We developed five farmhouse bench plans that are perfect for anyone to DIY. All 5 are backless designs. Each of our free plans includes overall dimensions, a cut list, and instructions on how to build a farmhouse style bench. We’ve got a small, simple, extra long, large, and even a bench with storage on this list! Two of these plans can be made with strictly 2x4s.
5 DIY Plans
1. Narrow Farmhouse Bench Plan – the X Leg Design
Our first plan was inspired by a bench created by Sandra Powell from Sawdust Girl. It utilizes the farmhouse classic, X-leg design—a perfect choice for beginner woodworkers. It only requires a couple of tools and can be built for around $30! This budget-friendly idea is great because even though it’s cheap to make, you’d never guess!
The X-leg design is the perfect backless bench for the front porch or around a dining room table. It has that classic look that never gets old and can match just about anything!
Estimated Cost: $30 Overall Dimensions: L 72” x W 16.5” x H 18”
You can use any kind of wood, from pine to cedar, when making this bench. However, if you’re planning on using this as an outdoor bench, make sure the wood you choose is pressure treated. If not, the bench will be susceptible to rain, snow, and other outdoor elements.
Our plans come with detailed dimensions and precise cuts. They’re designed to use as much leftover wood as possible—saving you some money and not producing as much waste!
You can check out a more detailed view of the exact dimensions below:
As we just mentioned, this bench is great for first-time DIY builders. Part of that is due to the very limited number of tools needed to complete this project!
What you’ll need: Miter Saw, Power Drill, Wood Screws, Wood Glue, and Sandpaper.
If you don’t have a miter saw, don’t worry! You can make all these cuts using a circular saw. It might not be as precise as a miter saw, but you can get it done with a little problem-solving.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the diagram below – it shows the exact cut dimensions of the pieces you’ll need. To have practically no leftovers, we recommend you go with 3 pieces of 2″x6″-6′ for the seat – this way you won’t need to cut them. You should be able to find this size of pressure-treated lumber in Menards. And for the legs, get 1 piece of 2×4-8′ and 1 piece of 2×4-10′. Your estimated total lumber cost will be around $30.
Step By Step Assembly Instructions:
To follow along with our detailed instructions, we have a visual guide below.
Step 1: We’ll start this project by building the leg frames of the bench (the X’s will go inside). To begin, cut your 2x4s into four 16.5” and four 13.5” pieces. Once you have the cuts made, we’ll start assembling a square shape.
To build the square, place the 13.5” cuts vertically and the 16.5” top and bottom, forming a box shape. Now, we screw the top to the two verticals first, then turn the box upside down and screw the bottom. Use two 3” wood screws on each joint. Remember to pre-drill the holes to prevent any cracks in your lumber.
Step 2: Now that the leg frames are complete, we will cut and install the X’s. To start, cut the four X pieces 19” long. Place one piece behind the frame at a time, tracing where the frame overlaps the X. We recommend drawing a center line on the X piece, before marking your angled cut.
After marking the cut, measure to ensure the cuts are 45°. If they aren’t, it means your frame is either not square, or you didn’t mark the cuts correctly. Either way, we recommend measuring your angles multiple times before cutting.
After making the angled cuts, insert both pieces halfway into your frame (they should only fit halfway). Mark the point where the pieces cross on both sides. For reference, you can look at the dimensions guide to see the exact length. Cut the wood halfway where you marked to create a half-lap joint.
Note, to make these half-deep cuts, you can use a miter saw, circular saw, or table saw, making cuts 1/8” apart from each other. You can get the remaining wood out using a chisel and hammer or cutting it down.
Finally, install the two X pieces, by sliding them into the leg frame. Use wood glue in the middle, and sides. Screw the pieces in place by using a 3” wood screw on each side.
