How to prevent Acacia bench flipping when sitting on the edge?

[Rashmi375]

 hello Team, 

I created this bench as a Dyi with acacia panel and coffee table furniture leg, both of which were from Bunnings itself. However now I notice that if I sit of the edge of the bench, it flips. I think it’s common but I want to avoid any accidents. I can’t bolt it to the floor but I’m looking for solutions to prevent the bench from flipping. 

my thought was to move the legs a bit nearer to the edges but I’m scared that will bend my wood in the middle. I wouldn’t want to add an extra leg in between, so maybe a beam below the bench and bolt that up to prevent the bending of wood ? 

any suggestions are welcome to prevent flipping this bench over. Thanks in advance! 

[EricL]

Hello @Rashmi375 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your Acacia bench. 

I agree with your second idea and that is to move the legs a little farther out by 200mm and putting some supporting timber strips at the bottom. I propose using two 90x45 pieces with a gap of 200mm under the bench. I recommend using adhesive such as Selleys 350g Liquid Nails Heavy Duty in combination with screws to keep the timber pieces in place. This should prevent the bench from tipping over even if you sit at the very end.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Rashmi375 

I have a bench seat that I made the legs for and it would be easy to flip if I sat on the edge as well 😕

Yours and probarly mine migh be solved with two heavier pieces of timber either side at the foot of the stand. Think two kickrails of hardwood weight. That way the seat isnt topheavy anymore, kind of like ballast for a seat

I need to go through and tighten the bolts on my seats and table so might add an extra piece to it to see

Dave

[Noyade]

Evening @Rashmi375 

"any suggestions are welcome"

For me - more steel. Welding plate to create a 'foot' at either end.

Spray paint jet black.

I have seen these legs at Bunnings - they have a substantial thick steel top plate.

But you need to weld or know someone who does.

Just a late sun-setting thought.

Cheers!

[Rashmi375]

Thanks for your advice. I think I’ll go with this solution. That way extra timber won’t be seen as it’s right below the bench. Thank you so much. 

[Nailbag]

Hi @Rashmi375 

This is an easy resolve. You will have no issue at all of the coffee table top bowing in the middle unless there is a heavy weighted object permanently in place by simply relocating the legs outwards as per below. 

Regards Nailbag