How to build a farmhouse bench

This step by step woodworking article is about how to build a farmhouse bench. If you want to enhance the look of your living room, a rustic farmhouse table with two benches will add character to your home. Taking into account that it is quite hard to find this kind of furniture on the market, the only alternative is to get the job done by yourself. Even if it might look a complex job, any amateur do-it-yourselfer can do the job, if the right plans and carpentry techniques are used.

Buy quality lumber to make the farmhouse bench, as you need to obtain a piece with a nice appearance. Make a list will all the materials required for the project and buy them from the store with the best offer in terms of price and quality. Redwood, cedar or pine boards are good choices for this project, as they are durable and have a beautiful look. Make sure the boards are perfectly straight and don’t have any kind of visible flaws, such as chips, dents or twists.

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components before inserting the screws, if you want to prevent the wood from splitting. Align the components and plumb them with a spirit level, before locking them temporarily with a couple of C-clamps. Add a wood glue to the joints, if you want to enhance the rigidity of the joints. Work with great attention, if you want to obtain a professional result. Any amateur handyman can get the job done in just a weekend, if the right plans and carpentry techniques are used. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a wooden bench

Materials

4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 17″ long LEGS
2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 1/2″ long BRACES
2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 59 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 12 1/2″ long, 7 pieces – 11″ long FRAME
2 pieces of 2×6 boards – 16 1/2″ long, 3 pieces – 64″ long SEAT
2 1/2” and 3″ wood screws – SCREWS

1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 6 ft
1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 3 ft
2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 10 ft
3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits
Router, 1/4” round bit
Pocket hole jig

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Smooth the exterior edges of the components, by using a router with a 1/4” bit

Time

One weekend

Farmhouse bench plans

Building the posts of the bench

Build the four legs of the wooden bench, as in the plans. Use 4×4 lumber or join together two pieces of 2×4 lumber together. Afterwards, notch the legs, as in the image, ensuring you don’t damage the lumber.

Installing the braces

The next step of the project is lock the two ends of the bench together, using 2×4 braces. First of all, you need to place the legs on a level surface and align them properly. Next, measure the diagonals and adjust their position, until they are equal.

The supports should be oriented towards the inside of the table, if you want to obtain a nice appearance. Drill pilot holes in the braces and insert 2 1/2” screws, making sure you countersink the head of the screws.

Building the frame of the bench

Afterwards, you have to build the frame of the bench and to secure it to the legs, using 2” screws. As you can see in the image, you should build the frame using 1×3 or 2×3 lumber. Using the 2×3 will make the bench rigid, but it will also be heavier.

Plumb the sides of the bench with a spirit level, and make sure the frame is horizontal. Use pocket holes to join the side aprons to the end aprons. Add glue to the joints to enhance the bond.

Installing the top supports

The next step is to install the seat supports, making sure you place them equally spaced, as in the plans. Leave about 6-8” between the supports and lock them into place with 2” screws. Work with good judgement if you want to obtain a professional result.

Building teh top of the bench

Next, you need to secure the ends slats into place and to lock them with 3” wood screws. The slats should overhang, about 2” in all directions. Add a good wood glue to the joint, to increase the rigidity of the frame.

The best way to secure the rest of the slats into place is to drill wood screws trough the seat supports in the slats. In order to get access to the slats, you need to turn the bench upside-down.

Securing the top of the bench

Drill pilot holes trough the supports and drive in 3” wood screws, as in the image. Make sure the slats are aligned at all ends and there are no gaps between them, before inserting the screws.

How to build a farmhouse bench

After assembling the wooden components together, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with a good wood putty and let the compound to dry out properly for several hours.

Thank you for reading our article about how to build a farmhouse bench and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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