Step 3: Now that you’ve built the legs, it’s time to install the top of the bench. First, cut your 1x6s into three 72” pieces (hint: if you buy 1x6x6 timber, you won’t need to make any cuts). Finally, line up the legs, leaving a 37” gap in the middle and a 14” gap on either side. Screw the pieces down using two 3” wood screws on each board. To make your plan even sturdier, you could also apply some glue between the seat boards, right before attaching them to the legs.
Before calling it quits, don’t forget to sand and finish your bench! You can stain it, paint it or pressure treat it. If you’re going for something more rustic and farmhouse, use a light-colored stain. If you want it to look like the example above, finish it with satin black paint.
No matter what you choose to do with this plan, you’ll be happy to have a nice backless bench on a front porch or on a patio.
2. Small Outdoor Farmhouse Style Bench – the 2x4s Only Plan
The inspiration for our second farmhouse-style bench plan comes from Amy of Hertoolbelt. This bench features another classic X design and can be built using only 2x4s.
The bench is a little less than 4′ long, meaning it can fit great on a small patio, front porch, or in an entryway. It looks great both inside and outside and will match perfectly with the traditional southern decor.
This backless bench is the perfect place to sit outside for a morning coffee or to put your shoes on. You could even customize this bench to any size, making it perfect to put at the end of your bed or below a window.
Estimated Cost: $25 Overall Dimensions: L 42” x W 14” x H 18”
Although this bench has an effortless look, it’s a bit more complex of a build. However, that’s not to say that a beginner DIYer can’t do it! It’s a great choice for just about any skill level and will teach you a ton about angled cuts.
What you need: Miter Saw, Power Drill, Measuring Tape, Sander, Kreg Pocket Hole Jig (not required), Sandpaper, Wood Glue, and Wood Screws
This bench is the perfect choice for a rustic farmhouse on a budget. Seriously, you can make this small bench for only $25 (yeap, the lumber prices went up since we created this plan for $13). All you need are two 2×4 x 8’s and two 2×4 x 10’s to create a bench that will last you a lifetime!
Our DIY plans will walk you through the entire process of making this bench. Now, let’s look a the overall dimensions:
Below are the detailed cuts you need for this project. The best part about using our farmhouse-style bench plans is that we encourage you to use all the wood you’ve purchased, not wasting anything! In fact, you could even make this backless bench with lumber you have laying around your house.
Step By Step Assembly Instructions:
We’ve created a four-step visual reference to help you build this plan. We recommend using it with our detailed instructions.
Step 1: We’ll begin this project by building the base of our bench. To do this you’ll need to make four initial cuts that are 15.5” long. Remember to angle the cut 15°, providing 1” of room on either side of the measurement (check the third figure above for reference).
Next, you’re going to cut your 2x4s (or use a 1×2 furring strip) into two 9” pieces. Cut the width to 2.5”. Place the prior cuts vertically with the 9” piece in between. Raise it 2” from the ground and insert a 3” wood screw on either side.
To complete the first step, cut two 13” pieces from your 2x4s. Place these cuts directly on top of your legs and screw them into the legs.
Step 2: Now, we will work on the X feature on the bottom half of the bench. To start, cut four L 16.25” x W 2.5” (if you don’t want to cut the width, use a 1×2). Again angle the cut 45°, allowing for 2.5” of room on either side of the cut (check the fourth figure above for reference).
Next, screw and wood glue the Xs together. Remember to measure and mark the center before starting to drill. Use two 3” wood screws at the joints to ensure everything is properly secured and the two legs of each X are perpendicular to each other.
After connecting the Xs, it’s time to finish the main feature of the bench. Out of your 2x4s, cut one 27” and one 34.5” piece. Center the finished Xs on the longer piece, allowing the pieces to barely touch. Screw the Xs into the bottom piece using two 3” wood screws for every connection point.
Finally, center the Xs on the 27” piece and screw them in using the same method as above.
Step 3: It’s now time to connect the base of the bench. Center the fully created Xs, allowing for 2.75” of space on either side of the 9” baseboard and 4.75” on the 13” top board. After measuring carefully, glue and screw the pieces together, using 4” wood screws (or pre-drill larger holes about 1″ deep and drop in the 3-inch screws).
