You have just received a Piano, it is in good shape and the wood is beautiful, the only problem it seems is that the bench is missing. Now you could very well go out and buy a bench to match it but making it yourself will add to the value you place on this new acquisition.
It is a simple project that most anyone can do and it will give you bragging rights and joy for years to come. A Piano Bench can be made from most any wood but the best are usually made from a hard wood such as Walnut, Mahogany or Ebony. Try to match the wood of the bench to the piano itself for a better looking end product.
The standard bench measures 14″ by 29″ at a height of anywhere between 19″ and 20″. If you are not inclined to measuring and cutting it is possible to get your wood precut to these dimensions at a lumber yard or home project store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot.
To begin you will want to assemble all of the pieces and tools you will need in a clean dry workspace. You will also need very good wood glue and some clamps of varying sizes. First you want to lay the largest piece of wood flat; this will be the part of the bench that will support the top and back of your bench. Next position the long thin pieces alongside of the flat one making certain all edges are flush. Apply the wood glue and clamp the pieces together so that they dry in the proper position. As you wait for this section to dry you will want to begin assembling the legs for your Piano Bench. You will have either made or purchased pieces of wood measuring 181/2 inches or 191/2 inches long. These should be 2inches in diameter. The look can be altered from straight to tapered using a lathe this is up to you and the amount of time and energy you want to put into the project. Each leg will be glued into a corner of the box formed by the joining of the flat pieces and long thin ones. Glue and clamp them in place and leave to dry. Now that you have made it this far it is time to build your sides and top for the Piano Bench. The top should be a tad larger than the frame itself. 15inches by 30inches with a thickness of about ½ inches is best.
When the glue on the frame and legs has dried sufficiently carefully flip the Piano Bench over so it is on its legs, you will now need to glue on the remaining 29inch pieces. These pieces need to be an inch and a half and total four in all. These when glued to the top of the frame will form the compartment of you new Piano Bench. After all the drying time has elapsed you may go ahead and attach the hinges you purchased onto the underneath of the lid and the large piece of hardwood earmarked for the seat. Some people even pad and upholster this portion of the bench.
Viola you have made yourself a fine Piano Bench all that is left is to stain it to match the Piano.
