angles, grab one of these sliding bevels, which I like to call replicators. You simply loosen the wing nut and manipulate the blade to match an existing angle. Tighten the screw and transfer the angle to the new workpiece. When choosing a bevel make sure in-store that the wing nut tightens hard so the blade can't move. This is what makes a good one from the rest.

Nailbag

[Noyade]

Hi @Dani64 

For repetitive angles - an adjustable bevel gauge is extremely handy.

Cheers.