This farmhouse bench is easy to build and is rustic and substantial. It is designed to match our Farmhouse Table Plans.
Preparation
4 – 2x4s, stud length or 8 foot length
2 – 1x4s, 8 foot length
1 – 1×2, 8 foot length
2 1/2″ screws
2″ screws
8 – 2x4s @ 16 1/2″ (Legs)
2 – 1×4 @ 2 1/4″ (Spacers)
2 – 1×4 @ 6″ (End Aprons)
2 – 2×4 @ 12″ (Stretchers)
2 – 1×4 @ 61″ (Side Aprons)
2 – 1×4 @ 9 1/2″ (Inner Aprons)
5 – 1×2 @ 9 1/2″ (Supports)
4 – 2×4 @ 65″ (Bench Seat Boards)
2 – 1×4 @ 14″ (Breadboard Ends)
The Farmhouse Bench is designed to work with this Farmhouse Table, but there is no reason you could not modify the dimensions or use it as a coffee table or outdoor bench. If you plan to build the Farmhouse Table, starting with the bench will give you a chance to test out your skills on a smaller version. For those of you who have a pocket hole system, you can use the pocket holes to build your bench seat separate. You can also fasten your aprons directly to the legs without spacers.
Instructions
Step 1
Legs The notches and stretchers on the legs is optional. Notch out your legs (for full instructions see the Farmhouse Table post) and laminate your legs together in pairs of 2 with glue and 2 1/2″ screws. Then take note of the placement of the spacers and attach to the insides of the legs. This will differ depending on the leg. Attach with 2″ screws and glue.
Step 2
End Aprons Attach end aprons to the spacers as shown above. Use glue and 2″ screws.
Step 3
Stretcher The stretcher gets attached in the same method. Screws and glue.
Step 4
Bench Frame Build the bench frame, keeping the 1×2 supports flush to the top. Easy method is to flip it all over and keep the supports flush to the bottom :)
Step 5
Step 6
Seat Boards Find the center of the supports and begin attaching seat boards from the underside. Work with the boards to minimize gaps as you go. Attach all seat boards. If you have a pocket hole system, you would build your bench seat separate, and then attach.
Step 7
Breadboard Ends If you have a pocket hole system, you would attach the breadboard ends directly to the seat boards in step 6. Otherwise, attach to leg bases.
Step 8
Finishing If you are staining, be very careful to not let glue dry on the project, as these areas will not take stain. Fill holes with wood filler, sand and paint or stain as desired.
Comments
Jason (not verified)
Thu, 01/06/2011 - 06:51
I don't think there are
I don't think there are enough legs listed on the cut list - it should be 8 pieces @ 16 1/2"
Brandi (not verified)
Mon, 11/21/2011 - 08:26
Bench Legs
Yeah, there aren't enough bench legs. I just got done notching legs for 2 benches and realized I only have enough for 1 bench...
Claudia (not verified)
Thu, 01/06/2011 - 07:45
I was wondering if this bench
I was wondering if this bench can be made with storage space for placemats?
hippynelli84 (not verified)
Fri, 01/07/2011 - 04:37
i really want to start this
i really want to start this project, but i live in a smaller house that will not fit this size table in my home, so im going to have to improvise a little to make it smaller! i will probably do this in a few weeks!
Katie (not verified)
Sat, 01/15/2011 - 17:40
If you google "how to notch
If you google "how to notch boards" you will find her how to video.
Jody (not verified)
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 18:08
That whole room is gorgeous
That whole room is gorgeous from ceiling to floor and everything in between!
Whitney Smith (not verified)
Tue, 01/25/2011 - 04:39
Finished! I sized mine down
Finished! I sized mine down to 4 foot. Thanks Ana!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Zu7wg8wgXEI/TT7eNX8iWGI/AAAAAAAAACo/FR8iUYb-A…Whitney Smith (not verified)
Tue, 01/25/2011 - 04:42
Hum... the photo didn't
Hum... the photo didn't work... lets try again.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/bwsmith03/ef578c18.jpgWhitney Smith (not verified)
Tue, 01/25/2011 - 04:44
Oh whatever, you get the
Oh whatever, you get the idea. Click on the link! LOL
Craig (not verified)
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 11:59
Ana and all, What type of
Ana and all,
What type of wood is everyone making these benches and farmhouse tables out of? Any recommendations? I'm not sure I'll have much more than pine at my disposal but I thought I would at least ask.
thanks