SIMPLE DIY BENCH

Build a simple DIY bench with these step by step instructions. This wood bench is easy to make and looks amazing with your farmhouse, cottage, boho, or any style decor.

At our house, we have a tiny front porch and I have always wanted seating but since there is such little room I decided to make a simple DIY bench. It was so easy to make and turned out super cute so I wanted to share it with all of you so you could make one too.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the links below.  All opinions are all my own.

Simple DIY Bench

Here are the steps and supplies you will need to make this wood DIY bench.

You will need to determine how long you want your bench to be before you purchase the wood. I wanted a 36″ long bench so here is a list based on that length.

What materials do you need to make a bench?

• 1 x 12″ x 6′ long pinewood board (I used a good quality pine that is somewhat smooth)
• 1″ x 3″ x 36″ pine (good quality pine that is somewhat smooth)
• Finishing nails
• Hammer or nail gun
• Saw
• Jigsaw
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Ruler or straight edge that is longer than 12 inches
• Chalk paint
• Sander
• Sandpaper 320 (smooth grit)
• Sandpaper 100 (medium grit)
• Paintbrush

Now that we have our supplies let's get started making this easy DIY bench.

Cut Wood

First, measure the 1″ x 12″ wood for the length of the top board or where you will sit and make a mark on both sides of one side. Then take a ruler and draw a line.

Now using your saw cut the wood and set it aside.

Next measure 17″ on the wood and cut two legs.

If you want to add a v-shape to the bottom of your legs here is how I created mine. Find the center of one leg 3″ up from the bottom and make a mark. Then measure out from the center along the edge 2″ on each side. This will make the opening at the bottom 4″ and the height of the v shape 3″.

Next, use the ruler and connect the markings with a pencil and then cut along the line with a jigsaw.

Last, grab the 1″ x 3″ piece of wood and cut it 28″ if you making your bench 36″ long or subtract 8″ from your top board length and cut to that size. In other words if your bench is going to be 48″ then cut this board at 40″.

These are the pieces you will end up with after cutting.

Assemble

Now it is time to assemble your pieces. It is much easier if you have a helper but if not you can lean your board against something heavy while assembling. I will explain more as we go.

First, take the 1″ x 3″ piece and apply wood glue on one end and nail it to the center top piece of one leg.

If you are doing this by yourself lean the center support piece of wood against something that will not move and then prop your leg board up against the center support board and nail it in.

Next, attach the other leg the same way.

This is what your bench should like like at this point.

Now make a line down the center of the top board and make marks on the ends so you know where to run your nails.

Then lay it on top of the legs and nail it in place where you made the pencil marks. You can run nails all the way down along the 1″ x 3″ to give it more security.

I love woodworking! If you do too you will love how to build a farmhouse table.

Chalk Paint Bench

Now for the really fun part and that is adding paint to your bench. I used Dixie Belle chalk paint in color cotton.

Begin by sanding the bench with a medium grit and then a smooth grit. After you finish sanding take a damp paper towel and remove any dust from sanding.

Then brush on the Dixie Belle chalk paint by following how to paint with chalk paint tutorial.

Once you are finished let it dry and add a top coat then you are all finished!

See how easy it is make this adorable farmhouse style wooden bench?

Conclusion

Now that you have a small bench you may be looking for some fun ideas on what to do with it. I have some a post on bench decorating ideas with lots of ways to decorate your bench.

If you have a small porch here is a post on small front porch decorating ideas. It is filled with designer tips and tricks on making a small porch feel larger.

Last, my fall front porch decorating ideas on a budget post will show you how I styled this adorable farmhouse simple DIY bench for fall. It is so nice to have a bench on my porch instead of just a flower pot.

I hope this post has been helpful and I cannot wait to see how you style your bench inside or outside your home.

Happy Decorating!

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