Lesson 1Edge Treatment and Finish Materials: Solid Wood Edging, Edge Bands, Thin Layers, Paint-Grade vs Stain-Grade SurfacesLearn choices for handling open edges and finishing bench tops. Compare solid wood edging, edge bands, and thin layers, and pick when to use paint-grade or stain-grade for strong, nice results.
Solid wood edging for plywood seatsIron-on and PVC edge band choicesThin layer setups on seen bench facesPicking paint-grade vs stain-grade woodFilling, smoothing, and priming edgesTopcoat picks for wear and easy cleanLesson 2Rust Risks and Finish Choices for Fittings (Zinc-Coated, Stainless)Look at rust dangers and finish picks for bench fittings. Compare zinc-coated and stainless fasteners, when to better coatings, and how clear coats, paint, and waxes guard open metal in busy inside spots.
How inside damp causes rustZinc-coated fitting goods and limitsWhen to pick stainless fastenersMatching fitting finish to room styleGuard coatings on open metalCare and check schedulesLesson 3Suggested Thicknesses: Frame Parts, Seat Top, Front Panels, Divider Walls, and BackingPick right thicknesses for bench parts. Learn usual sizes for frames, seat tops, fronts, dividers, and backing, weighing strength, weight, cost, and fit with common fittings and fasteners.
Seat top thickness vs span and weightFrame part sizes for supportsFront panels and base thicknessesDivider walls and shelf thicknessesBacking panels and fixing waysMatching thickness with fittingsLesson 4Fixing Fittings: Wall Brackets, Angle Brackets, Ledger Strips, Lag Screws and Sizes for Inside Wall/Stud FixingLearn to fix built-in benches safely to studs and walls. Review wall brackets, angle brackets, ledger strips, and lag screws, with sizes, guide holes, and layout for solid, no-shake, rule-following fittings.
Finding studs and layout for fixesWall-mount and angle bracket picksDesigning and fixing ledger stripsLag screw widths, lengths, and guidesSide vs pull-out strength basicsFixing to metal studs and stone wallsLesson 5Hinges and Door Fitting Choices if Using Doors: Butt Hinges, Piano Hinges, Hidden Hinges and Suggested Sizes and Screw LengthsLook at hinge and door fitting picks for bench spaces. Understand butt, piano, and hidden hinges, how to size for door weight and thickness, and pick right screw length and guide holes for safe fixing.
Butt hinge types, sizing, and placingPiano hinges for long lids and seatsHidden hinges for flat bench doorsPicking hinge material and finishScrew length, size, and guide drillingSoft-close and lid-stay safe choicesLesson 6Traits and Pick Rules for Frame Wood: Solid Wood Types (Pine, Poplar, Oak) and Made Wood (Kiln-Dried Pine, S4S)Get how to choose frame wood for bench bases and supports. Compare pine, poplar, and oak, with kiln-dried and S4S stock, focusing on strength, steady, straight, and cost for sure, no-creak framing.
Comparing pine, poplar, and oak strengthKiln-dried vs fresh wood for insidesS4S wood goods for bench framingGrain way and knot placingPicking straight boards at the shopAllowed spans for common bench partsLesson 7Sheet Goods for Panels and Seats: Plywood Grades (BC/BB, CDX), MDF, and Hardwood Plywood — Strengths and Finish ThoughtsLearn to pick plywood, MDF, and hardwood plywood for bench seats and panels. Compare strength, span power, screw hold, and top quality to choose cheap, strong, and nice sheet goods for each spot.
Softwood vs hardwood plywood for bench seatsPlywood grades BC, BB, and CDX comparedMDF traits, uses, and limitsHardwood plywood face thin layers and coresSheet thickness vs span and support spacingTop prep for paint and clear finishesLesson 8Fittings and Fasteners: Types and Sizes — Wood Screws (Rough Thread), Strong Screws, Pocket Screws, Confirmat Screws, Build GlueReview key fittings and fasteners for bench building. Compare wood, strong, pocket, and confirmat screws, plus build glue, focusing on where each works best, needed guide holes, and ways to stop splitting.
Rough-thread wood screws for framingStrong screws vs lag screwsPocket screws for hidden joinsConfirmat screws for sheet goodsUsing build glue wellFastener spacing and edge distancesLesson 9Damp and Inside Steady: Getting Used, Damp Thoughts for HallwaysGet how damp and inside weather affect bench materials. Learn getting used steps, damp ranges for hallways and entries, and design bits that limit move, creaks, and finish fails over time.
Getting wood and sheet goods used on siteTarget inside damp and heatSeason move in solid wood partsStopping bending, curving, and warpingAir gaps for closed bench basesGuarding benches near outside doors
