Easy to make firepit benches have a table and storage integrated! Free plans by Ana-White.com
Why We Built These Firepit Benches
One big issue we found pretty quick is the benches that we have around our firepit became the go to dump spot for everything and anything. Without a table outside, food, bags, clothing, garabage, beverages - it all got dumped on the benches as opposed to the ground.
So my friend Jen and I sat there and fantasied about the perfect firepit benches. They would have a table right behind the bench, so all the s'more supplies could be close at reach. And they'd need to have some storage, to hide the spare bag of marshmellows and the chips and the cooler, within easy reach but out of sight. Wouldn't that be lovely?
Well, a few hours in the garage, and I made this!
They are very comfortable and sturdy, but also practical and beautiful. I love the table height surface for prepping and serving food and beverages. And the storage space is a life saver.
And the kiddos agree!
How We Built These Firepit Benches
I cut all my boards using a compound miter saw at 15 degrees off square. I used 2x4s for the leg sets.
I made the second leg set in mirror so the seat and tabletop boards can sit on top of the horizontal 2x4s.
Then I just layed out the 2x4s and screwed them together with 2-3/4" deck screws.
Then I just cut a bunch of 2x6 boads and layed on top and screwed down.
One coat of semi-transparent penetrating deck stain (I use the Behr stuff in a brown tone on this one) and I'm done!
For one of the benches I added additional support to the base to strengthen the legs up. you could even do shelving on the bottom base for even more storage.
WATCH! Video of Building Firepit Benches
Here's the video of building the firepit benches -
Free Plans to Build Firepit Benches with Tabletop and Storage
Preparation
6 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
2-3/4" exterior self tapping deck screws
FOR ONE BENCH
2 - 2x4 @ 17" - long point to long point, both ends cut at 15 degrees, not parallel
2 - 2x4 @ 45-1/2" - long point to long point, both ends cut at 15 degrees, not parallel
2 - 2x4 @ 37-1/4" - long point to short point, both ends cut at 15 degrees, ends are parallel
2 - 2x4 @ 23-3/4" - long point to short point, both ends cut at 15 degrees, ends are parallel
2 - 2x4 @ 17-1/8" - long point to short point, both ends cut at 15 degrees, ends are parallel
12 - 2x6 @ 47-3/4"
Instructions
Step 1
Lay out one leg set and attach together at overlaps with 2-3/4" screws. Exterior wood glue can be used to strengthen joints.
Step 2
Build the second leg set exactly the same, but in mirror.
Step 3
Place 2x6 boards on top, and attach, evenly spacing gaps in between. Screw down with 2-3/4" screws and glue.
Comments
handmadewithash
Fri, 06/17/2016 - 18:56
this is a really neat idea! I
this is a really neat idea! I love mix function :)
Mandy D
Sun, 08/21/2016 - 16:48
I did it!
This was very easy to build and beautiful! I did have to have my husband help hold the ends up and the materials were $75. I can't figure out how to post a pic from my phone, the insert photo icon won't pull up my library.
Project1
Thu, 11/03/2016 - 15:46
Awesome.
Cost me a bit more. I think wood at Homedepot cost more in the south. With screws and Paint I spent about $150 total and about 12 hours total after sanding and a few coats of stain. But these are so awesome and I LOVE them!!!
LisaD47
Sat, 01/21/2017 - 12:00
Getting started
I am using palettes to complete this project. I have enough scrap wood around to complete. Thanks for sharing your plans.
uijoonbug
Sun, 06/10/2018 - 19:30
Additional leg braces
Can you show or link to another plan for the leg braces you added to one bench? I'd love to make these but think I'd need the additional support.
TxVetsWoodworks
Mon, 05/06/2019 - 11:53
Adding Umbrella
I have built several of these now. SO easy and great plans. I drilled a hole in the center of the top so a Umbrella can be placed into the center of the top.
lakehouse
Wed, 05/22/2019 - 06:10
I made it all by myself with…
I made it all by myself with some help to stand it up to assemble. I added sides to the top to keep items from falling off. Still have to stain it but ready for s’mores