Need extra seating outside? Here's a simple build requiring only basic tools and materials.
I had some surplus fence palings and decided to see if they were good for more than just planter boxes (and fences).
Steps
Step 1
Entirely optional for a starter but I find it useful to run the palings through the table saw to take both edges off as these can be a bit rough. Evening things up at the start can save a lot of sanding later..
Step 2
Cut the 5 top rails. I made these 80mm wide. I also trimmed the rough ends. They finished up being 1300 long..
It you have a router you can chamfer or round the edges.
Sand then to your preferred finish level.
If you don't have a table saw you can use full width boards for the rails, just adjust the height of the support boards in the next step.
Step 3
Cut the boards to length for the legs. You need 10 pieces to support the top rails. These should be roughly 500mm less the width of your top rails (mine were 420mm). You also need an additional 12 boards about 470mm.
It's a good idea to get the sander on these pieces to make the faces as flat at possible for the next step.
Step 4
B
Build the legs.
For each leg take 5 of the shorter boards and 6 of the longer ones.. Build stacks of boards alternating short and long. Add a generous bead of glue between the boards and screw (I may have used the brad nailer) them together. The bottoms of the boards should all be nicely lined up, this will give the top a nice even turret effect.
Step 5
Fill any unsightly gaps.
Cut a couple of pieces just bigger than the footprint of the legs and attach to the bottom. This will give you a nice stable base.
Sand. You can choose your finish level here. From rough to perfect, it's up to you.
Step 6
Paint.
I used an undercoat and 2 coats of white enamel for the raols and 2 coats of Dulux Weathershield for the legs.
Step 7
Assemble.
Insert the rails into the legs ensuring the overhang is equal at each end. The fit might be a bit tight, use a rubber mallet to get them right down. The top boards can be secured with screws or glue, or both. I used just the glue.
You're done. Grab a drink and sit in the sun.
