Let’s build a farmhouse bench!
Today I’m coming at you with a two-week “How to build a bench” series. I have built several tables and benches and want to share with you just how simple they are to build. I thought we would start with the bench and work our way up to the table, because if you can build a bench, you can build a table. They are both basically the same build. Legs, frame, top–that’s it!
For today’s bench, we’re going really easy and buying our legs off of Amazon. There are so many styles to choose from, but we’re going to go with these farmhouse style ones. (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Alright, we’ve got our legs, so let’s get started…
HOW TO BUILD A FARMHOUSE BENCH
Materials Needed:
2x4x8 (5)
2x6x8 (3)
Purchased legs (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Pocket hole screws 2.5″
Finishing Screws 2.5″ (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Wood filler
Tools Needed:
Miter saw
Kreg Jig (easiest tool for pocket holes) (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Drill
Table Saw (optional)
Step One: Cut boards for the frame.
First you’ll want to determine how long you want your farmhouse bench to be. On this particular project I was building a very long bench. 88 inches to be exact. You’ll want to account for your legs and allow the benchtop to overhang the frame a bit. Therefore, my math for this is: 88″minus 3.25″ (width of leg on one end) minus 3.25″ (width of leg on other end) minus 1″ overhang on one end minus 1″ overhang on other end equals 79.5″ Cut two 2X4’s at this measurement. (I know this may be a little confusing, but as you scroll down a few pictures, it will make sense)….
Next, determine how wide you want your farmhouse bench to be. I went with 16″ wide. Again allot for legs and overhang. Therefore, my math is: 16″ minus 3.25″ minus 3.25″ minus 1″ minus 1″ equals 7.5″. Cut two 2X4’s at this measurement….
You should now have four 2X4’s cut. Two long, two short. Drill pocket holes on each end of your boards-long and short (as shown above in my short boards).
Step Two: Attach frame boards to legs
Find the center of your leg’s square shank and attach your long 2X4 to this center using 2.5″ pocket hole screws. The top of your long 2X4 should be flush with the top of your leg. Do this on the other end of your long board with another leg too…
Now you have one side of your bench frame with legs built…
Next, you’ll want to attach another leg to one of your shorter 2X4’s using 2.5″ pocket hole screws…
Now, you’re ready to attach that leg and short board to one of the legs on your long board. Note: Make sure pocket holes are facing in, so they’re not visible on the outside of your frame….
To avoid working against gravity, I used sheets to prop up my leg…this made it easier to screw it in (as shown above).
Do this on the other end and you now have a standing frame for your bench….
Add your other long board, and your frame is built….
Step Three: Add supports
Depending on the length of your bench, you’ll want to add some supports to keep your bench top from bowing. Because my bench was so long, I added 7 supports. These are very easy to add. Simply, measure the length from the inside of one long board to the inside of the opposite long board. Cut your board to fit this space. Drill pocket holes. Attach using 2.5″ pocket hole screws. Repeat with as many boards needed, spacing them apart approximately 8-12″….
Step Four: Add the top
Rip three 2X6 boards to 5 & 3/8″. Cut each board at 88″. Drill pocket holes on one long side of two of the boards and attach all three boards together using 2.5″ pocket hole screws….
Note: If you don’t have a table saw to rip your boards, no worries. Just keep your boards at their current width (2X6=5.5″ wide). Your benchtop will just be a little wider. No big deal!
Sand the top and attach it to your frame using 2.5″ finishing screws. (Here are my favorite screws to use). Use wood filler to fill in these holes. Sand again. (Amazon Affiliate Link)…
Add paint or stain.
That’s it! So simple!!
Next week, we’ll make our own legs. Don’t let that intimidate you. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make your own legs!! As always, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email or comment below on any questions you may have.
Until next time,
Happy Building, Friend!!
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Other building project posts:
Easy How to Build Floating Shelves
How to Make Your Own Sliding Barn Door
How to Make a Farmhouse Pallet Coffee Table
