Looking for a simple DIY project? With this 2x4 Basics FlipTop bench, you can create a bench that can flip up to serve as a table! This product is available at our HPM retail locations.
Tools & Items Needed for this Project:
With the BenchTable from 2×4 Basics at HPM, the length is fully customizable. The cuts are simple; only straight cuts are used. To get started, cut the first 7 pieces to your desired length, as long as they do not surpass 8 feet. The remaining 2 cuts will be 12-1/2″ shorter than the first 7.
Lay 4 long 2×4’s on the ground with the ends squared. Place the front of the pivots, or the open ends toward you. Place on top of the 2×4’s and 5″ in from the ends. Make sure the outer 2×4’s are flush with the front and back of the pivots and squared at the ends. Space the inner 2×4’s evenly (about 1/4″ apart, or approximately the width of a pencil). Drill pilot holes into 2×4’s through screw holes in pivots and fasten with 16 screws.
Firmly snap the slide locks into pivot lock slots. Slide locks should slide freely in slots and close completely. If the pivots and slide locks are not correctly positioned, the converting table will not work properly.
Insert the 2 shorter 2×4’s (stringer boards) cut in Step 1 into their holes in the legs of both bench ends, as shown. NOTE: There are rounded tabs in the bottom of these holes that help to correctly position these 2×4’s. Do not secure the stringer boards to the legs at this time.
Make sure the slide locks are in the open position and the front (open slide lock end) is installed exactly as shown in the above diagram! Place the tops of bench ends into the appropriate pivots. Secure as shown with pivot bolts and jam nuts provided. Turn the bench upright.
NOTE: The jam nuts are locking-type so they do not loosen after assembly and will tighten with some difficulty. Use a wrench to ensure the jam nuts are snug in order to avoid wobble in the table top. (Do not over-tighten, Typically, when one thread shows out of the jam nut, it is tightened properly.)
Align the ends of the stringer boards flush to the end of the holes in the legs of the bench ends.
Drill pilot holes into 2×4’s at all of the screw slots, inside and outside, of both legs and fasten with 8 of the screws provided.
To make the seat, position the first of the remaining three 2×4’s at the front edge of the bench ends, and squared with the table top. Fasten underneath through the screw slots, inside and out, with 12 of the screws provided. Position and fasten the last 2 2×4’s squared and spaced about 1/4″ apart.
If you make a converting table longer than 6 feet, we recommend using the scrap 2×4's from Step 1 to fasten to the underside of the bench seat and seat back/table top for support and to reduce any warpage.
Congratulations!
You have just built yourself a Flip Top BenchTable!
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