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Modern Farm Benches

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modern farm bench
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Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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This bench is designed to work with the Modern Farm Table, easy to build, no pocket holes required! 

Thanks Heather from My Creative Life for sharing your photos. More photos and link below.

 

modern farm bench
modern farm bench
modern farm bench

NOTE: This plan is also available in a pocket hole version here.

Dimensions
modern farm bench
48" long x 18" high x 13" wide

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 2x6 @ 8 feet or stud length

2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long

1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long

1 - 2x12 @ 4 feet long (OR use a 2x6 for the seat - grab an extra

2x6 @ 8 feet long

Common Materials
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

4 - 2x6 @ 18"

2 - 2x2 @ 11 1/2"

2 - 2x4 @ 47 1/2"

2 - 2x4 @ 3 1/2"

1 - 2x12 @ 47 1/2"

Cutting Instructions

It is recommended that you measure the width of your seat board (the 1x12) before constructing, and ensure that it is 11 1/2" wide. You can also substitute 2 - 2x6s for the seat (cheaper and better matched to the table) but you will need to adjust accordingly. You will also need to add additional 2x2 supports or use a Kreg Jig to join the seat boards. You can also make your seat wider if desired.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

 

For long term durability and more professional results, I recommend using a pocket hole joinery system for wood joints.  Here is a video with tips for using a pocket hole jig:

Instructions

Step 1

Start with 2 of the legs. Measure down and in from the outside corners 1 1/2". Screw the 2x2 in place, as shown above.

Step 2

Add the side apron pieces, the long 2x4s as shown above. Keep the top edge of the 2x4 flush with the top of the legs. Predrill and countersink into the 2x2. Also, screw from the outside of the leg pieces into the end edge of the side apron.

Step 3

Add the end apron pieces, predrilling and securing to the 2x2. Keep the top edge flush with the leg pieces.

Step 4

Add the seat, the 2x12, as shown above. Predrill and screw through the sides of the apron into the outer edges of the seat.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill holes with wood filler and sand well. Finish as desired.
Project Type
Coffee Tables
Bench
Room
dining room
Style
Farmhouse Furniture
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Anonymous (not verified)

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 05:07

hi Ana, loving your work.
i'm in Cornwall, United Kingdom.
i would like to know if i would be able to use 2 lengths of 2x6 for this bench instead of the 2x12 that you use as i am finding it ever so difficuit to find 2x12 here
many thanks
Claire

anawhite (not verified)

Fri, 02/18/2011 - 19:05

Thank you and thanks for the suggestion! Just updated the plan, yes you can use 2 - 2x6s instead of the 2x12 for the seat.

drlmnolan

Fri, 02/28/2014 - 06:40

Hi Claire... I SO know what you mean... I'm used to having a broad choice of timber having lived in Canada for many years... but now I'm back in the UK it's a different story. I was given two 2X6's once when I asked for a 2X12, when I asked why no 2X12's he said 'because we don't grow trees that big'..... I had to glue and clamp them to get the timber I needed. If it's any consolation, it's even more difficult to get standard timber in France, can't find 2X6's anywhere and all timber is only planed on one side?

Anonymous (not verified)

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 06:28

Hi Ana!

As my dh's first project I want him to build a bench for our table. We have the Broyhill Attic Heirloom table and 1 bench. I'd like for this bench to be the size of the one we have which is 58" long and 16" wide. My question is will we need a brace to make it bigger?

BTW your site is awesome!

Cynthia

Ana White (not verified)

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 09:03

Claire, yes, you can use 2 - 2x6 boards, but you need to take into account that a 2x12 measures 11 1/2" wide and a 2x6 measures 5 1/2" wide. That would mean 2 2x6 would measure 11" wide, 1/2" short of the plan. You would need to adjust the plan so that the bench is 1/2" narrower. Also, I would recommend placing a couple of supports made of 2x2s (as done under the tabletop) just to keep your boards fastened in middle.

Good luck!

Ana

Ana White (not verified)

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 09:05

Hi Cynthia, I would add 2x2s under the bench seat as shown in the table plan. It won't cost much and will be easy to do.

Anonymous (not verified)

Fri, 01/22/2010 - 02:37

hi Ana
Claire from UK again. thank you so much for getting back to me so quick. i took all your measurements to the lumber yard (timber yard as its known over here)and they were very happy to cut it all to size including the 2x12" so i am now looking forward to doing this table and to benches over the weekend, i also had them cut to half size benches up for me as we have guest come over alot. this way i'll be able to fit 6 of us round the table. i'm sure everthing will go well and will send you pics of the finished product, hope thats ok.
i'm going to do the same for outside and drill a hole through the middle for the sun umbrella.
i can't wait for me and my kids to get started
many thanks again
your a true star
Claire

Anonymous (not verified)

Sat, 03/06/2010 - 17:50

Just a tip: Our Lowes & Home Depot 2x12 do NOT measure 11.5" inches, they are 11" so we had to recut our supports and the end aprons to take off 1/2" for the seat to fit without spacing. Otherwise, they benches were a dream to build. Super easy and really fast. Total materials (with stain, putty, wood, and screws) $42. location: Southeast, USA.

