Recreating a mid-century masterpiece using durable hardwood decking
In short: Watch as Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor recreate an iconic 1946 furniture design. This video demonstrates how to use simple woodworking techniques and modern materials to build a sophisticated, slatted platform bench.
Inspired by a reissue of George Nelson's 1946 platform bench, Tom Silva adapts the elegant design for modern DIYers. While the original used birch, this version utilizes ipe decking—a dense, knot-free hardwood chosen for its durability and rich color, making the piece suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The project focuses on achieving clean lines through straightforward methods: using a table saw and router to create half-lapped strips for the top, and employing loose-tenon joinery to secure the challenging trapezoidal legs. Because ipe sawdust can irritate nasal passages, the builders use vacuums during the cutting and sanding process.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Modern Platform Bench | Build It | Ask This Old House
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