Basic Bench Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about basic bench plans free. This article features detailed instructions for building a really basic country bench seat, using a few planks and common household tools. You can adjust the size of the bench to suit your needs. You can complete this project in just a few hours if you follow the instructions attentively. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

DIY Simple Wood Bench

DIY Simple Bench

  

Build a Simple Bench

Build a basic bench

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 1×10 lumber – 14′ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 36″ long BEAMS
• C – 1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 36″ long BEAMS

• 1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 4′
• 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 6′
• 1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 4′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• wood putty, wood stain
• wood glue

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Garden bench plans
• Outdoor bench seat plans

Basic Bench Plans

Building the legs for the bench

The first step of the project is to build the sides for the bench. As you can see in the diagram, you need to use 1×10 lumber for the legs. Make a small notch to the bottom of the legs, if you want to enhance the look of the project.

Building the side supports

Next, you need to build the supports for the seat using 1×6 lumber. Make decorative cuts at both ends of the slats. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the side supports

Attach the supports to the legs. Make sure the corners are square and use a spirit level to check if the legs are plumb and if the supports are horizontal. Use 1 1/4″ nails and add glue to the components together.

Attaching the seat

Afterwards, attach the 1×12 top to the frame of the simple bench. As you can see in the diagram, the seat will overhang 1/4″ on the front and on the back of the bench. You could drill pocket holes through the supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the seat. Alternatively, you can just insert 1 1/4″ brad nails through the seat into the support. Add glue to the joints to enhance the bond of the components.

Building a basic bench

After assembling the components you should get a really sturdy bench.

Basic bench plans

Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 100-220 grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project.

This woodworking project was about basic bench plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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