5 Board Bench

Difficulty

Starter Projects

A simple bench that you can build from five basic boards. This bench can find uses throughout your home or even outdoors. Apply a beautiful finish to take this bench from basic to beautiful.

Dimensions

41 1/2" x11 1/2" x 36"

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 1×12 (8′ Length)
2 – 1×4 (8′ Length)

Common Materials

1 1/2 inch screws

2 inch finish nails

1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

120 grit sandpaper

primer

wood conditioner

paint

paint brush

Cut List

2 – 1×12 @ 17 1/4″ (Sides)
2 - 1×4 @ 41 1/2″ (Side Apron)
1 – 1×4 @ 36″ (Center Support)
1 – 1×12 @ 41 1/2″ (Top)

Tools

General Instructions

Cut all your boards first. Predrill all your screw holes with a countersink bit. Always use glue. Check for square as you progress. Work on a clean level surface. Have fun and be safe.

Instructions

Step 1

Cut your sides as shown above. Use the measurements above to guide you.

Step 2

Cut your side apron pieces as shown above. The cut will be 2″ deep on either end.

Step 3

Fasten the center support as shown above. Keep top edge flush with the sides.

Step 4

Attach the sides as shown above. The apron sides will overextend the bench sides by 2″, as shown above.

Step 5

Project Type

Bench

Coffee Tables

Side and End Table Plans

Room

Bedroom

entry way

living room

Comments

FleaMarketTrixie (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 05:02

I'm so gonna make this one,

I'm so gonna make this one, thanks for sharing with us!

love your blog!

bsurrounded (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 05:17

I don't need a bench, but I

I don't need a bench, but I think I'm going to try this on a sofa side table. Thanks for sharing a finishing technique. I love the effect. What type of poly do you use? I love all your posts!

Catherine peac… (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 06:07

I've wanted one of these benches for a long time and I never see them. I will definitely make this one! I actually haven't done any wood work since highschool, but I'm looking forward to this one. Thanks for the great tutorial.

Funky Junk Interiors (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 07:08

I LOVE this post! I've been

I LOVE this post! I've been keeping my eye open for an authentic old bench in JUST the right slightly oversized depth but that's not going so well. :) This way would ensure I gitter done.

Thanks for the insructions! This one's a keeper for me!

I've never built anything myself from start to finish so this could prove interesting. :)

Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

The Faveros (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 08:18

I can't keep up with all

I can't keep up with all these amazing plans- I want to make everything :)

Taija (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 08:36

Oh my goodness! My heart is

Oh my goodness! My heart is leaping with delight! I have just the place for this little cutie. I Think I will make one! Thanks for sharing ALL of your wonderful ideas and plans!

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 10:19

My husband made me a very

My husband made me a very similar little bench for our porch (and our dining room in the winter). I love it. We didn't distress it, though. Next time.

Thanks for all your plans. I'm a pretty new reader and my husband and I have been loving going through your archives.

(PS - If you have a second, check out our version of the bench here. http://newlywoodwards.blogspot.com/2009/09/little-bench-built-for-two.h…)

Jackie (not verified)

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 10:54

Just found your site through

Just found your site through Ohdeedoh, and I have to say you are an angel for providing all these plans! The furniture is gorgeous... haven't gone many pages back yet but I already know my husband and I will just be aching to build every piece on the blog. Amazing work!

Jeanette (not verified)

Thu, 01/21/2010 - 14:44