Rustic Reclaimed Wood Bench

A snowy day gave me the perfect chance to work in my workshop. I wasn't sure what I was going to build. I spied a lovely little piece of live reclaimed wood and decided to make a quick bench. 

When I say quick--I mean it takes me about 15 minutes to put this together, another 15 minutes were spent on sanding, and about it took about 15 minutes to clear coat this rustic bench.

I cut two 17" legs from scraps. The pieces for the legs or sides are a little different width and thickness, but it works out just fine. I attach them from the underside with three 2" screws on each leg, drilling at an angle with a countersink bit. The leg is very wobbly at this point.

I add braces cut at a 45 degree angle and in a trapezoid shape. These really secure the legs and the bench no longer has any wibble-wobble.

After a good sanding, I clear coated the bench.(affiliate link) I just started using this brush on clear coat (get it HERE) and I love it. It goes on so nicely, dries quickly, and doesn't drip.

Benches are so versatile--they are great for entries, at the kitchen table, at the foot of a bed, or use them for a coffee table. I was happy to find this pillow in my Valentine Day box--I think I got at TJ Maxx last year.