How to Make a Reclaimed Wood Bench/Coffee Table

In the middle of a quiet week around here.  The 12 year old, aka chatterbox, is away at camp for the week.  

She loves camp, was so excited to go, talked about how some of her best memories are from camp so I am always happy that she is able to go.  And she has a way of just about driving me nuts before she goes so that I am ready for a little break (Yes, I am one of THOSE moms who believe a little break from the children every now and then is a healthy thing!).  I will be missing her sunny disposition and go getter attitude by the end of the week, but for now, I am enjoying quieter days and more time to work.  

I made this bench yesterday, which seemed to come together in no time at all, maybe the uninterrupted time to work helped!

I started with four spindles I had and some reclaimed 1x3 pieces.  I cut the end pieces 11" and the longer pieces 48".  I attached the smaller pieces to the spindles first with 2 screws in each,

and then the longer pieces.  

I then cut some very dense, hard pallet wood pieces 14" long.  I am not sure what type of wood this is, but I have used it before--it is heavy!  I takes some time for the saw blade to cut through and predrilling is a must.  I attached these to a 6 1/2" board that was cut the inside length of the apron base, that fits between the legs.

Use 2 screws to secure each board.

Secure the top to the bench base with two screws in the end,

and two screws in each side.  I could have, should have used my kreg jig for this, but didn't since these weren't vital to making the piece solid.

I painted the top,

sanded it, 

and fninshed it with some wax.  HERE is my waxing technique.

It works great as a coffee table or a bench. 

Oh, and the drink in my glass? 

My new favorite, I am trying to not drink Diet Pepsi drink: in my 2 qt. pampered chef bowl I add 4 green tea bags--2 regular and 2 flavored, lemon is my favorite, boiling water, honey to taste. With lemon tea I add lemon juice, fresh ginger, and cucumber.  I also use fruit teas and usually add some fresh or frozen fruit to it.  Let it steep, serve over ice, delicious and oh so much better for you than pop!

Linking up at Knick of Time interiors!