DIY Network

Dining Booth: Skinning and Installing the Benches From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-306

With the bench frames built, host Fuad Reveiz moves on to covering the frames with birch finish-grade plywood, then installs the benches in the kitchen dining area.

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
Primer
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
	Figure D

1. To determine angles needed for the cover boards, place a 2 x 4 against base. Strike a line and use a speed square to determine angle. Do the same for the bottom of the seat back. Measure size of each piece.

2. For the seat back, temporarily place two small pieces already cut to proper angle. Measure the depth of the top ledge, then the height of the seat back.

3. Clamp a level to plywood as a guide, then bevel cut to proper dimensions.

4. Measure frame and add an 1" for top surface to create 1/2" overhang. Cut remaining pieces as needed.

5. On all exposed plywood surfaces, apply a birch laminate. Apply heat to bond to surface (figure A), then use a brayer to press into place (figure B). Trim away any excess using utility knife.

6. Smooth corners with sandpaper.

7. Attach bench cover pieces using 2-1/4" screws - this is called "skinning". Attach bottom front piece, seat back and the top piece last. Glue the mitered corners on the top piece, align and use a brad nailer to help amend the glue's strength (figure C). Finally, add screws. Note: the bench seat is left off at this point for easy access as the bench is secured through the bottom.

8. Bring in benches and measure for position. Secure the benches to floor, then measure and cut trim to fit to top and side near wall (figure D). Measure, cut and install shoe molding.