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Concrete case
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How to cut FC sheeting
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concrete bench is an industrialinspired piece that looks wonderful in any setting, but weighs a tonne! Using fibre cement (FC) sheeting instead gives the look of the real thing without requiring the skills of working with concrete – and makes a lighter bench that can be moved undercover in poor weather.
This DIY bench boasts the look of solid cement without the weight!
Working with fibre-cement sheeting creates a lot of dust, so make the lowest number of cuts possible and reduce sanding by using factory edges for smooth sides. The dust particles can irritate skin, so always wear a mask, protective eyewear, gloves and long sleeves when working with it.
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Lay the sheet on a flat surface and position the straight edge of a level along the cut line, clamping the level at either side.
Run a specialty fibre-cement knife lightly along the edge of the level to score the line. Remove the clamps and level and run over the line repeatedly with the knife, making an even groove about 2mm deep. Position the sheet so the cut is over the edge of the work surface and clamp, then pull up to snap. Hold the knife at an angle to run the curved shaving blade along the back to clean up any breakout.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
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Your DIY toolkit 2 1
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1 James Hardie ‘Villaboard’ score and snap knife, $14.61, I/N: 0710767. 2 James Hardie ‘Villaboard’ 2400mm x 1200mm x 6mm 2.88sqm FC lining, $37.85, I/N: 0714174. 3 Slipstick 32mm floor protection foot in Caramel, $12.75/pack of 8, I/N: 4051348. 4 Paslode 30mm x 2mm galvanised fibre cement nails, $9.40/500g, I/N: 2360492.
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From the treated pine, use a mitre saw or handsaw to cut two side rails to 1185mm, a centre rail to 1115mm, four legs to 350mm and four cross rails to 230mm.
EXPERT TIP
Avoid rust by using galvanised screws, and seal gaps with filler to avoid moisture damage
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To make the frame base, position the legs flush against either end of a cross rail, countersink and secure with two 60mm screws, checking the heads are below the surface.
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To make the frame top, position the cross rails against the ends of the side rails. At each join, countersink and secure with two 60mm screws, then position the centre rail and secure through the cross rails.
Photography Sue Stubbs, styling Bree Oliver. Project, instructions and steps photography Natasha Dickins. *Not all timbers are available in all states.
Safety equipment including eyewear and mask Tape measure and pencil Mitre saw or handsaw Drill with driver bit 8G countersinking bit Random orbital sander with 120-grit abrasive disc 1.2m level our quick-grip clamps F Fibre cement knife Hammer Nail punch Caulking gun Clean cloth Mini roller with tray 6m 90mm x 35mm treated pine outdoor timber framing* 60mm galvanised countersunk timber screws Treated timber sealer (we used TWA Woodcare ‘Ecoseal Tanalised’ timber preservative) One sheet of James Hardie ’Villaboard’ 2400mm x 1200mm x 6mm fibre cement lining Construction adhesive 30mm galvanised fibre cement nails Coloured caulk filler C oncrete sealer (we used Betta TileCare natural look sealer) Eight plastic and rubber feet Eight 20mm galvanised button-head screws