Reading bench tutorial

How to:

Supplies:

• 10 inch wide board.  Commonly used for shelving.  Cut it to desired length- I had my husband cut it to 24 inches wide. The original board came from Lowes (1 x 10 x 4) bought with military discount for $5.62 and there is still plenty left for another bench or another project.
• four 7 to 9 inch bench legs but I picked 12 inch ones just because they were the only ones I really liked and actually they are perfect for my vision.  You will find them by the table legs.  I painted mine white with Olympic paint from Lowes. (4 12 inch Early American Table legs at $3.13 each at discount=$12.52
• insert nuts that match the threading on the leg screws, these are in the specialty hardware section which we had.
• drill with bits that the insert nut packaging calls for.
• batting or upholstery foam which I had from JoAnns
• hot glue 
• 1/2 of a yard of fabric purchased from Walmart for $5.60 (still enough material left over for a pillow or something)
• staple gun (purchased from Lowes at discount for $18.88)
• scissors

Directions:

1. First thing that you want to do is cut your board to the desired size. Because the fabric would cover the board, I felt no need to paint it. However, I did paint the legs with Olympic satin paint. 
2. The next thing to do is install the insert nuts.  Measure and mark on all four corners where you will be drilling  (1 inch).  Drill the holes and then according to the insert nut packaging, you will either hammer in the nut, or use a hex screwdriver.
3. Next, prep and cut the batting or foam.  I used batting, folding it a few times to the thickness I wanted.  Then, I cut it to the exact size with just a little overhang to soften the edges.
4. 

1. Cover the batting with hot glue and put the board on top. Let it sit a few minutes.
2. Now cut the fabric down to size with a few inches to spare on all sides.  I also ironed the fabric to get rid of any unsightly creases.
3. After you have it cut, fold over each side a half inch and press, then again two more times.Now lay the fabric face side down, then the larger single piece of batting, and then the board batting side down.  Or if you are in a hurry, skip this step and just have a few lose threads underneath. 
4. Fold the fabric over at the center and staple starting at the longer sides first.  For the corners, I just worked with them until I had them looking the way I wanted and stapled.  I did have to cut out some excess batting and fabric on the corners, to remove some bulk and allow access to the leg holes.

1. Now just thread the legs into the insert nuts and screw in and you are all finished! 
2. Set up for your little one to enjoy.

Please ignore the lack of a plate over the socket. We just painted the room's with its last coat but I wanted to see how it would look. Of course it will look different when the carpet is gone and it is hardwood floors too. We also plan on distressing the legs just a tad. I will update with a picture after it is completed.