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DIY - Rustic Bench

how to build a rustic bench dimension and instructions  included

Building a bench was on my to do list for a very long time. I am very happy to cross it off my list and ending up with such a good piece.

The inspiration came from one of my favorite bloggers, every time she did a post of the room where her bench was in, I kept on drooling about it, most of all I love the leg design and its color, you can see it right HERE. I made some changes to it and built it to my own dimensions.

If you have some basic tools you can totally make this bench! I used poplar, but you can use your favorite wood.

Here is what you'll need for a bench with the dimensions above.

The materials:
  • 1 - 1 x 12 - 7 feet long
  • 1 - 1 x 3 - 9 feet long
  • 4 - Hex Bolts ¼" x 2"
  • 4 -  Hex nuts ¼"
  • 4 - Plain flat washers ¼"
  • 4 - Wave washers ¼"
  • 18 - #8 x 2" flat head screws
  • Glue
  • Wood filler
  • Sand paper
  • Finishing supplies

The tools:
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Safety glasses
  • Hearing protection
  • Clamps
  • BladeRunner or jigsaw
  • drill
  • compound miter saw or circular saw
  • sander
  • countersink drill bit
Instructions:

1.  TOP. Making sure the board is square, cut the bench top - 36" off the 1 x 12.  Set aside.

2.  LEGS. The remaining 1 x 12 is going to be cut in four parts, two legs and two 2½" supports. Using a compound miter saw or a circular saw (like in my case), set an angle of 5 degrees, as seen in the picture below.

Mark the way the legs need to be positioned.
rusic bench build out of poplar

3. This is how the legs should look at the end, so, it's now time to cut both sides of each leg on  a 5 degree angle. The lower end stays at the same measurement of 11¼".
free cut out plans for bench leg
I used my BladeRunner to rip this angled cut.


The design on the lower part or each leg can be found HERE. Center, draw and cut it out, you can use a jig saw, but using my BladeRunner made this part go fast and smoothly. Cutting the design on the wood was my favorite part of using this tool.
Once done with both legs, set them aside.
Rockwell BladeRunner used to cut out design on wood bench


4. CENTER SUPPORT. Grab the 2½" support pieces cut from the 1 x 12 and cut both ends at a 5 degree angle, making the short point distance at 8¼" (picture below).

Cut the 1 x 3 at a short point of 29", same 5 degree angle on both ends.

Using glue and doing countersink pre-drills, attach the center support to both side supports. Side supports should be parallel to each other. Once done it should look like this.

5. ASSEMBLING.  Now it's time to connect all the pieces. Clamp both legs to each side of the center support pieces. Drill two holes on each side for the Hex bolts to hold both pieces.


Don't forget to use glue before attaching the screws.


Cut the remaining 1 x 3 at 36" for both leg supports.  Attach them to each side of bench at 8¾" from the bottom of leg. Use glue and pre-drill holes before driving the screws.

The final part is to attach the top. Flip the base up side down on top of the underside of top, center it leaving 2" overhangs on each end. Trace all around the top base perimeter. Take away the base and mark the placement of the screws ( two on each end and two in the center),  drill holes on the marked points in order to know where the screws should be driven to attach both pieces. (left picture below).
Turn the top right side up, place it on top of the base and using a countersink bit do pre-drills before driving the screws onto the base.

You can now cover those screws with wood filler, sand the entire bench and finish it the way you want it.


I decided to go for a striking red, just like my inspiration ;)
red rustic bench


build your own bench - free plans
Details about the finish and where the bench was placed, right HERE.

For more DIY projects, check these out!

How to build a side table with wooden wine box and metal slats


brown kitchen island with white china and transferware pieces in it



White build ins in bedroom with electric fireplace



Thanks for stopping by!





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21 comments :

  1. That bench is awesome! Thanks for hosting this giveaway. :)

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  2. Your a great carpenter and I love the bench. What color did you use on the bench and product.
    Thanks so much for posting.
    Mary

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  3. Thanks Mary! I used ASCP -Emperor's Silk.

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  4. that turned out so cute! love the details on the legs

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  5. Fabulous! I sooooooooooooooooo want to win this! Thanks for the opportunity --- my fingers are crossed!

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  6. You are a tool rocking diva!! It looks just like mine, but made with better wood. :)

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  7. That turned out so great. I am too chicken to build furniture.. maybe I need one of those saws to give me an excuse to try it!

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  8. I love the color of your awesome bench you built! Looking forward to seeing where you place it.

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  9. Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

    Thanks so much for coming by, Cristina!
    I'm enjoying your site. Going to peek around a bit :0)
    Have a great week,
    Suzanne

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  10. It turned out fabulous! Great tutorial too. Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!

    Robin

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  11. Again, your my "Ana White" Cristina, your skills just amaze me dear! Keep 'em coming!

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  12. Guauuu que tutoríal amiga querida ,, esa banca rústica me encanto su colorido ,, que máquina esa , eres toda una maestra carpintera Cristina ,, que tengas un óptimo fin de semana largo
    Besos

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  13. The bench is so sweet! You did a great job and that tool looks amazing! I could totally use one of those! Thanks for the chance!

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  14. What a beautiful bench! I love the red you chose. This tool would certainly be very helpful for making stunning pieces like your bench. Thanks for sharing!
    Kim @ Curtain Queen Creates

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  15. That's a great job making a bench. Would love if you shared this on Merry Monday link up.

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  16. Love that bench...great work. Love the color.

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  17. I have been wanting to build a bench and a garden cart for sometime...but I have been swamped working on other stuff. Beautiful!! I am inspired...now I just need time...lol!

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  18. Great bench, love it. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.

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  19. Un banco precioso, es un buen trabajo,me encanta el tono rojo!!!

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