Kayla (not verified)

Sat, 04/03/2010 - 17:48

This was very easy to do! My husband and I made one bench today while our 3 kids (ages 7,5,21 months) played in the yard. I'll send pictures when we get it finished. Thanks so much for the plans!

AlwaysCreating… (not verified)

Tue, 04/20/2010 - 17:10

Ana, I built one today that was 37" long, modified to fit the window alcove where it will sit. Everything was easy to build. I used a scrap piece of 2x4, which is exactly 3.5" wide, to set in between the legs as I was screwing on the support to keep them perfectly spaced. This worked out well for me. Unfortunately, my 2 x 12 turned out be 11.25" wide, instead of 11.5", so I have an eighth inch gap on either side. I still love it and I learned an important lesson today. Will send a pic after I decide how to finish it...probably stain. Thanks for posting the plans.

Melinda (not verified)

Sat, 06/19/2010 - 12:13

Hi Ana,

My nephew and I built this bench and painted it in one afternoon. I've posted it on my blog and I want to post it to your brag board or send you a picture but I'm not sure how. I know I should know this. Sorry. Could you give me some instructions. Maybe I'm just really tired. Thanks again. You are awesome!

Nicole (not verified)

Sun, 08/01/2010 - 16:33

I started this bench yesterday & finished it today! I "reclaimed" all the wood for it except for the 2x2 supports, so the basic cost was about $5 for screws/wood filler. Mine is certainly rustic, but it was a great first project. I learned a lot! Thank you, Ana, for the plans!

Richard (not verified)

Fri, 08/20/2010 - 11:13

Looking a the plans I'm guessing that 2 1/2" screws are the correct size. Or do they need to be 2 1/4"

Thanks
Rich

Scott (not verified)

Sat, 10/16/2010 - 16:38

Thanks for the plans. I can't wait to build this. I was thinking of running 2x2's down the inside of the aprons, too. You could blind screw the top from underneath. I'd also use some TItebond and clamp it. I'm just not a big fan of wood putty, nor do I have a plug cutter. I do have a pocket screw jig...there's another option.

Rebecca (not verified)

Fri, 01/07/2011 - 19:26

I'm ALMOST done making this bench! I just have to screw the top on and finish with stain. Disclaimer, it is not perfect! But it is so charming and I just LOVE it. Before today I had never picked up a skill saw, but I did all the cuts and everything else all by myself. Go Me! I can't wait to make a matching bench and table.

Honestly Ana, thank you! I don't think I would have ever tried something like this if it weren't for you. I will definetly send you a brag picture when I am done.

nikki86 (not verified)

Wed, 07/20/2011 - 21:05

This is so beautiful! I am looking for plans for benches for my wedding. These benches would also be available for others to rent for their weddings through my boutique. On that note, I am wondering how many these can hold and what a safe weight limit might be to place on them. If I needed them to hold 8 people each, how might the plans change? Thanks!!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 08/03/2011 - 09:48

So after starting a few projects and not finishing any... I decided today was the day I had to finish at least one, and I did it!!! Yay!!!
This is my 1st project and im really happy with how it came out, it aint perfect but considering before this i'd never had built anything or touched any tools it was really nice :)

Just need to get a little better on focusing on one project at a time :)

Thanks Ana

Vengleymom (not verified)

Tue, 09/27/2011 - 11:39

I am so glad I ran across your page by accident. I absolutely love it. I have never done any word working, but it inspred me to try it. I made this bench for outside seating. It definitely is not perfect, but it fits the name "rustic". I absolutely LOVE it and can't wait for my husband to get home from out of town. He will be so surprised and proud!
Thanks again for your wonderful site!

acring12

Sat, 12/10/2011 - 16:21

Ana,
This was my first project from your site and I LOVED it! It was so easy and I can't wait to get started on so many other projects. I modified mine to fit into the space I needed, but never could have done it without you!!

Alex (not verified)

Tue, 07/31/2012 - 13:28

This is exactly the bench I want to (attempt to) make, but I need it to be a full 6 feet long. Do you think that adding a few 2x2s running along the underneath the bench is enough to keep it sturdy (as was suggested to commenter Cynthia above to make it 58" long)?
Thanks! Can't wait to get started.

Alex (not verified)

Tue, 07/31/2012 - 15:22

This is exactly the bench I want to (attempt to) make, but I need it to be a full 6 feet long. Do you think that adding a few 2x2s running along the underneath the bench is enough to keep it sturdy (as was suggested to commenter Cynthia above to make it 58" long)?
Thanks! Can't wait to get started.

Melissa c (not verified)

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 13:50

I was wondering what the dimensions would be if I wanted to double the width of the bench so people could sit back to back. Is that possible with this design?

Larryshandywife

Thu, 11/07/2013 - 04:03

Hello, I want to make this longer (58 inches) so it will seat people comfortably so their not so smooshed together and so it will fit under my 72 inch long table when not being used. How do I make it longer? I do not have a pocket hole.