DIY Network

Dining Booth: Bench Frames From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-306

Turn an ordinary kitchen table into a handsome and cozy dining booth, and create more space as a bonus! Here, Fuad Reveiz will take you through the booth and bench construction step-by-step.

On a project difficulty scale of 1-5 (5 being most difficult), this project rates a 2.
Time of completion: 16 hours over 2 days.

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After the Remodel: the completed dining booth adds a fresh look and functionality to an unused corner.

Materials:

3/4" birch plywood
2 x 4s
Various trim pieces
Laminate edging
Brayer
Iron
Sandpaper
Nails and screws
Glue
Cardboard
Wood putty
Natural stain
Polyurethane
Paint
Paint
Brushes and rags
Circular saw
Chop saw
Table saw
Jig saw
Reciprocating saw
Drill and bits
Trim nailer
Framing nailer
Table saw
Speed square
Caulk gun and caulk
Clamps
Utility knife
Hammer
Level
Tape measure

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Determine the table to be used. In this example, an old kitchen table is recycled, while the chairs will be used as a guide for the bench height.

2. Measure chairs that go with the old table. Measure the height of the back, and the height and depth of seat. Following these measurements, draw a profile pattern of the benches onto the cardboard.

3. Use a utility knife to cut pattern from cardboard and check next to chair as a point of reference. Trace around the cardboard template onto a piece of birch plywood. Test the section pieces on the wall for proper fit, (figure A) then cut remaining plywood sections.

4. With all of the patterns cut, it's time to assemble the bench frames. Use 2 x 4s to hold all of the pieces together. This will create two skeleton benches that will be covered with birch plywood.

5. Measure and cut thirty 2 x 4 braces to 16".

6. Measure baseboard height and thickness. Transfer the measurements to bottom of four plywood supports that will go near the wall. Notch, then test fit.

7. Assembly first bench, using trim nailer to hold in place temporarily (figure B). Use 2-1/4" trim screws to secure the braces. Flip bench over and secure opposite section of plywood.

8. Set bottom braces in to secure the two small benches together. Use a bar clamp to hold them into position, then add screws. Clamp the top together with bracing and secure with screws (figure C).

9. Repeat steps to create second bench.