Step 4: For the final step, cut the remaining 2x4s into 42” pieces. Line the four boards up on top of the legs you’ve previously built. Let each board have 4” of space on either side of the leg. Finally, screw the pieces in using a 3” wood screw on either side of each board.
After the project, it’s time to do a final sand and finish to your small bench. Note that you could sand and finish the pieces before assembly, but it’s really up to you. Either way, plan for a few days when staining or painting your bench, as each coat will require a few hours to dry.
For a classic farmhouse look, we recommend using satin white paint. You can even scuff up the edges of the bench with sandpaper to make it look like the featured image. This gives the bench a really rustic and worn feel. It’s a great look for a front porch bench!
If you want a more upscale look, make your bench out of cedar. The higher quality wood will last longer and have a delicate look. You can use a clear exterior stain to preserve the wood as well. However, if you’re putting your bench outside, don’t forget to use pressure-treated wood!
3. Extra Long Farmhouse Bench with Storage
This farmhouse bench is great for a wraparound porch, a large dining room table, or a long hallway. It’s an extra-large plan that features plenty of room for storage! You can make your own storage boxes, similar to the image, or pick something up from the store and put it under the bench.
Ginger from Ginger Snap Crafts makes this farmhouse bench. While it looks pretty daunting, it’s a straightforward build, and people with all skill levels can make it! It’s a great big project for someone looking to build their first large piece of furniture.
Estimated Cost: $55 Overall Dimensions: L 96” x W 14” x H 17.75”
This plan is very cleanly designed. Even though it uses wood screws to connect the pieces, none are visible! The screws make this bench very sturdy. You could fit all your family and friends on it with no problem!
Ginger’s bench only requires some 2x4s, a box of wood screws, and a couple of power tools. This is great for anyone who loves woodworking but doesn’t have a ton of tools at their disposal. I recommend you obtain 9 pieces of 2×4 – 8′ and one piece of 2×4 – 12′, to maximize the use of wood.
Here are all the tools you’ll need: Miter Saw, Table Saw (to split 2x4s into 2x2s), Power Drill, Sander, Wood Screws, and Finish.
Seriously, you don’t even need a miter saw. You could use a circular saw instead. Now, check out the exact dimensions of the extra-long bench below:
If you want, you can customize this bench to a specific area in your home. We think it looks great on a long front porch or hallway. However, if you want it to go somewhere else, you can do that! The best part about our DIY plans is just that—you’re the one in charge!
Now that you understand the exact dimensions of the bench, let’s look at the individual pieces you’ll need to cut:
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide:
Here’s our detailed guide on how to put this plan together. If you want some visuals, we have an assembly diagram below to help you follow along!
Step 1: You’ll start this build by making the legs of the bench. In this case, there are four. To begin the legs, cut your 2x4s into two 16.75” pieces. Leave a .75” gap on either side of the cut to allow for an angled cut of 53.3°.
After completing the first cut, it’s time to move on to the leg braces. To make these you can cut your 2x4s into L 14” x W 1.75”. If you don’t want to cut the width for these boards, you can use a 2×2.
Next, line the bottom brace 3” off the ground and use one 3” wood screw for each joint. Connect the top brace using the same method.
Repeat this process three more times to build the other legs. On the two middle sections, add two bottom braces.
Step 2: You will now connect the bench legs, creating a bottom shelf for storage. To do this, cut your 2x4s into twelve 30” pieces. Place four pieces between each leg (they should line up exactly). Screw the pieces in using 3” wood screws.
Step 3: The final step in the process is installing the bench’s top. To do this, cut four 2x4s to 96” (if you bought 2×6 x 8′ boards, you won’t need to make any cuts). Similar to step 2, line the four boards in a row (they should match the width perfectly). Finally, screw the boards in using 3” wood screws at every leg.
