Honestly, I get the urge to overbuild—nobody wants a wobbly bench—but sometimes folks go too heavy with the 2x4s and end up with a tank that’s way bulkier than it needs to be. I’ve had good luck using pocket screws and some hardwood cleats instead of chunky framing, especially if you’re working with decent cabinet doors. Keeps things lighter, still sturdy, and looks a bit more intentional. Just my two cents... not every project needs to survive a stampede.
not every project needs to survive a stampede.
That made me laugh—so true. I get the temptation to build everything like it’s gonna be here for the next hundred years, but sometimes lighter is just better. In my old house, I’ve actually had to undo some “overbuilt” stuff from previous owners... like, someone put up a closet shelf with enough lumber to frame a shed. Took me forever to get it out.
I’ve started using salvaged trim and old doors for projects—keeps things sturdy but not overkill, and it’s usually cheaper than buying all new wood. Pocket screws are a game changer too, especially if you’re trying to keep things neat and don’t want a ton of visible fasteners.
Curious if anyone’s tried using those metal corner brackets instead of wood cleats? I’ve seen them in a few restoration projects and they seem sturdy, but I haven’t tested them myself. Sometimes I wonder if I’m overthinking it, but I guess that’s part of the fun with these old houses...
