How to build a bench seat

This step by step diy project is about how to build a bench seat. If you need a simple bench without a back support, you should pay attention to the instructions described below. In addition, anyone can get the job done in just a few hours, as you need just basic woodworking skills and common materials. Even if you use the best materials, the bench shouldn’t cost more than 100 dollars.

In order to get a professional result, you need to pay attention to a few aspects. Therefore, on one hand, you should choose the wooden components with great attention. From our experience, choosing weather resistant lumber such as redwood, cedar or pine is a great choice, as they also have an exquisite look. All the slats or posts should be in good condition and perfectly straight, so take a look at them, before paying them.

On the other hand, there are a few woodworking techniques that should be used for this project. Always pre-drill the lumber before driving in the wood screws, to prevent the components from splitting. In addition, leave at least 1/4” from the edges to the pilot holes, for the same reason. Add glue to the joints, to enhance the rigidity of the wooden frame of the seat. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a bench seat

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16” long POSTS
B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 13” long BRACE
C – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 49 1/2”, 2 pieces – 10”, 3 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 10” long SEAT FRAME
D – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 53” long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 14” long SEAT

1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 6 ft
2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 3 ft
1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 10 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

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Apply several coats of wood stain

Time

Two Hours

6 ft farmhouse bench plans

Bench legs

The first step of the project is to build the posts of the bench. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to use 4×4 posts, as they have a neat appearance and are durable. Cut the 1 1/2” deep notches, by using a circular saw. Make parallel cuts and remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.

Building the frame of the seat

Build the frame of the bench seat out of 1×4 lumber, as in the free plans. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 10″ supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the perpendicular components. Check the corners for squareness, before attaching the 1×2 strips to the frame.

Align the frame into place and secure it to the posts with 2 1/2” wood screws. Check of the posts are plumb and if the frame is horizontal, before driving in the wood screws.

Installing the seat slats

Lay the seat slats on a level surface and turn the frame upside down, before placing it into place. Center the frame on top of the slats and secure it into place, by driving 1 1/2” screws into the seat boards.

Fitting the ends

Attach the end components to the bench seat, as you can see in the image. Drill pilot holes trough the wooden boards and and secure them into place with 2 1/2” screws. Add glue to enhance the bond of the components.

How to build a bench seat

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, drill the holes with a good wood filler and let it dry out for at least several hours. Sand the surface with medium grit sandpaper, along the wood grain.

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