The wood scrap piles in the basement are getting a little out of hand so I want to make some quick, little DIY projects to use up some of that wood. The first thing I made was this DIY Farmhouse Bench. I’ve been wanting to make one and this was a good opportunity to challenge myself to use up some of that wood, but also to make a drawing in Sketchup so I could share the plans with you.
My plan is based on using 1 x 3’s, 1 x 4’s, and 1 x 12’s because those are the sizes of the wood scraps that I had. Feel free to alter the plans to make your bench. Also, the plans are for a bench that is 48″ long. Again, these plans can be altered to make a shorter bench, too. In fact, I’m going to be making a 2-1/2′ bench next. *NOTE: I did not enough length of the 1 x 12 and 1 x 4 so I cut down some 3/4″ plywood that I had left over from other projects for the legs and brace.
If you don’t have any scrap wood, the image above has a shopping list for you.
In addition to the wood, you will need:
- wood glue
- wood screws
- brad nails
- jig saw
- wood filler
- stain/paint or both
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STEP 1: Assemble the frame using the 1 x 3’s as shown above.
I put my frame together using wood glue and pocket holes with 1-1/2″ pocket screws.
STEP 2: Cut inverted “V” shapes out of the two pieces of 1 x 12’s using my Ryobi Jig Saw.
I definitely need to improve my jig saw cutting skills ; ) but after some sanding, it looks just fine.
Step 3: Attach the 1 x 6″ boards with glue and nails.
STEP 4: Make a angle cut at each end of the two 48″ 1 x 4’s. These will be the front and back “aprons” of the bench.
Step 5: Glue and nail the apron pieces to the front and back of the bench. I used my Ryobi Brad Nailer – what a time-saver! Also, glue and nail the brace in place as shown in the image above.
Step 6: Fill the nail holes, then stain or paint as desired.
I was going for an, old, been-hanging-out-in-a-barn-for-years-look.
I think I nailed it. I sanded, stained, and sanded. Then I painted, sanded, and stained. Then sanded some more – in that order – to get the old, worn look ; )
What do you think? Could you use a little farmhouse bench at your house? I didn’t actually know exactly where I would put mine, but I love it outside in the flower garden.
Please, feel free to pin this post to save for later.
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Wendy Bellino says
I’m not much of a carpenter but you make that look so easy! That looks so cute in your garden.
Jeanie says
Thank you Wendy! Trust me, you don’t have to be a carpenter to make one ; )
Maureen says
I have been looking for a little bench/stool for my kitchen! And, that is a serious workshop you have there!! Pinned 🙂
Jamie says
I think you definitely nailed it! I love that you showed us the plans as well! I’m pinning this for future reference!
KariAnne says
What an awesome idea! Love the bench my friend!
Happy day!
karianne
Jame says
Even i have no idea on how to make this, but after read this post, i definitely will make one.
Mark says
I made this bench, thanks for the plans it looks great, two minor tweaks.
Measure the center support before cutting my came out to be 41 9/16 long. Also to get a straighter cut on the legs for the V use a 1/2 inch spade bit or what ever size you like at top center then cut the V with a circular saw. The half circle in the center don’t look bad.
Deirdre says
Have the plans been removed? All I see is the cut list.