THERE’S A NEW BENCH IN TOWN
Updated: Jul 29, 2019
T H E B E N C H H E A R D R O U N D T H E V I L L A G E
In case you didn’t know, Goffstown has a famous bench. Now before you write it off, this bench has become the source of a serious debate. Friends have been lost over it, neighbors are no longer lending cups of sugar, and townsfolk are ready to grab their pitchforks.
Now you see, when the village was revitalized in 2018, the town decided to place one of their brand spanking new benches right in front of the store, Acopio. For whatever reason, the town decided NOT to bolt the benches in place, so this bench has become mobile.
Legend has it, the bench originally faced the street—at least that’s what town elders claim. But, when facing the street, bench-goers feet invade the flower beds, leaving them uncomfortable and practically sitting in oncoming traffic. When the bench is turned to face the storefront, bench-goers are in the way of foot traffic—their feet now in the sidewalk—and are left staring straight into a door.
To this day, townsfolk remain up in arms about which way the bench should face—street side vs. store side. And every few days, the poor bench is rotated, presumably in the middle of the night. By who, we may never know.
T H E B E N C H H E A R D R O U N D T H E B A C K Y A R D
Now, it didn’t take us long to realize we wanted a bench of our own—our own Gtown bench. But, maybe without all the feuds and squabbles. We knew we wanted it to be big, a La-Z-Boy of benches, if you will. Big enough for 3 people, or 2 and the pup (the more likely scenario). Heavy enough to not be rotated in the middle of the night—I did not need a ghost bench. Tall enough to rest your head on. And most importantly, of course, it had to look good.
After scouring through plans, drawing plans of our own, debating which came first (street side or store side), we decided to modify some plans we found online. We followed the plans, almost to a T. We deviated by using wider arm rests (1”x5” vs 2”x4”), thinner slats (1”x4” vs 2”x4”), and by making the backrest taller (we used 2 additional slats).
Here is the materials list according to the original plans, without our rebel deviations.
M A T E R I A L S R E Q U I R E D :
(16) 2”x4”x8’ Lumber
(1) 4”x4”x8’ Lumber (I’d recommend pressure treated)
(25) 2-1/2” Pocket Hole Screws (We just used deck screws for everything)
(25) 2-1/2” Deck Screws
T O O L S :
Saw (I’d recommend power)
Drill
Kreg Jig Pocket Hole Kit (Not necessary, but drilling pocket holes will give a nicer finish)
Beer (Highly recommended for anyone DIYing with their spouse)
Buying lumber, building, and assembling the whole bench took less than a day—pretty quick from a start to finish DIY. The plans were spelled out very well, and if you’re interested in building your very own bench (Gtown or not), definitely check them out here.
What do you think? Is this bench worthy of fame?
Street side or Store side?
To keep up with the bench and its whereabouts follow: the_bench_in_goffstown on Instagram.
D I S C L A I M E R :
Author is not liable for any feuds, disputes, or arguments that may occur due to DIYing.