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Modern Farm Benches

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/23/2009 - 13:25
Difficulty
Beginner
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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
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

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.