DIY Farmhouse Bench Plans

This step by step diy project is about diy farmhouse bench plans. I design these benches so they match the farmhouse table, you can see here. These benches feature a really rustic design, so you can add unique charm to your home. Take a look over the rest of my 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.

Projects made from these plans

DIY Farmhouse Bench Plans

Building-a-farmhouse-bench

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 14 3/8″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 7 1/4″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 13 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 53 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 60 1/2″ long STRETCHERS
• D – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 13 1/2″ long DIAGONAL BRACES
• E – 2 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 57″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14 1/2″ long SEAT

• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 pieces of of 2×8 lumber – 10′
• 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 6′
• 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint
• wood filler 

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Farmhouse table plans
• Truss table plans

Building a farmhouse bench seat

Building-the-legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the bench. Cut both ends of the 4×4 beams at 80 degrees using a miter or a circular saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper, for a professional result.

Building the bottom braces

Build the braces for the sides from 4×4 lumber. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to cut both sides of the braces at 80 degrees and make a 1 3/4″ deep notch, so you can set the stretcher into place. Make several parallel cuts to the marked area are remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the recess with sandpaper for a professional result.

Assembling-the-sides-of-the-bench

Fit the bottom braces to the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything tightly. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth. In addition, fit the top supports to the legs. You can use pocket screws or you could drill pilot holes through the 2×4 supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. Add waterproof glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components.

Building the stretcher

Build the stretcher from 4×4 lumber. Make notches to both ends of the beam. Make parallel cuts to the marked area and remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the stretcher

Fit the stretcher to the sides of the bench. Use a spirit level to check of the sides are plumb and to check if the stretcher is horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the stretcher and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the brace. Add glue to the joints.

Fitting the top support

Fit a piece of 2×4 lumber to the top of the bench seat. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the support and secure it to the sides using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components.

Building-the-seat

Build the seat for the benches from 2×8 lumber and the breadboards from 2×6 lumber. Drill pocket holes as shown in the diagram, align the edges with attention and insert 2 1/2″ screws

Building the diagonal braces

Build the diagonal braces for the farmhouse bench from 4×4 lumber. Cut both ends at 45 degrees and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fit the braces to the frame of the bench. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the braces and secure them to the frame with 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints are remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Fitting the seat

Lay the seat on a level surface and center the frame of the table to it. Pay attention to the instructions in the diagram, so you get even overhangs on all sides. Drill pilot holes through the support and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the seat of the bench. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components.

Farmhouse bench plans

After assembling the benches for the farmhouse table, all you are left to do is take care of the finishing touches.

DIY farmhouse bench plans

Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface thoroughly with 120-220 sandpaper before applying the paint or stain coats. I designed these benches so they can fit under the farmhouse table that is featured on my blog. As you can notice, there are similar design lines and detailed between the components.

This woodworking project was about farmhouse 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.