Lesson 1Edge Treatment and Finish Materials: Solid Wood Edges, Edge Strips, Thin Woods, Paint-Grade vs Stain-Grade SurfacesLearn ways to treat shown edges and finish bench surfaces. Compare solid wood edges, edge strips, and thin woods, and choose when to use paint-grade or stain-grade materials for strong, nice results.
Solid wood edges for plywood seatsIron-on and PVC edge strip choicesThin wood layers on shown bench facesChoosing paint-grade vs stain-grade woodFilling, smoothing, and priming edgesTop finish choices for wear and cleaningLesson 2Rust Risks and Finish Choices for Tools (Zinc-Covered, Steel)Look at rust dangers and finish choices for bench tools. Compare zinc-covered and steel fasteners, when to improve covers, and how clear coats, paint, and waxes guard shown metal in busy inside spaces.
How inside wet causes rustZinc-covered tool good points and limitsWhen to pick steel fastenersMatching tool finish to room lookProtective covers on shown metalCare and check schedulesLesson 3Suggested Thicknesses: Frame Parts, Seat Top, Front Panels, Divider Walls, and Back PiecesDecide right thicknesses for bench parts. Learn usual sizes for frames, seat tops, fronts, dividers, and backs, balancing strength, weight, cost, and fit with common tools and fasteners.
Seat top thickness vs span and weightFrame part sizes for supportsFront panels and base thicknessesDivider walls and shelf thicknessesBack panels and fixing waysMatching thickness with toolsLesson 4Fixing Tools: Wall Brackets, Angle Brackets, Support Strips, Long Screws and Sizes for Inside Wall/Stud FixingLearn to fix built-in benches safely to studs and walls. Review wall brackets, angle brackets, support strips, and long screws, including sizes, start holes, and layout for strong, no-shake, rule-following fittings.
Finding studs and layout for fixesWall-mount and angle bracket choicesDesigning and fixing support stripsLong screw widths, lengths, and start holesSide vs pull-out strength basicsFixing to metal studs and stone wallsLesson 5Hinges and Door Tool Choices if Using Doors: Butt Hinges, Long Hinges, Hidden Hinges and Suggested Sizes and Screw LengthsLook at hinge and door tool choices for bench spaces. Understand butt, long, and hidden hinges, how to size for door weight and thickness, and pick right screw length and start holes for safe fixing.
Butt hinge types, sizing, and placingLong hinges for big lids and seatsHidden hinges for flat bench doorsChoosing hinge material and finishScrew length, size, and start drillingSoft-close and lid-stay safe choicesLesson 6Traits and Choice Rules for Frame Wood: Solid Wood Types (Pine, Poplar, Oak) and Made Wood (Dried Pine, Smooth Sides)Understand picking frame wood for bench bases and supports. Compare pine, poplar, and oak, with oven-dried and smooth-side stock, focusing on strength, steady, straight, and cost for reliable, no-squeak frames.
Comparing pine, poplar, and oak strengthOven-dried vs fresh wood for insideSmooth-side wood good points for bench framesWood line direction and knot placingPicking straight boards at the shopAllowed spans for common bench partsLesson 7Sheet Materials for Panels and Seats: Plywood Types (BC/BB, CDX), MDF, and Hard Wood Plywood — Strengths and Finish ThoughtsLearn picking plywood, MDF, and hard wood plywood for bench seats and panels. Compare strength, span power, screw hold, and surface good so you pick cheap, strong, and nice sheet materials for each spot.
Soft wood vs hard wood plywood for bench seatsPlywood types BC, BB, and CDX comparedMDF traits, uses, and limitsHard wood plywood face thin woods and centersSheet thickness vs span and support spacingSurface ready for paint and clear finishesLesson 8Tools and Fasteners: Types and Sizes — Wood Screws (Rough Thread), Strong Screws, Hidden Screws, Confirmat Screws, Build GlueReview key tools and fasteners for bench building. Compare wood, strong, hidden, and confirmat screws, plus build glue, focusing where each is best, needed start holes, and ways to avoid splits.
Rough-thread wood screws for framesStrong screws vs long screwsHidden screws for unseen joinsConfirmat screws for sheet materialsUsing build glue wellFastener spacing and edge distancesLesson 9Wet and Inside Steady: Getting Used, Wet Thoughts for HallwaysUnderstand how wet and inside weather affect bench materials. Learn getting used steps, wet ranges for hallways and doors, and design details that limit move, squeaks, and finish fails over time.
Getting wood and sheets used on siteTarget inside wet and heatSeason move in solid wood partsStopping bending, curving, and twistingAir gaps for closed bench basesGuarding benches near outside doors
