Primitive Bench

primitive bench plans
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
| Print this plan

Build your own bench!  This beautiful piece is inspired by vintage benches, and is perfect as a low console table and for occasional seating.  We love this bench under a window, in a hall, at the end of a bed or even on the front porch!  Free plans from Ana-White.com

primitive bench plans
primitive bench plans
primitive bench plans
primitive bench plans

 

 

 

Built by Jaime Costiglio from That's My Letter

 

More photos: Jen from House of Wood loved this bench so much, she built TWO!

 

A wood stained one,

 

Dimensions
primitive bench plans
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 10 feet long
Cut List
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 17-1/4" (legs)
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 84" (seat)
  • 2- 1x8 @ 84" (aprons)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Brad Nailer
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Cut the legs out with a jigsaw at the bottom.

Step 2

Attach legs to seat. Preferred way to attach is with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. You can also attach with screws from top as well.

Step 3

Attach seat aprons to legs and seat sides with glue and nails or screws. The aprons help support the seat and keep the legs from splaying out.

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.

Comments

Jake

Tue, 07/08/2014 - 05:31

I love the bench. To add strength and a small break in the long top is to install two two-inch dowels from the top into each legs. Add the dowels after the legs have been securely installed with the PH screws and glue. The aprons should provide sufficient support for side-to-side forces but the dowels look good and do help a bit.

Ramon

Thu, 04/14/2016 - 12:57

Thank you for a beautiful bench project. I notice that in the photo the legs do not look like they are attach straight they almost look like they are in an angle. Also in the instructions there was no mention of not placing the apron even with the legs at the top, since the seat would have to fit in between both aprons, otherwise the seat board would be 1 1/2 short.

The other question I have is the size, 84" seem like a long bench, any reason why this long?
Thanks again for the good job you are doing.