You know you love your boy when you are willing to sport a khaki uniform shirt each week for ten years. My oldest followed the path from cub scouts to the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America program. Momentarily halted by COVID-19, we wait for the final board of review. Posting about his project, and offering a shout out to those who have contributed, seems like a good way to boost morale these days.

He built benches to match a few existing benches at our local VFW post. Why not step it up a notch by cleaning and repainting the existing benches as well? I mean, he has no real experience in this type of carpentry project so I am sure things will go smoothly, right?

It is so difficult to step back and let your kiddo be the leader. The kids that showed up to help were used to me either being their former cub scout leader or in some type of coordinator role in Boy Scouts. But we did it. The benches are not perfect but they are sturdy and many hands came together in service and that is what matters.

Here is the link to the bench plans we found to match the existing benches.

Dylan’s Tips:

Make a Paper Pattern

On paper, draw out a pattern piece for each cut of wood. He used a roll of butcher paper to make his pattern pieces. (I will admit this was my idea because I sew a lot. It just makes things easier when you don’t have the luxury of excess materials aka mistakes). The pattern pieces made it really easy for each person helping to line up and trace the cuts rather than having to rely on the measure twice cut once method.

Separate All Materials into Groupings

Just like with Lego building, keep your items sorted and in order. Having various bolts sorted by size and a set of tools for each group working on a bench made things go so much smoother.

The Angles are the Trickiest

Cutting the angles just right is the trickiest part. Be sure to follow the instructions and space the legs the correct distance to get the correct angles. Not everyone reads directions thoroughly and it can make it challenging later.

Assemble as a Team

Avengers assemble! Oh wait, wrong type of assembling. Although we felt like super heroes once the project was complete. The wood pieces are awkward and heavy. It is much easier to have help when attaching the boards to the finished legs.

Paint the Underside First

It is easier to if you tip the benches over and paint the underside first. Otherwise, if you wait and try to paint it all at once, you will have to lay on the ground or contort yourself to reach all the areas. Without tipping the benches over, most likely a spot would get missed.

Why Paint the Bench?

The wood is pressure treated and will hold up to the outdoor elements. Painting the bench is for protection of the user. No one wants to sit down and get a big splinter in their backside. The paint seals the wood and reduces the risk of splinters.

Big Shout Outs!

We area so grateful for all of the help building, painting and installing the benches for VFW Post 4443.

Home Depot in Dripping Springs, Texas was so generous with a $100 scholarship in lumber and hardware for the project.

Another huge THANK YOU to Sherwin-Williams in Dripping Springs. The store may be tucked away on RR 12, but the service is amazing. They are always very friendly and boy do they hustle. We were so happy with their generous donation of all paint for this project. Even taking the time to do a color match (which was spot on) to the existing benches. We had enough paint to cover all of the new benches plus add a coat to the existing benches. That is 9 benches total! If you live in the area, make this your paint store.

One last thank you to VFW Post 4443. Dylan appreciated the opportunity to serve and your generosity by granting him the additional funds needed to build the benches. We hope the benches serve you well for many years in your outdoor ceremonies and social events. Check out the VFW website here to see what services they provide to the community and see the spaces available to rent for events of your own.

Sometimes serving others and having opportunities to learn how to lead help those in your household to grow. Having our little fledglings find their wings before heading off into the world helps to make the house feel worthy of returning home. 💙

Our Journey to Eagle Scout