DIY Network

Building a Corner Bench From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-303F

The completed corner bench is covered in upholstery to complete the warm hue of the entry way, as well as the stylish print of Satchel's sofa.

Because guests remove their shoes to be more at home and protect Roslyn Satchel's white carpet, Satchel thought a seating area would provide a comfortable space for each guest to remove his or her shoes. Here, host Amy Devers and Satchel's mother, Dee, will work together to construct a triangular corner bench that will be installed near the staircase in the front entry.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

1. Use a framing square to help visualize the size of the bench (figure A). To avoid scratching the walls, add tape to the corner of the square. Measure along both walls to corner.

2. Following measurements, use a circular saw (figure B) to cut the seat portion from 3/4" birch plywood. Tip:A level clamped into place acts as a fence to keep the cut straight.

3. Cut a second piece for the upholstery that’s 3/4" longer at the front edge, then
   route both sides of the front edge (figure C) of the large piece using a router with round-over bit.

4. Cut 2 x 4 pieces to the length of each side of the triangle, mitering the edges on the compound miter saw.

5. Cut a pad out of 3" foam to match the plywood – undercutting all edges at an angle. For best results, use an old electric carving knife to cut through foam.

6. Spray adhesive on one side of the larger piece of plywood. Spray the underside of the foam pad to keep pad from shifting. When the glue is slightly tacky to the touch, line up the edges and flip the foam onto the plywood. Adjust as needed, then press down.

7. Cover the seat with quilt batting and cut around the seat, leaving a 3" allowance on all sides (figure D).

8. Spray the top of the foam and the edges with adhesive, then press into place. Flip seat over. In the middle of one side, pull batting taut and staple into place (figure E). Repeat as you work around the seat, pulling the batting taut, then stapling.

9. Hammer the staples down flat. Trim excess off at ends, cutting in toward the corners as needed.

10. Cover the padded seat with cotton muslin fabric that has been cut 6" larger on all sides. Flip seat over and pull muslin taut. Staple to secure (figure F). Trim excess from corner as needed. Fold extra fabric at the corner smooth and staple into place. Continue until seat is covered with muslin.
    
11. Trim the excess muslin and feather the batting to thin the edges, then cut and staple upholstery fabric in the same manner as the batting and muslin.

12. To install the bench, scribe a line on the wall at the height you want your seat and use a stud finder to mark the position of your studs.

13. Use screws to attach two 2 x 4 ledgers to the walls, then use 3" screws to attach the front ledger to the side rails (figure G).

14. Attach the bottom piece of plywood first – countersinking the screws from the top.

15. Cut pre-stained crown molding to cover the front edge and use a nail gun to attach under the plywood.

16. Attach 3/4" pre-stained nose molding to the front edge of the plywood.

17. Finally, attach the upholstered plywood to the top by driving 1-1/2" screw through the bottom of the base plywood up into the bottom of the seat.