Walk into your home and being greeted by the sleek lines of modern entryway shoe bench that will serve as a space where you can comfortably sit while slipping on your favorite pair of shoes. Made from the warm tones of walnut, this isn’t just furniture; it’s a statement piece that says “welcome home” in the most stylish way possible. It will add a lot to enhance your entryway’s decor and make life a little easier, especially for those who appreciate the extra support when putting on or taking off shoes.
DIY Modern Entryway Shoe Bench
Materials List
- Walnut hardwood: Approximately 20 board feet
- Walnut ¼″ Plywood: Half a sheet
- 12″ Soft Close Bottom Drawer Slides
Tools Used
- Microjig Tapering Jig
- Microjig Grr-ripper
- Microjig Grr-rip Block
- Walnut Stain
- Figure 8 Clips
- White Marker
- Bandy Clamps
Breaking Down Lumber
Embark on the journey by selecting and preparing your walnut lumber. Begin with marking the dimensions needed for the project, then proceed to the table saw, where the pieces are crosscut to the desired length. Employ the saw to resaw the wood, which provides the necessary material for both the carcass and the drawers.
Panel Glue-up
The act of creating larger panels from your milled lumber follows next. Although the use of Dominoes for alignment is mentioned, caution is advised due to later steps involving cutting tapers where the Dominoes could interfere. The use of cauls during glue-up is recommended to maintain panel flatness. Once the glue has cured, use a scraper to clean off any excess.
Cutting Main Case Panels to Size
Now, focus on the panels that will form the main case. Executing precise cuts at specific angles on the top and bottom panels ensures they align correctly with a tapered left panel. For the best fit, the taper should be cut first on the left panel, informing the precise depths for the top and bottom panels’ final cuts.
Joinery for Main Case Panels
With all panels properly sized, it’s time to tackle the joinery. Detailed measurements will guide the placement and cutting of dados that will house the vertical partitions. Pay particular attention to differences in panel depth which will affect the positioning of these dados.
Main Case Glue-up
Assembling the main case with meticulous attention, one ensures miter joints are not only aligned but also reinforced with the use of Dominoes or a similar biscuit joinery system which aids both in the strength and in streamlining the glue-up process.
Cutting Partitions to Size + Joinery
After the glue-up of the main case, turn your attention to the vertical partitions, cutting them to their precise heights. This is followed by creating notches to complement earlier cuts and establishing a stop-dado within each partition to accommodate a horizontal shelf.
Partition & Back Panel Glue-up
Press on by affixing the vertical partitions to the top and bottom panels. Next, create a snug-fitting horizontal shelf and prepare a back panel, staining the non-walnut side if deemed aesthetically necessary, before securing it to the assembly.
Drawers
Focus shifts towards the drawer construction with the thinning of wood to the desired thickness. Carefully define the dados at the base, rabbet the ends for assembly, and piece together the boxes. If chosen, undermount drawer slides are a sophisticated touch, adhering to specific measurements for optimal functionality.
Making the Legs (Cutting Parts)
Creating splayed legs requires setting your miter gauge to 15 degrees and cutting to outline a delicate taper. Stretcher ends are also to be addressed, marking and crafting half-lap joints that will later integrate seamlessly into the bench structure.
Making Legs (Joinery & Assembly)
Lastly, bring harmony to the piece by joining the legs and stretchers, sculpting the necessary joinery and ensuring each connection fits like a jigsaw puzzle piece. With precision and patience, the result will be a foundation that is as robust as it is visually appealing.
Upon completion, this modern entryway shoe bench will not only elevate the entrance of your home but also serve as a testament to your craftsmanship and attention to detail, a truly bespoke piece that marries utility and beauty in one streamlined form.
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