Although this bench plan is extra long, it’s one of the easiest ones to build! It’s a great build for those who are looking to increase their confidence when it comes to building.
Before putting your bench in its final location, don’t forget to give it a final sand. You can use a power sander, or if you don’t have one, classic sandpaper. Work your way from #150 grit sandpaper to #220 grit for the cleanest look.
After sanding, you can decide how you want to finish your bench. The fun part is, that this is entirely up to you. If you want something similar to the image above, paint the legs white and stain the top using a dark walnut.
You can also paint the entire bench if you’re looking for a more modern look!
4. Simple Farmhouse Bench Plan – 2x4s Only Design
Our fourth plan was inspired by Natalie’s design at TheCreativeMom.com. This is a great DIY plan because it’s super simple, easy to build, budget-friendly, and looks great just about anywhere! Natalie put hers in a long hallway, and it looks great there!
The overall cost of this DIY farmhouse bench is around $35. That includes all the lumber (6 pieces of 2×4 – 8′) and wood screws you’ll need. However, it might be more or less expensive depending on where you live (and when you’re reading this)!
Estimated Cost: $35 Overall Dimensions: L 76” x W 14” x H 18”
This simple design can fit about four adults comfortably. You don’t need to worry about too many people sitting on it at once—it’s very sturdy. Since it doesn’t have a back, it’s relatively easy to move around and transport.
The size of this backless bench makes it perfect for a ton of different places. It looks great on a front porch, in an entryway, or even at the dining room table! It provides a classic farmhouse style that fits with any traditional or rustic home!
Let’s check out some more details of the bench.
You won’t need anything other than 2x4s for this project. That means you can make it with the cheapest pressure-treated pine or the most expensive cedar—it’s totally up to you! It’s also a great project because you don’t need a professional-level workshop to build it—just a couple of tools.
Here are the tools you’ll need: Miter Saw, Measuring Tape, Power Drill, Sandpaper, and Wood Screws.
Here’s an in-depth view of all the cuts you’ll need to build this bench.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide:
We’ve included a step-by-step diagram you can use to follow along!
Step 1: You’ll start by building the legs of the bench. Begin by cutting four 15.5” pieces. Next, you’ll need to make a 10° angled cut, taking off 1/4” on either side. Make sure the cuts are in opposite directions (in the shape of a parallelogram).
Next, you’ll cut the bottom brace that fits between each leg. Cut two 12.5” pieces. Again, make a 10° angled cut, this time taking off 1/2” on either side. Note that for this cut, you want the shape to be an isosceles trapezoid.
Begin installing the bottom brace by lining it 2” off the ground. Make it flush with one side of the legs and screw it in using two 3” wood screws for each side.
Now, you’ll make your final cut for the legs. Cut two 14” pieces for the top brace of the bench. Center them on the legs and install them using two 3” wood screws for each point of contact.
Step 2: Start this step by cutting two 16.75” pieces out of your 2x4s. Make your final angled cut of 45°, taking off 3.5” on either side. You want the shape to resemble a parallelogram again.
Cut pieces labeled number 1 (54”) and piece number 2 (58”). Place piece number 2 horizontally and lay the angled cuts inwards, so they face one another. Screw in the angled lumber using 3” wood screws at the bottom of the piece. If you have a Kreg Jig, feel free to use it here, as it will make this process a bit cleaner.
Center the top piece (number 1), and screw it down using two 3” wood screws for each point of contact.
Step 3: Connect the legs from step 1 and the brace from step 2. Center the braces on the middle of the legs and use four 3” wood screws on either side to hold it in place.
Step 4: Install the top of the bench by cutting four 76” pieces from your 2x4s. Line the boards up evenly, leaving 7.5” on either end, before securing them using 3” wood screws.
You can finish your DIY plan using any materials you want. For some contrast, you can stain or paint the bottom half of the bench white, while keeping the top half dark. This will surely make it pop, and have guests asking where you got it!
