# Interesting idea for a garden bench
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
**Created:** [July 12, 2022, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836 "2022-07-12T20:12:33Z")
**Posts on this page:** 10
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [July 12, 2022, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/1 "2022-07-12T20:12:34Z")
I saw this photo on bored panda. I’ve never thought about building in a pop-up table. It would be great for a paper plate with sandwiches and I would include a cut out for a coke can.
It’s a simple concept. I’m looking at benches that I can buy and modify. Cut out the center and reuse the slats for the table top. Reenforce the cut edges of the bench with a cleat.
The x-brace will take some experimenting. So it can be lifted up and locked in place.
Looks like a fun and creative project.
[ ](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/interesting-sweden-facts-pics-47-62bec4d663720__700.jpg)
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### Author:  [@Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fluffy_PickleSniffer)
#### Post date: [July 12, 2022, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/2 "2022-07-12T21:59:49Z")
Hey, that’s actually a really neat idea! I like it.
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### Author:  [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)
#### Post date: [July 13, 2022, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/3 "2022-07-13T01:33:45Z")
I’m thinking the scissor mechanism necessary for a LaZBoy type foot rest would be difficult
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [July 13, 2022, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/4 "2022-07-13T16:46:55Z")
I may use Aluminum bar stock for the x-brace. I found a source online that sells it in various thickness. 0.1875" x 1.5" should work. Thats 3/16. I don’t really need 1/4.
A friend has a drill press and other machine tools.
I ordered a bench yesterday. Can’t start work until mid September when its cooler.
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### Author:  [@Reeses\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeses_Monkey)
#### Post date: [July 13, 2022, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/5 "2022-07-13T20:39:53Z")
I want to see how this turns out.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [July 13, 2022, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/6 "2022-07-13T20:52:10Z")
The picture details gives me confidence. One side of the X is loosely bolted to the frame. The other side travels in a angled slot. There’s probably a roller that slides in the groove.
I think I can replicate it. After the third or fourth try. 😉 I’m persistent when the job requires it.
I used to get in trouble for taking stuff apart to see how it works. My dad helped me and I eventually learned to tear stuff down and get it back together.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [July 13, 2022, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/7 "2022-07-13T21:10:48Z")
I am unsure of calculating the length of the legs. So the table lowers evenly with the bench. I may have to experiment with cardboard.
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### Author:  [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)
#### Post date: [July 13, 2022, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/8 "2022-07-13T21:29:50Z")
Pretty clever.
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### Author:  [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)
#### Post date: [July 13, 2022, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/9 "2022-07-13T21:47:20Z")
I would add piece of wood on each side of the floating legs (parallel to the length of the bench) to keep the floating leg from popping out of the channel.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [July 13, 2022, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-idea-for-a-garden-bench/967836/10 "2022-07-13T23:01:57Z")
I’ll keep that in mind.