AUGUST 2017 _ http://www.popularmechanics.co.za 85
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
PREPARATION
Sand all the pieces smooth before assembly.
- All the pieces that make up the base are
joined using pockethole joints. By using
this method, screws are almost invisible or
out of sight. Drill pocketholes into the
rails, cross pieces and legs. - The slats that form the seat have 5 mm
spacers between each slat and are then
joined using the seat slat cross piece. Do
not glue this in place; see Step 9.
GOOD TO KNOW: Before securing the seat
slats, apply whatever colour Woodoc Gel
Stain you want for the finished bench. It is
far easier to apply this to the slats before
they are secure. - Before you assemble the bench you need
to cut a few angles on the legs and side rail. - Cut a 5-degree angle at the top and bot-
tom of each leg, as shown below. Also, cut
a 5-degree angle on both side rails.
How the sides should be assembled. The side rail
is flush with the outside of each leg.
- Secure the legs to the seat support with
wood glue and 32 mm pockethole screws. - Measure and mark at 40 mm up inside
each leg and attach the side rails with wood
glue and pockethole screws. GOOD TO KNOW:
The side rail should be flush with the out-
side edge of each leg – on opposing sides.
Assemble two sides. - Measure and mark the centre of the seat
support and side rail to mount the top and
bottom rails. - Use wood glue and pockethole screws to
secure the top and bottom rails to the
sides.
9. Place the bench face-down on the slats
to mount the bottom frame to the under-
side of the seat slats. Push the frame in
place between the [2] seat slat crosspieces.
Secure in place with wood glue and pocket-
hole screws through the seat slat crosspiece
into the seat support.
FINISHING
l Sand the assembled bench and round off
any sharp edges. Wipe clean.
l Originally Woodoc gel stain was applied
in traditional teak to the top slats, but imbuia
was then applied for a darker contrast.l After applying the gel stain, three coats
of Woodoc 5 polywax sealer were applied
to the seat slats.l The bottom frame was painted with
Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte in Aged
Grey. There are plenty of other colour
options (Builders Warehouse stocks a
full range of Rust-Oleum products).
GOOD TO KNOW: If you plan on placing the
slat bench outdoors, finish with Woodoc
30/35 or 50/55 exterior sealer.