Home 2x4 2×4 Bench Plans

2×4 Bench Plans

by Ovidiu
15.8K views 5 minutes read

 

This step by step diy woodworking project is about 2×4 bench plans. If you want to learn more about building a nice bench that could be used inside your home or outdoor, we suggest you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. I have teamed up with Jack from HowToSpecialist.com for this project. You can see his step by step tutorial for this bench here.

Work with attention and don’t forget that a good planning will save you from many issues and it will keep the costs withing the total budget. Invest in high quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar. Drill pocket holes before inserting the galvanized screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Add waterproof glue to the joints, in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

 

 

Projects made from these plans

  Add-image

 

 

It’s that easy to build a 2×4 bench!

 

 

2×4 Bench Plans

Building-a-2x4-farmhouse-bench

Building-a-2×4-farmhouse-bench

 

Cut & Shopping Lists

  • A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long, 2 pieces – 32 1/2″ long LEGS
  • B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 45″ long, 2 pieces – 15 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 12 1/2″ long SEAT FRAME
  • C – 4 pieces of 2×4 – 48″ long SEAT
  • D – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long TOP SLAT
  • E – 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16″ long BACKCREST
  • F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 18″ long ARMREST

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Post hole digger, Concrete mixer

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

 

 

Trim---Facebook-BoxMake sure you follow us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest plans and for some other exclusive content. Also, follow us on Pinterest to get many ideas for your backyard from all the internet! See how you can Support Us with no extra costs to you. Trim---Facebook-Box-Down

 

 

How to build a 2×4 farmhouse bench with backrest

Building-the-seat-frame

Building-the-seat-frame

The first step of the project is to assemble the seat frame for the 2×4 bench. Cut the components at the right dimensions and smooth the ends with sandpaper. Drill pocket holes at both ends at both ends of the 45″ long components and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular slats. Make sure the corners are square and add glue for a proper bond. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the middle support and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the seat frame.

Attaching the seat slats

Attaching the seat slats

Next, you need to attach the 2×4 slats to the frame. Align the edges with attention and make sure the slats are equally-spaced. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the slats into place. You can place a 1/2″ wood blog between the slats to get a professional result and equal gaps.

Attaching-the-legs-to-bench

Attaching-the-legs-to-bench

Cut the legs at the right dimensions, using 2×4 lumber. Fit the legs to the seat, drill pilot holes from the inside and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. Make sure the legs are plumb before inserting the screws.

Fitting the top slat to the backrest

Fitting the top slat to the backrest

Drill pocket holes at the top of the back legs. Attach the top component, making sure the edges are flush. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the components together, leaving no gaps.

Attaching the backrest slats

Attaching the backrest slats

Building the backrest for the 2×4 bench can be done in a few ways, but the most straight-forward would be to attach vertical slats to the frame. Drill pocket holes along the top of the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the fame. You can adjust the gaps between the slats according to your needs, by placing more or less slats.

Fitting the armrests

Fitting the armrests

One of the last steps of the project is to attach the 2×4 armrests to the bench. If you want to enhance the look of the rustic bench, we strongly recommend you to round the armrest using a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper. Use 2 1/2″ screws to secure the armrests to the frame of the bench. Drill pilot holes through the armrests before securing them to the frame, to prevent the wood from splitting.

2x4 Bench Plans

2×4 Bench Plans

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-150 grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the bar stool from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain.

Diy-bench-plans

Diy-bench-plans

My friend Jack from HowToSpecialist.com built this amazing bench using my plans. If you like the plans take a look over his tutorial to get a better understand of the project. I would love if you pin, like and share my projects with your friends.

 

 

This woodworking project was about 2×4 garden bench plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects.

 

- EXPLORE MORE IDEAS FOR -

You may also like

31 comments

Debora Cadene -

I forgot to ask how many 2×4’s you need for this. Sorry if you have it written someplace… 🙂

Reply
Julian -

You need 7 pieces of 2x4s – 8 feet long

Reply
amanda -

What if i don’t know how to do the pocket screw thing? Is it possible to just screw the board the normal way or will the wood split? Thank you.

Reply
Julian -

It will work if you drill pilot holes before inserting the screws. In addition, the head of the screws will be exposed, but it will work.

Reply
amanda -

that’s the thing, i’ve never drilled pilot holes so was trying to avoid doing it that way. I guess i’ll research what i need to buy and practice. Thank you.

Reply
Julian -

I said pilot holes, not pocket holes. A pilot holes is a simple holes you drill before inserting the screws, nothing complicated. If you were to use pocket holes you would have needed a jig, but for pilot holes you only need a drill and a bit.

