DIY Dining Bench with Plans

by deanna on February 21, 2013 Comments (10)

This post is a long time coming and I apologize to those of you who have been waiting to build
a bench with your DIY Pottery Barn Hyde Dining Table Knockoff.
I have always loved the look of a dining table with a bench on one side. I think it just helps
keep the space less cluttered if you have an open dining area (like we do). All of those tall table
backs can really start to close off the space, but a bench tucks neatly away.
This bench is very similar in construction to the table. The legs are put together first, given
shape with the long side aprons and topped off (in this case) with 2 long planks. We used
standard lumber from a big-box home improvement store so Im pretty sure all of the pieces
are pine. After construction, it was sanded down and stained with 3 coats of Minwax (Jacobean
color). I used a pre-stain first to try and help keep the coat even. I finished it off with 2 coats
of polyurethane.
Here are the detailed plans to help you build a bench of your own.

The plans were put together using Google SketchUp and while I tried my hardest to keep all of
the measurements exact, sometimes the program just would not work with me. So please
follow the measurements and do not rely solely on the photos.
Dimensions:
52 wide x 14.5 deep x 18 tall
Supplies List:

2 1/2 Screws

1 44 post 8 length (we used some left overs from the dining table)

8 of 1 14 8 length board (use scraps from the table project if possible)

1 22 8 length board

2 24 8 length board

1 28 8 length boards

Sandpaper (100, 150, and 220)

Wood putty (If you want to cover the screws. We left the screws exposed and they still look
great)

Stain, varnish, paint or other finishing product

Paint brush

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

hammer

safety glasses

hearing protection

mitre saw (or have the hardware store cut your wood for you)

drill

sander

Cut List:
A) 4 44 Posts @ 16.5 (Legs)
B) 2 24 @ 10 (Leg Joiners)
C) 2 24 @ 43 (Side Aprons)
D) 4 14 @ 2 (End Apron Spacer)
E) 2 24 @ 6 (End Aprons)
F) 3 22 @ 10 (Tabletop Supports)
G) 2 24 @ 14.5 (Breadboard Ends)
H) 2 28 @ approx. 45 (Benchtop Pieces Measure the bench before cutting these boards)
Instructions:
Cut out all boards except H. To get the best fit, you will measure and precisely cut out each of
the boards H to fit the bench. Remember, use the 2 1/2 screws unless otherwise noted and
always pre-drill and countersink your screws. Use glue on all joints to keep the table from
separating later.
Step 1: Attach the end apron spacers (D) into the legs first, because the small space between
the legs will make this step difficult later.

Step 2: Screw the leg joiner (B) to the legs (A) as shown below. Do this on both sets of legs.
Leave 1 1/2 of space on the side of the leg joiners so the side aprons fit tightly.

Step 3: Screw the side aprons (C) into the ends of the leg joiners (B) as shown below.

Check for square. Measure from one end diagonally across the table. Then measure on the
other diagonal. If the measurements are the same, your table is square. If not, evaluate where
you are off and make the necessary corrections.
Step 4: Screw the end aprons (E) into the end apron spacers as shown below.

Step 5: Screw in the tabletop supports (F) as shown below, spacing the supports
approximately 10 apart.

Step 6: Now screw the breadboard ends into the tops of the legs as shown below. The edge of
the breadboard is centered on the leg.

Step 7: Take a length measurement between the breadboard ends. Be very precise and cut
your first bench top piece(H). Place the board with one edge centered on the table and screw
in place from the bottom through the supports (F). Measure the second bench top and put in
place, screwing in through the supports.

Step 8: Stand back and admire your beautiful bench.

Our bench and matching table (pictured below) were stained using Minwax in Jacobean. There
is one coat of wood stain primer, three coats of stain and three coats of polyurethane. We built
it over a year ago and has held up very well so far.

How To Build A Simple Patio Deck Bench Out Of Wood Step By Step
The wood and materials needed for this DIY patio bench project:
Quantity of 4 4 x 4 x 16 = Bench legs
Quantity of 5 2 x 4 x 11 = End pieces and sitting surface base
Quantity of 4 2 x 4 x 48 = Top (sitting surface)
Quantity of 2 2 x 4 x 44 = Horizontal pieces (from leg to leg)
Quantity of 4 2 x 4 x 14 = End of top surface sides (2 on each side)
Quantity of 1 Box of 3 1/2 Long wood screws
Quantity of 1 Bottle of wood glue
Optional Material Needed = Can of wood stain, Can of wood sealer, Paint Brush

Here is all of our wood cut and ready to be made into our
DIY bench.
The wood pictured in the above image are the following
sizes and quantities:
4 4 x 4 x 16
5 2 x 4 x 11
4 2 x 4 x 48

2 2 x 4 x 44
4 2 x 4 x 14

Here are the 4 X 4 pieces of wood that will become our patio
bench legs.

The first thing we did was to attach the top sitting frame
assembly together.
The 5 2x4x11 and the 2 2x4x44 pieces.

