How would I attach this backspach to my bench?

[vnboil]

Ugh, I'm a total newbie and I know it



But I've kind of caught the fever here since buying my first house and now I want to build a workbench

I picked up a cheap, solid core door on craigslist to use as the top/surface

I cut off 6" to use as the backsplash

Now, I'm wondering what's the best/most solid way to attach the two together?

Glue and screws I would guess. But how exactly?

here's a pic of how it would be configured;

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd probably do the glue and screw method. Once it's together, I'd probaly run a bead of clear RTV along the inside corner to keep the water/**** out of the joint.

 

[tipsy]

Welcome!
Screw up from below. Through the bottom of the door into the backsplash. 2" to 3" deck screws would be best. Glue wouldn't hurt either. Drill pilot holes if you can too, but most deck screws come with a drilling tip on them that helps keeping the wood from splitting. If you glue, you shouldn't need more than 4 screws equally spaced. If you want more top space and shorter backsplash height, then you can screw through the backsplash into the top if you reposition the backsplash behind the top instead of where you show it on top of the top.

 

[Falcon67]

Unless you have to have it on top, I'd attach it to the back of the door. I keep boxes of deck screws on hand - 3", 2 1/2", 2" and 1 5/8". Great items for misc assembly work. Drill a 1/8" pilot hole to prevent splitting.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grip-Rit...ed-Exterior-Screws-1-lb-Pack-PTN3S1/100115639

 

[vnboil]

would it be stronger on the back, or just more space?

 

[woodrail]

Drill a series of 1/4" diameter holes 8" on center to a depth of 1" located 3/4" off the bottom back edge of the main top.

Drill a 1/8" hole thru the top in each hole.

Using brown wood glue, completely cover edge of backsplash. Temporarily use clamps or duct tape to hold in place.

Connect top to backslash using 3" course thread square drive screws.

Immediately wipe down excess glue.

Note: you will not be able to remove this backsplash without destroying the top. Omit the glue if you wish to be able to seperate these down the road.

 

[akdiesel]

I would just glue / silicon it to the wall and the run a bead of silicon on the bench edge. No need to screw it since the weight of it will be on the bench and the glue / silicon will be strong enough to hold it in place.
I just saw the picture and I am assuming this will be against a wall.

 

[mtmgtz]

Drill a series of 1/4" diameter holes 8" on center to a depth of 1" located 3/4" off the bottom back edge of the main top.

Drill a 1/8" hole thru the top in each hole.

Using brown wood glue, completely cover edge of backsplash. Temporarily use clamps or duct tape to hold in place.

Connect top to backslash using 3" course thread square drive screws.

Immediately wipe down excess glue.

Note: you will not be able to remove this backsplash without destroying the top. Omit the glue if you wish to be able to seperate these down the road.

I don't think wood glue would be a good choice here. Only one of the two surfaces has exposed wood. The other has the counter laminate which is not porous. I would use a construction adhesive between the two.

EDIT: Just noticed that it's wood veneered not plastic laminate so ignore what I said here. Wood glue is fine.

 

[woodrail]

I don't think wood glue would be a good choice here. Only one of the two surfaces has exposed wood. The other has the counter laminate which is not porous. I would use a construction adhesive between the two.

Really? looks like wood to me?

 

[G McKay]

Glue and screw. Use clamps on it if you can. Good luck.

 

[mtmgtz]

Really? looks like wood to me?

I just re-read the OP's post and you're right. I was thinking it was a conventional counter piece but it's a veneered door so wood glue would be a good choice.

 

[Falcon67]

would it be stronger on the back, or just more space?

More space on the top, less intrusive on the rear. FWIW I never glue any of my back boards because I may want to change things later. 5 or 6 deck screws on the back of an 8' bench are more than plenty to keep it in place. I have 40 sq/ft of wooden bench and not a drop of glue on it anywhere.

 

[joeysh03]

Kreg jig.

 

[vnboil]

Thanks, guys!

I picked up the deck screws and caulk today. I'll try to put everything together tomorrow.

 

[oscar80]

Going to say kreg jig also. Pocket holes is what you need with glue.

 

[vnboil]

Picked up the deck screws yesterday and that was the perfect solution...

So, what sort of screws would I use to attach the top to the steel legs?

they're like this;

 

[Falcon67]

Short 1/4 diameter lag bolts would be one way depending on the top thickness. You will also need a back brace across the rear to prevent the legs from tilting. Otherwise, a good push from one side would fold the whole thing down to floor level. Stronger would be carriage bolts run through the top and legs. Those are great bench legs - I have a set that I've held on to for 20 years and STILL can't find a way to use 'em!

 

[Freejack]

Going to say kreg jig also. Pocket holes is what you need with glue.

Third vote for pocket screws...love me some pocket screws. I only have the very basic jig (the little single hole jig you have to clamp to the wood), use that sucker all the damn time!

Note to self - pick up the deluxe Kreg jig when next time I have the chance...

Jake

 

[vnboil]

Short 1/4 diameter lag bolts would be one way depending on the top thickness. You will also need a back brace across the rear to prevent the legs from tilting. Otherwise, a good push from one side would fold the whole thing down to floor level.

Top is about 1 3/4" thick

And I had thought about running a piece of plywood across the back to help stabilize it

 

[Zeke]

You can use common drywall screws with washers to attach the top to the legs. Definitely cross brace the legs. Adding a lower shelf with a back does this nicely.

 

[black00lightning]

I would use 3/4" plywood as a lower shelf to support the legs.