DIY Network

Padded Bench The Girls create a bench that adds extra storage and seating to the room. From "Material Girls" episode DMTG-113

Homeowners Jim and Missy Bemiller give the walls of his home office a coat of a warm yellow paint; then Jim and Kelly Keener make a padded bench for the office. The bench connects standard shelving and adds extra seating and is constructed of 2x4s and plywood that is then covered with batting and fabric.

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Room designed by Kelly Keener.

Padded Bench

Materials:
four 2 x 4s (precut to desired length)
drill
3" screws
2-1/2" screws
3/4" plywood (2 pieces precut to desired length)
foam (3-1/2"-4" thick; most suppliers will cut to appropriate size but make sure to add an extra inch for overlap)
spray adhesive
batting
fabric
staple gun/staples
metal brackets

1. Start by laying out the frame of bench with the 2x4s (figure A). Predrill holes where you want to attach the pieces together. Use two 3" screws at each joint to create the frame.

2. Position one piece of plywood over the frame. Again predrill holes at the edges and along the sides of the frame. Using 2-1/2" screws attach the plywood to the frame (figure B). Repeat on the other side of the frame to create the bottom (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

3. Spray adhesive over the top of the plywood and the bottom of the foam, making sure to use long, even strokes (figure D). Position the foam on top of the plywood and press in place (figure E).

4. Cut the batting to fit over the foam (add an inch or two to the original size of the bench). Also cut the fabric but add 10 extra inches to make sure it will fit over the foam and batting (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

5. Lay the batting down on the floor (for extra protection lay down a towel or clean blanket first). Now place the bench on top of the batting, foam side down.

6. Sit on the underside of the bench while you pull the batting tight around the edges. Your body weight helps insure a nice tight fit. Staple the batting in place starting in the center and working outward while alternating sides. Stop stapling about 5"-6" before the corners.

7. Miter the batting at the corners and staple down for a smooth finish (figure G).

8. Repeat this process with fabric (figure H).

9. Now to attach the prefabricated legs to the bottom of the bench. Simply position the legs and attach them using metal brackets and screws (figure I).

10. For a more decorative look, you can also add a fabric skirt.

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

RESOURCES :

Waverly fabric (padded bench)
Product #667862 (Paddock Shawl)
Product #668792 (Spotswood Stripe, Mist)
Website: www.waverly.com