If you’ve been following along for a bit, you’ll know that I recently challenged myself to build a custom live edge dining table with welded legs for my family (spoiler alert, it turned out awesome). The only thing missing, however, was a custom bench to go along with the table. But, not anymore! I finally got around to making them a custom live edge bench with metal legs to match their table, and even cooler, my friends at The Home Depot helped make it happen. Here’s how!
How To Make A Live Edge Bench With Metal Legs
This project is sponsored by The Home Depot.
Want to see this build in action? Check it out on my YouTube channel!
I think the thing that I love the most about live edge pieces are that they are 100% one-of-a-kind. No two pieces of live edge lumber look the same. This one in particular is the same species of wood as the dining table, but it looks like a standalone piece and could always be used as an entryway bench, if my parents ever want go back to using traditional chairs (they swear they don’t, but who knows)!
Another thing I love about this project is that I challenged myself to weld the base, and while I’m so proud of it, I do understand that welding isn’t an option for everyone. So, here’s a list of my favorite spots to find cool metal bases for your projects:
Metal Bases on Etsy
Metal Legs at Home Depot
Metal Legs at Cascade Iron Co.
Now that you know the deal, are you ready to get started? Let’s do this!
What You’ll Need:
Tools
Circular Saw
Sander & Sandpaper
Drill/Driver Set
Chisel
Mechanic’s Set
Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade
Metal & Wood Circular Saw Blade
Wired Brush
Metal & Wood Drill Bits
Finishing Tools (i.e., brushes, rags, etc.)
Power Hand Planer (Optional)
Angle Grinder (Optional)
Welder & Safety Gear (Optional)
Materials
Live Edge Slab
12 Threaded Inserts
12 Threaded Bolts
Choice Wood Finish
1 ½” Square Tubing – 12 Gauge (Optional)
6” Wide Flat Bar – 12 Gauge (Optional)
Epoxy Resin & Tint (Optional)
Tyveck Tape (Optional)
Square End Caps for Tubing
Metal Primer (Optional)
Metal Paint (Optional)
The Steps:
1. First, I rough cut my slab to a manageable size. I did this using a circular saw. The measurements didn’t have to be perfect, but I needed the slab to be a bit smaller to fit in my shop.
2. Next, I moved to filling the voids in the slab with epoxy resin. I opted for this because I like the way it looks and it helps to stabilize the cracks in the slab. I made sure to tape any voids that went all the way through the slab.
3. As the resin dried, I moved onto prepping the metal for welding. These steps are totally optional. So, if you’re not looking to weld your own base, you can skip to Step 12.
In my original project, I did not have a way to cut the metal in my shop, so I opted to have the metal warehouse do it for me. However, this time, I was able to use a Diablo 7-1/4 in. x 48 TPI Cermet Steel Demon Ferrous Metal Cutting Saw Blade in my circular saw to cut the metal, and you guys, it legit blew my mind.
The blade fit right into my 7 ¼’ RIDGID circular saw and cut through the steel like an absolute champ. Even cooler, I can keep it around for a while to use on any future metal projects that may include steel studs, angle iron, flat bar, channel, threaded rod. So stoked.
4. After cutting the metal, I used my angle grinder to grind away some of the material from the steel tubing to create a clean spot to weld.
5. Next, I clamped the pieces together, triple checked for square, and began welding them together.
6. After welding, I used a flap disc on my angle grinder to flatten out the welds.
7. Next, I used my drill press and a metal drilling bit to create openings in my flat bars for the threaded bolts to go through.
8. I then welded the bases to the flat bar.
9. Finally, I gave the bases a good cleaning using the flat bar to prep them for paint.
10. In terms of paint, I first used a metal filling primer to prep the base and then used a metal paint to spray them black.
11. Once they dried, I added small plastic feet to the bottom of the square tubing.
12. Once the live edge slab was stable and dry, it was time to cut it down to its final size. I wanted it to be a really clean cut, and had to use a heavy-duty circular saw blade to do so. So, I opted for a Diablo 7-1/4 in. x 36 TPI Wood and Metal Carbide Saw Blade.
Just like the metal blade, it was compatible with my 7 1/4″ cordless circular saw. It also cut through the almost 2-inch thick ash slab with absolute ease.
13. After cutting the slab to its final size, I prepped it for finish. First, I used a chisel to clean up and knock off the bulk of the bark. This did take a while, so I also ended up using an angle grinder to help as well (totally optional though).
14. Next, I used my powered hand planer to clean up the dried resin and give the piece a final flattening on both sides.
15. Next, I moved on to sanding the piece nice and smooth. I also used a wire brush to help define and clean out any of the fun imperfections like beetle holes and divots.
16. Once the slab was prepped, it was time to finish.
17. Next, it was time to attach the base. I first used a drill bit to drill openings for threaded inserts and then attached them using my drill and the attachment that fit the opening of the insert.
18. Last time I attached a custom metal base to a slab, I had some trouble getting the drill to fit well enough to attach the bolts perfectly straight. So, this time I opted to pull some accessories from my new 432-Piece Mechanic’s Tool Set to make it happen.
Specifically, the Mechanic’s Tool Set includes 229 sockets, 124 accessories, 74 wrenches, and 5 ratchets. So, no matter what size the threaded rods were, I had the tools for the job. Even better, the ratchets operate in space as little as 1 ¼” inches, so they were perfect for attaching the bases, since I had tight clearance.
19. Once the bases were attached, it was time to apply any leftover finish and then install the bench!
I am so happy that the dining table now has a friend, and they couldn’t be more of a perfect pair!
Even cooler, we just had a big family dinner as of recently and it was so nice to have the entire family seated around my new build!
What do you think? Want to save this build for later? Make sure to Pin It!
Until next time friends… Happy DIY’ing!
I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the promotional program described above (the “Program”). As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Gorgeous! I am really getting into the live edge furniture, lately. Yours turned out great.
Me too! Thank you so much!
Your table is beautiful! I love that the legs can be removed. What kind of bolts did you use and where did you find them?
Thank you! They are threaded bolts from Home Depot!
Would love to try this out! But having trouble finding the live edge slab. Where did you find yours? Thanks 🙂
That would be awesome! I got mine from NYCity Slab.
What kind of welder did you use?
I use a Lincoln Power MIG.
I love your table. Can you tell me where the dining chairs are from?
Hi! They are from The Home Depot. I linked to them in my post!
What are the brands/types of epoxy and finishes used?
Hi! I love this table. What type of epoxy and finish did you use?