Ok…SPOILER ALERT… so, this bench isn’t 100% done. But, the initial assembly is around 44 seconds with the cups on the floor. I realized belatedly that I shouldn’t have started with the cups already spaced out so let’s call it a minute instead. 
All the pieces that I am using, come, as is, and ready to go in Lowes/Home Depot, Target and the craft stores. There is absolutely no cutting involved in building this bench. I used 2 stair treads, 2 crates and 6 heavy duty plastic storage cups. Could it be any more simple than that? As soon as I paint and stain it and decide what must be permanently attached, I will update this tutorial. For now this is just an idea that was too good to wait to share with all of you!
For new ways to update this look, see http://www.hometalk.com/28485487/how-to-take-a-simple-bench-to-a-whole-new-level
OKAY!!!! The lumber dept guys at Home Depot took the time to analyze my bench and give me their opinions of how sturdy it is and how much weight it will support. The following is how I interpreted their analysis. They said up / down weight is not the issue. The stair treads on top of the wood crates supported like my picture would hold a great deal of weight. Possibly, even as much as 800 lbs to 900 lbs. Stair treads are specifically made to withstand a great deal of weight. They told me the boards are not going to break. The weakest part of this bench is when there is side to side movement aka horsin’ around. Two adults scooting back and forth side to side is when it would be at its weakest point. To make this super strong, they suggested lag bolts for a secure hold. I think wood screws and wood glue will probably support most people’s general use of this bench but go to the experts if you need more advice!! Stay tuned for a new bench entirely made from Home Depot items. Not sponsored by them in any way… just was there and I have wanted to make another bench for a while now.
Here are my supplies. 2 stair treads, 2 wood crates, and 6 heavy duty cups. Update: In the last pictures, I added legs. It took 3 minutes to stain them and 4 minutes to attach them. The stair treads were $12.65 each, the wood crates were $10 and the cups were in packages of 3 for $2. The new legs and hardware came to $20 but really money well spent. I love the look.
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