How to Build An Easy DIY Bench for Just $25

Click here to get the building plans at Mylove2create

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Supplies:

• 1- 2×3 board
• 1- 2×2 board
• 1- 2×10 board
• Miter saw
• drill/driver
• 2 1/2’’ screws
• wood glue
• stain/paint of choice
• clear coat (poly)
• sander/sandpaper

Cut List:

• 4- 2×3 boards @ 17 3/4’’ cut 10 degrees off square ends parallel *cut boards with the 1 1/2’’ side laying on the saw bottom, the 2 1/2’’ side will be against the fence (legs)
• 2- 2×3 boards @ 8 5/8’’ long point to long point cut 10 degrees off square ends NOT parallel cut with 2 1/2’’ side on the saw bottom, the 1 1/2’’ side against the fence (opposite of the legs) (center leg supports)
• 2- 2×2 boards @ 17 1/4’’ long point to long point cut 45 degrees off square ends NOT parallel (center bench and leg supports)
• 1- 2×10 board @ 60’’ (bench top)

Step 1: Cut legs, supports, and bench top

Set your miter saw at 10 degrees off square.  Cut the 2×3 legs @ 17 3/4’’ at 10 degrees off square ends parallel *cut boards with the 1 1/2’’ side laying on the saw bottom, the 2 1/2’’ side will be against the fence, as you see above.

I used scrap wood, but if you are using one board, you will cut the very end of the board at 10 degrees off square, then measure and cut the second side of the first leg.  For the second leg you already have your first side cut at an angle from cutting the first leg, so you just have to measure and mark for your second cut.  Repeat until you have all four legs.

Cut the 2×3 center leg supports boards @ 8 5/8’’ long point to long point cut 10 degrees off square ends NOT parallel cut with 2 1/2’’ side on the saw bottom, the 1 1/2’’ side against the fence (opposite of the legs).  If you are using one board you will need to trim the end to get your first cut, since the legs were cut on the other edge of the board.

For the center bench and leg supports set your saw at 45 degrees off square.  Then cut the 2×2 boards @ 17 1/4’’ long point to long point ends NOT parallel.

Cut your 2×10 bench top at 60”, you will need your saw set back at 0 degrees.  Once all your pieces are cut, sand them prior to building, of course you can build before sanding, but I find it easier to do it first.

Once they are marked, place two legs against a straight edge, either a board or the back of the counter or work bench.  Your center support will need to be 1/2” inset on both sides of the legs, you can see I used a small 1/2” thick scrap of wood so set my center support on so I didn’t have to measure.  🙂

When you have everything in place you can clamp your boards down or hold them while you drill in your 2 1/2” screws.  Put two screws through each side into the center support.  If you do not have self tapping (pre-drilling) screws you will need to pre drill holes before you add your screws.  This will help you avoid splitting the wood.  Do this with both sets of legs, and don’t forget the wood glue!

The first thing you want to do is mark 8″ from the end of each side of your bench top (the bottom side) then mark approximately 1” from the edges.  Place your legs on these marks, I like to draw around the edge of my legs to clearly mark where then need to be while I am building.

Place the legs in their marked spots with wood glue.  Then pre-drill two holes at an angle through the inside of the legs into the bench top (I did this even with self-tapping screws to ensure I had a good angle).  Then attach the legs to the top with your 2 1/2” screws.

Add your center bench and leg supports to the middle of your legs and the bench top.  I first secured each side with a 2” nail and wood glue.  Then I pre drilled holes at an angle and attached the support with my 2 1/2” screws.

I decided to do a finish I have been wanting to try for a long time, by my friend Amanda from Rustic Duck Furniture, you can check out her full tutorial.  It is basically layering two different colors of stain randomly on your wood, then blend them together.

After you apply the stain you do a white wash over the wood and blend it in.  To finish it off, you do a dry brush technique, I have done this before you can see an example on my Chalkboard Coat rack, styled X3, it adds so much great texture to a piece.

You can see on the bench this finish gives an old look to the furniture.  I love it!

It adds charm a character that you do don’t get with a normal stain or paint finish, I am glad I gave it a shot!

Of course you can finish it anyway you desire, which is the fun part about doing your own Easy DIY Bench!

This bench was inspired by some antique French cherry wood benches I had seen online.  I modified it to make an easy build, since the originals used mortise and tenon joints.

I think it turned out perfect!  With the center supports added they make it nice and sturdy.

I am actually going to donate this bench to my daughter’s new dance studio, but I have been thinking of trying some counter height ones for my table…because my chairs are dying…but we’ll see.

I grabbed these pillows from my Master Bedroom Reveal for some easy staging, before we deliver this bench to its new home.

It will make a great little spot for the kids to sit at while they wait or put on their dance shoes.  I have previously donated to my daughter’s old dance studio, How to make a Kingsize Headboard Bench, so I am excited to give this to her new studio!

Do you think they will like it?  I hope so?  Would you like one?  Get building!

Hugs,

Mindi

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