Make this sturdy and beautiful truss style bench with just 5 2x4s - we make it easy with step by step plans and diagrams.
Also build the matching table plans.
Dimensions

Dimensions are shown above.
Preparation
Shopping List
5 – 2x4 @ 8 feet long – cut longest boards first Optional 1x3 under bench supports
Common Materials
2 1/2 inch screws
Cut List
- 2 – 2x4 @ 14”
- 4 – 2x4 @ 15 1/4" – both ends beveled at 10 degrees off square, ends ARE parallel
- 2 – 2x4 @ 12 1/2" – long point to long point, both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, NOT parallel
- 1 – 2x4 @ 34”
- 1 – 2x4 @ 38”
- 2 – 2x4 @ 13 3/8” (both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, ends ARE parallel)
- 4 – 2x4 @ 54”
Instructions
Step 1
Step 4
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.
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
Room
Comments
whitney_smith
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 11:24
So simple and great and
So simple and great and CHEAP! Will be looking through my pile of wood.
RHgaijin2
Sun, 08/11/2019 - 06:59
Truss style bench
I made two of these benches over a weekend and posted a video of it on youtube at:
https://youtu.be/siTT2jxBsWE
I also have a brag post
RHgaijin2
Tue, 04/07/2020 - 06:48
2x4 Truss Bench X
I made another one and modified the angle braces on it to form an X. I made a youtube video of it here. https://youtu.be/RQriGWLUAIU
luckrish (not verified)
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 12:56
Wonderful!
I can't wait to try these! I was literally just thinking about making some benches for my dining room...and then you post these. FABULOUS!
Michelle Caudle (not verified)
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:18
Perfect!
I've been wanting a cute, cheap bench for my front yard and this is PERFECT! And since it's made from 2x4's (my hubby's lumber of choice) ...I can get him to build it while I finish my other building projects!!!
KaraPUK (not verified)
Tue, 05/29/2012 - 08:43
Very, very basic question.
This will be my first ever DIY project so please don't laugh at my basic question. I do not have a Kreg Jig so would be using counter sink screw method but I don't know exactly where these go on the first step? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks from not so sunny Scotland!
BeckySmith
Wed, 06/06/2012 - 06:13
Help attaching cross supports
I built this bench yesterday and I am so thrilled with how it turned out. I'll post pics as soon as I get the finish on it tomorrow. The only thing I struggled with is how to attach the cross supports. It wasn't a problem so countersink the screws through the top stretcher since it is positioned horizontally but I couldn't figure out a good way to attach the cross support to the bottom stretcher. I ended up drilling through the angled part of the support from the top and into the bottom stretcher. This made sort of an unsightly screw in an odd place. I know the plans suggest using a Kreg jig, which I did for the top and legs but I don't really want the big holes created by the jig on the cross pieces since I will be staining the bench. Any suggestions?
zookeeperjay
Thu, 07/05/2012 - 17:12
1x3
I'm so excited about this bench! I saw that I could add a 1x3 for extra support I did not see where I should do that. I need the extra support any suggestions on where it goes?
zookeeperjay
Fri, 07/06/2012 - 09:39
Help please?
Does the extra support for this bench go lengthwise under the bench? I have 5 teens and one almost teen. Need that extra oomph like fish need water. All the pieces are cut and ready to go! Anxiously waiting for reply. Warmly Jay
In reply to Help please? by zookeeperjay
Lady Goats
Fri, 07/06/2012 - 09:59
1x3s
Hi Jay, I'm really not getting where the extra 1x3 would go, either, if it were me, I would build the bench as instructed, then test to see if you need the supports. It looks really sturdy to me, so you may not need the supports (trust me, I have to worry about extremely obese in laws, and I wouldn't think it would need them). If it turns out that you're worried about the structure, then add the 1x3 where it's needed.