Next, we screwed the 44 legs into the top sitting assembly

structure.
Secure these with 4 of the wood screws on each leg.
Using some wood glue here is also helpful to secure the
pieces together.

Our patio bench is coming together as the legs and the

sitting assembly have been securely attached.

Here is another view of our bench before the top sitting area
is attached.

The next step is to get the 4 2x4x48 pieces of wood and

attach them to the top of the bench.
This will be where people will be sitting so make sure the
wood is free of splinters and rough areas.

The end of our bench now needs the 4 2x4x14 pieces to

be attached.

(The next picture shows the location of the other piece of

wood of this size)

Once these 4 pieces of wood are attached to the sides of

your bench, it is complete.
Note the splintering wood, it is recommended to use a fine
grit sandpaper and sand the bench smooth.

Wood Bench Plans

Building a wood bench

Materials
Tools
Time

A - 4 pieces of 24 lumber 13 1/2, 4 pieces of 14 lumber 17 LEGS

B - 2 pieces of 24 lumber 41, 2 pieces 14 1/2, 1 piece 11 1/2 FRAME
C - 2 pieces of 26 lumber 48, 1 piece 48 SLATS

Building a wood bench

Building the legs

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the legs of the bench. As you can notice in the plans, we recommend
you to joint together a piece of 24 lumber with a piece of 14 lumber. Cut the components at the right size and lock them
together with several screws and waterproof glue. Clamp the pieces of wood together, making sure they are aligned in a
professional manner.

Building the frame of the bench

Continue the woodworking project by making the frame of the bench, using the information shown in the plans. Cut the
components at the right size and lock them together with galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints and make
sure the corners are right-angled. Drill pilot holes through the components to prevent the wood from splitting.

Attaching the legs to the bench frame

Next, you have to attach the legs to the frame of the bench, as shown in the image. Plumb the legs with a spirit level and
drill several pilot holes before inserting the screws into the frame. Dont forget to countersink the head of the screws, if you
want to get a neat appearance. In addition, check if the bench frame is horizontal after fitting all the four legs.

Building the seat slats

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to attach the wooden slats to the frame of the bench. If you want to get
the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to lay the slats on a level surface and to attach the frame on
top. Use a piece of 24 lumber and two pieces of 26 lumber, making sure you space them as in the plans. Add
waterproof glue to the joints, in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Wood bench plans

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Check if the components are secured into place properly
and if the frame is rigid. Make sure there are no protruding screws or sharp edges that could injure you.
PRO TIP: Fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper. Apply several coats of
paint or stain over the components, in order to protect them from decay

Read more http://gardenplansfree.com/furniture/wood-bench-plans/

A 4 pieces of 44 lumber 16 long LEGS

B 2 pieces of 14 lumber 49 1/2 long, 2 pieces 10 long, 3 pieces 8 1/2 long FRAME
C 2 pieces of 24 lumber 13 long, 1 pieces 49 1/2 long BRACES
D 4 pieces of 24 53 long, 2 pieces 14 long SEAT
Bench Seating Plans

Building a bench seat

Top Tip: Building a rustic bench for your yard is a straight-forward project, especially if you pay attention to several
aspects. Cut the components at the right size and align them at both ends before inserting the screws through the
components.
Building a bench seating

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs of the bench. As you can notice in the image, you need to cut out several
notches inside the legs of the bench seat.
Top Tip: Make several parallel cuts inside the marked area with a circular saw and clean the recess with a chisel.
Moreover, smooth the surface by using 120-grit sandpaper, until you get a professional result.

Building the frame of the seat

Afterwards, we recommend you to continue the job by making the frame of the bench seat. Use 14 lumber to build the
frame as shown in the image. Check if the corners are right-angled and lock them together tightly.
Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal supports and lock them to the exterior of the frame by using 1 1/4 screws.
Lock the frame to the legs with screws after checking if the legs are plumb and if the frame is level.

Fitting the bench seat

The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the 24 slats to support of the bench. Lay the slats on a level surface,
making sure there are no gaps between them. Center the bench frame to the slats, as shown in the image.
Drill pilot holes and insert the screws into the slats through the 14 supports. Moreover, you should apply waterproof glue
between the slats in order to get the job done in a professional manner.

Fitting the braces

Installing the braces to the bottom of the bench is the right thing to do, especially if you want to use the bench for many
years in a row. Work with attention ad make sure you cut the 24 components at the right size.
Lock the stretcher tightly to the braces placed on both sides of the bench by using 2 1/2 galvanized screws. Align
everything at both ends and make sure the stretcher is perfectly level.

Attaching the end slats

One of the last steps of the project is to fit the slats to the ends of the seat, as it can be easily noticed in the image.
Align the wooden slats at both ends and apply waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to get the job done in a
professional manner.

Bench seat 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-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: In order to protect the lumber from water damage, we recommend you to cover the components with several
coats of paint. Place the bench seating in a proper location and refresh the coating every few years.
This woodworking project was about bench seating 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.

Read more http://myoutdoorplans.com/furniture/bench-seat-plans/