Shaker-Inspired Bench

This woven bench is a simple project to build, and is elegant enough to fit in any decor.

- By Doug Stowe

Shaker-Inspired Bench

The Shakers were incredibly inventive, not just of the furniture they designed, but of their techniques with which it was assembled. As a craftsman, I've been interested in working my own inventiveness, but utilizing that which they've given me including seating woven from "Shaker tape." It's relatively easy and long lasting and is woven in uniform sizes and colors from cotton. This particular cotton tape can be purchased by the roll in a variety of colors from Amazon and other craft suppliers.

1-2 Start to form the rounded spindles at the table saw. Tilt the blade to 45° and knock off all the corners.

3 Rout the spindles round with a roundover bit.

Designing the Bench

This bench is not inspired by one of their designs, though it might be better if it were. It was instead the result of a stroke and a visit to the local physical therapist's office where a relatively tall bench was a much more comfortable height to wait for the therapist than the low seating provided by armchairs. As a recent victim, I was ready to get up and with it, as my recovery was waiting. It is also a good height for placement at the foot of the bed for getting dressed in the morning and storing the bedspread at night. I also found it to be a challenging project for my post stroke recovery as it required the making of several sets of mirror imaged parts.

4 Form the tenons by turning the stock over a running bit.

5 The center spindles are drilled for lower stretchers.

Let's Get Building