Finishing the basket
With the paint and oil finishes dry and the masking tape removed, start assembling the bench by attaching the legs to the end pieces. Apply a Type II PVA glue to the dowels and mating faces and bring them together. Instead of clamping, I drove three #8 x 1 1/2"-long outdoor-rated screws through the inside of the end pieces at each leg. Drill pilot holes and countersink them before driving these screws in. Make sure they are positioned to avoid the dowels. Next, attach the side slats to the end pieces with more 1 1/2"-long screws.
Start with the first slat at the top front of the bench and work your way toward the bottom. Use scraps of 1/4"-thick wood as spacers as you attach the slats to keep everything even. Leave the narrower bottom slat until last, in case it has to be adjusted to accommodate spacing variations.
The finishing touches
To complete the seat, start by installing the hinges that attach the glued-up section to the single, loose seat slat. Measure and mark the location of the hinges, then cut shallow mortises to accept the leaves. Finally, attach the hinges using corrosion-proof screws.
Next, apply glue to the tops of the back legs and the top edge of the back slat. Then position the seat assembly on top of the bench with an even amount of overhang at each end. Drill and countersink the holes for the screws and drive them home.
Finally, install plywood side cleats with glue and screws on the inside faces of the first three front and back slats.
Fill up your bench and your dockside will start looking a little less like a garage sale and a little more like the relaxing retreat it’s meant to be.
Read more in Woodworking Projects and Outdoor Furniture
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