Reply
Debora -

Sorry to bother you again…the back slats say 1×4…is that correct, or should it be 2×4?

thanks,
Debbie.

Reply
Julian -

You can use either one. If you use the 1x4s you will decrease the weight of the bench. Other than this, there is no difference between the two alternatives.

Reply
Debora -

Thanks Julian.. I was just making sure i wasn’t missing something.

Reply
Julian -

Glad I could help. Looking forward to seeing your projects.

Reply
Shane -

Hi, I’ve made a couple of these at 4 to 6 foot lengths. I have a friend who wants one 8 feet long. Do you think it would work as is at the length or would it need added support in the middle? Thanks

Reply
Julian -

I think it should work, but I would add more 12 1/2″ supports to the seat frame.

Reply
perry jordan -

I THINK IS INTERESTING YOU PROVIDE PLANS FOR A 2X4 BENCH, BUT IN THE FINAL PICTURE YOU SHOW US A BENCH MADE WITH 1X6’S INSTEAD. DO YOU NOT REVIEW THESE LAYOUTS? OR WAS THIS INTENTIONAL?

Reply
Julian -

Yes, it’s international so the lumber dimensions don’t match perfectly. However, you can see at the “Made from This Plan” section… a lot of brag projects completed using 2x4s.

Reply
Carla Reed -

can I print this I like to have my 13 year old grandson to make

Reply
Jack -

Yes, of course. Check out the FAQs: http://myoutdoorplans.com/faq/

Reply
Fabio -

If the top component is attached to the Back legs, how come the vertical slats would be attached to the seat frame

Reply
Ovidiu -

In the same way the legs are attached to the seat frame. The backrest slats are parallel to the back legs.

Reply
howard hazelwood -

Great little afternoon project. I precut everything, then drilled all the pocket holes, assembly time from cuts to screwing was about 3.5-4 hours. I love it, and it is sturdy and will get a lot of use from us. don’t know how to load pictures of the finished product for you. Thanks.

Reply
Ovidiu -

That sounds awesome. You can send pics using this form: http://myoutdoorplans.com/contact/ or you can send them directly using my mail: admin@myoutdoorplans.com Looking forward to seeing it and featuring it on the site.

Reply
Leon -

Hello. I’m not in the slightest experienced with outdoor projects. I was thinking about working on this project, but looking at the materials needed and looking around the lowe’s website, it appears the materials would be worth well over a thousands. Maybe I’m looking at a different wood type or using the wrong terms, but if you could show me where you found the price to be under $15, it would be greatly appreciated.

Reply
Ovidiu -

If you use regular lumber, no hardwood, you will get close to that number.

Reply
Christine Riley -

Hey i love this bench. I’m trying to figure out the measurements for a bench that needs a seat height of 25 inches.

Reply
Daniel -

I made a few of these for Christmas gifts. I love the plan. I would like to make a child sized one. I’m thinking of using 2×2’s instead of 2×4’s what would be a good hight for that?

Reply
Ovidiu -

13-15″ Looking forward to seeing your projects

Reply
jose -

Thanks!!

Reply
Dewayne Clinkinbeard -

This bench was fun and easy to cut out and put together. Great plans!!!! Thank you!

Reply
Ovidiu -

You’re welcome. Looking forward to seeing your projects!

Reply
Kathy -

I made this bench and it didn’t take long. But, it wasn’t deep enough for me and I’m only 5 feet, 3 inches tall. So I’m going to make another one adding 1 more board on the seat. Then any other adjustments as needed.
I don’t have the tools or experience with pocket holes so I used a 2×3 and placed it horizontally on the top. I found attaching the back part difficult and frustrating. So next time I will build it separately, then attach it. There is no support under the vertical boards so I may add one to support the boards.
But overall, I like these plans better than any others I’ve used.

Reply
Ken Lamonda -

I made the 2BY4 Garden Bench. Went together fast and is very sturdy. Thanks …Everyone who has set in it including me think the back is too upright… Could a modification to the 2 back boards and how they connect be made to put a slight angle on the back.?? Any ideas or help you can provide would be much appreciated…

Reply
Michael -

Built mine from some left over 2 x4’s. Had 5 to work with so I made a few changes. Across the back instead of the 16’s I went with 1 2×4 in between, and on the seat I did 4 12 1/2 pieces and than a had a flat board 48 x16 1/4 thick I laid across. Will get a 48×16 outdoor cushion soon. I have been using it since Wednesday

Reply

Leave a Comment