Bench with Shelf and Scrap Wood Top

Difficulty

Starter Projects

Build your own wood benches with a shelf - you can use pallet boards for the tops! Free plans from Ana-White.com

These benches are perfect as extra seating, a nightstand, a plant stand, an end table, or in the entryway. Easy to customize too.

Brook made these benches for the foot of her children's beds.

I love how Brook matched the paint to the quilts, but kept the wood stain of the DIY headboards the same as the wood stain on the benches!

Brook has lots more photos including construction photos in her post here, so please take a second to go visit.

Free Plans to Build Your Own Bench

Dimensions

Dimensions are shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x12 @ 6 feet long
2 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
Can be built with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws or 2" self tapping star bit wood screws
Nail top on with 1 1 4" brad nails and glue

Cut List

2 - 1x12 @ 17 1/4”
2 - 1x12 @ 21 1/2”
2 - 1x4 @ 30” (both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel)
9 - 1x4 @ 14 1/4”

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Cut your legs out of the 1x12s as shown in diagram with a jigsaw.

Step 2

Add bottom shelf to the bench legs.

Step 3

Attach side aprons to shelf legs.

Step 4

Attach seat boards to aprons and you are done!

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Seating