DIY Bench Building Plans

I have wanted to add benches to our farmtable for so long and we finally did it! I cannot believe how easy it was and how dumb I felt for waiting so long to do it! I guess quarantine is good for some things!

Shout out to my dad for always being on board (or getting on board in order for me not to hurt myself) and letting me use his menagerie of tools.

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Supplies List:

**these plans are to build ONE bench. If making two benches, double the amount of wood and cuts.

- Drill

- Drill bit

- Tape measure

- Miter saw (preferred)

- Pencil

- 2 1/2 wood screws

- Kreg Jig (& 2 1/2 Kreg screws) (optional)

- Clamps

- (1) 2x8x10 board

- (2) 2x4x8 boards

Cut List:

2x8 cuts-

- (2) 60" (cut the 10ft board in half so that you have 2- 60inch boards)

2x4 cuts-

- (4) 16 1/2"

- (4) 9 1/2"

- (1) 47"

Step 1 is to make all of your cuts and have all of your pieces ready to assemble. My best tip when making your cuts is to always start with the biggest cuts first.

Once you have all of your cuts made, decide whether or not you will be using the Kreg Jig. If you are using the Kreg Jig, lay both of your 2x8 cuts down side by side and drill out your holes using the Kreg Jig drill bit. Then, using the Kreg screws, attach the two boards together.

Step 2 is to assemble the basic structure of each leg of the bench. You will need two of the 16 1/2" 2x4 cuts and one of the 9 1/2" 2x4 cuts.

Hold the "U shape" together with your clamps while you first, drill pilot holes with your drill bit (this is to avoid spliting in the wood). Then use the 2 1/2" screws to attach the "U shape" of the legs together.

This will give you the basic leg shape (without the center brace). Step 3 is to attach both of the "U shaped" legs to the top of the bench (seen below).

Place the legs 4 inches from the end of each side of the bench and drill them into place.

Step 4 will be to construct the center brace. Mark the midline of the 2 peices of 9 1/2" 2x4's. Attach the 47" 2x4 to the middle of each 9 1/2" piece, giving you the "capital I" shape.

From here, Step 5 is just to attach the "I" shape that you have just constructed 3" from the bottom of the bench. Make sure to measure each side of the 9 1/2" piece before screwing them into place (the clamps come in handy here).

Just give it a really good sanding down to make sure there aren't any splinters sticking out (I like to round the edges of the seat).

Paint/stain and enjoy!

Paint used: Bright White in eggshell

Stain used: 2 coats of Provincial stain by Minwax.

Now, don't be intimidated by this very advanced drawing. But, here she is. I attempted to lay it out for ya'll via drawing. I can confidently say, this drawing will confuse you more than you already were.

Happy Building!