Simple bench plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about simple bench plans. If you want to build a really nice and simple bench for your home, we recommend you to check out this project and to follow the instructions shown in the diagrams. Work with attention and plan every aspect of the construction, as to save both money and time. Gather all the tools and materials before starting the assembly.

There are many aspects that you should take into account, before building a simple bench, so we recommend you to pay attention to the following tips and instructions. First of all, we recommend you to invest in high quality materials, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Select the components with great care, making sure the components are in a good condition and have no visible flaws.

There are so many designs and plans you can choose from, that it is really difficult to make a proper choice without having at least a short list with the potential projects. In addition, you can adjust the size and the design of the bench as to suit your needs. Make sure you ask a skilled friend to assist you with your project, if you don’t have an extensive expertise in the woodworking field. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a simple bench

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 18″ long LEGS
B – 1 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 36″ long STRETCHER
C – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 43 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
D – 1 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 43 1/2″ long SEAT

1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Simple bench plans

Building the legs of the bench

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the legs of the simple bench. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to build the legs out of 1×12 lumber and to make several notches, if you want to enhance the look of the bench.

Fitting the seat supports

The next step of the project is to attach the supports to both sides of the bench. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to drill pilot holes through the supports and to insert the screws into the legs. Add waterproof glue to the joints if you want to enhance the rigidity of the frame. Check if the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws.

Installing the stretcher

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to fit a wooden stretcher between the two legs of the simple bench. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the stretcher and insert 1 1/4″ galvanized screws into the legs.

Attaching the seat

Continue the project by attaching the seat to the supports. In order to get a neat result, we recommend you to cut a piece of 1×12 lumber at the right size and to attach it to the supports in a professional manner. Drill pocket holes through the supports and insert 1 1/4″ galvanized screws into the seat. Add waterproof glue to the joints and remove the excess material with a damp cloth.

Simple bench plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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