Free plans to build a sturdy, simple bench that can be used for seating or as an accent table or nightstand.
I built this bench several years ago, and we use it daily - it is still just as strong and sturdy as ever. It's lightweight and easy to move, the cross bracing gives it a little detailing to make it interesting. We've had this bench indoors and out, it's a strong, sturdy bench that has lasted many years with high use.
This is a great project to burn up scrap wood.
Free step by step plans with diagrams from Ana-White.com
Are you looking for a simple wood bench that adds texture and beauty to your space?
We need a bench beside our master bathroom tub, so we built this little guy out of scrap pine boards.
This little rustic bench adds tons of charm to our bathroom, and functionality.
The cross bracing adds both sturdiness and interest.
You can build this cute little rustic bench with the free plans following. The angles are a little tricky, so I marked this plan "Intermediate" but it is still a quick and easy project.
Do share if you build, we can't wait to see how your rustic benches turn out!
XO Ana
PS - Make sure you check out our bathroom photo tour with sources here.
PSS - Watch this bench get built in this video
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Preparation
- 1 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long
- 1 - 1x12 @ 28" long
- 1 - 2x2 @ 6 feet long
- 4 - 2x2 @ 15-3/4" - long point to short point, both ends cut at 15 degrees off square
- 2 - 1x2 @ 7-3/4"
- 1 - 1x12 @ 28"
- 1 - 1x2 @ 27-1/2"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 13" - long point to long point, both ends BEVELED at 45 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel
Instructions
Step 1
Attach 1x2s to legs, so top corner of 1x2 is on edge of leg, but 1x2 remains parallel to ground. This will be easy to do on top but a little tricker for the lower stretcher support. You can use a speed square to mark out the bottom stretcher at 15 degrees.
Build two.
Step 2
Attach legs to underside of top with 2" screws from top.
Step 3
Attach stretcher to base of legs with 2" screws.
Step 4
Attach cross bracing to the stretcher and top aprons with 2" screws.
Comments
Danakyler2
Sun, 03/04/2018 - 22:18
Bench
Build for porch
samanthaanne89
Tue, 06/23/2020 - 02:00
Did you countersink the…
Did you countersink the screws on the top and fill then stain? This is going to be my first project :-) Although instead of a 1x12 i've ended up with a 2x10 scaffold board so hoping to alter for that!
Deborah Gaidos
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 09:02
small rustic bathroom bench
If I want to to double the length of the bench to 58 inches should I use thicker boards for the legs?
Deborah Gaidos
Fri, 07/17/2020 - 18:07
Just finished building my…
Just finished building my bench! Used 2x2's because I extended it to 40 inches wide. It's beautiful. I just want to thank you for this website and all of the plans that you provide! I will upload pictures once I stain the bench and put it in place.
[email protected]
Sun, 01/24/2021 - 10:28
Plans off
On the plans it shows 2_1×2@7 3/4" need 4 of them. Incase someone runs into that problem too.
ktfish
Fri, 02/26/2021 - 17:52
Sturdy enough to sit on briefly?
Thanks for these plans Ana! I would like to make mine a little bigger, 36"x15", for my entryway. If I continue to use 2x2s for the legs and 1x2s for the bracing and crossbars, would it be sturdy enough to sit on? If not, what would you recommend I change so that it is?