Don’t forget to add some pillows, blankets, or seat cushions as well! You could probably even DIY them since you already made the tough part! Some light decor will make your bench fit right in!
5. Large Bench Plan – Chevron Design
Our final bench on this list is created by Sam of DIY Huntress. This large bench features some brightly colored legs and a classy wooden top. Although you can finish yours however you’d like!
As you can see, this somewhat modern farmhouse bench sits outside her house on a front patio. It’s the perfect place to put on some running shoes, chat with your neighbor, and put your pumpkins on Halloween!
Estimated Cost: $100 Overall Dimensions: W 41.5” x W 16.5” x H 18.25”
This DIY plan is somewhat trickier to make than our previous choices. That’s due to the diagonal nature of the seat of the bench. If you’re a beginner woodworker intimidated by this bench, don’t hesitate to change the design around. Like the other designs, you can always put some flat boards on top.
If you’re still feeling hesitant, don’t be – the worst thing that can happen is you need to make the same cut twice. Trust us, we’ve all been there!
Here are the exact dimensions of the finished bench:
This more complex plan should cost around $100 to make. You could probably even use scrap lumber you find laying around if it works! This bench does require more than the classic 2×4, though. You’ll need some 1x2s, plywood, and a few large 15” square blocks. If you can’t find these, you can always order them and pick them up at any home improvement near you!
For tools, you really don’t need anything other than the basics.
Here are the tools you’ll need: Miter Saw, Table Saw, Power Drill, Sander or Sandpaper, Measuring Tape, and Wood Screws
Although for this build, using a miter saw will make your life significantly easier.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide:
Step 1: Similarly to the other projects, you’ll build the legs of the bench first. Start by cutting your large square 4×4 pieces 17” long. Next, cut your 2x4s into 8” sections. Connect the 8” sections at the bottom and top of the legs. Make both pieces flush with the end of the legs.
After you’ve ensured everything is flush, connect the braces using two 5” screws at every connection point.
Step 2: Next, you’ll make the middle brace of the bench. To do so, cut two 35” pieces from your 2x4s. Set these aside.
Now cut, two 17.75” pieces (3.5″ + 14.25″ = 17.75″) from the remaining 2x4s. After that, you’ll need to cut a 45° angle on either side of the board (taking off 3.5” on both sides – see the diagram above, 3rd row from the top). You want these two boards to look like a parallelogram.
To connect these pieces, place the two angled cuts together in the center of the middle brace. Drill larger holes (large enough for the screw head to fall through) about 2″ deep and insert two 3” screws at a downward angle to secure it. Flip the piece and do the same with the other side.
Step 3: Now it’s time to connect the legs and middle brace. Find the center of the leg, and screw the middle brace inwards, using 3” screws.
Step 4: It’s time for the hard part, to assemble to the top of the bench. To do so, pre-cut all your angled pieces as displayed above. We recommend making a 45° template before cutting your pieces. From there, you’ll just need to follow the template.
Lay your angled cuts on the 40” x 15” plywood board (piece number 1). Make sure they’re centered and there’s no overlap on either side. Screw the pieces down using a 1” wood screw while applying some glue. If you use anything longer than this, there’s a chance your screws will poke through the bottom of your bench.
Finally, out of your 1x2s, cut two 41.5” pieces and two 15” pieces. Place the longer cuts on the front and back of the bench and screw them in using a 1.5” wood screw. Insert the short pieces between the longer ones and do the same.
Step 5: The final step in this project is to screw the top of the bench into the four corners. Use 3” wood screws for this set to ensure it is properly secured.
Before using it, don’t forget to sand and stain this modern farmhouse bench!
You can finish this bench in a variety of ways. Sam from DIY Huntress, painted the bottom of her bench green with a light honey-colored finish on top. While that’s beautiful, it might not be for everyone—so feel free to do whatever you want!
You can stain the whole bench or even paint the whole thing. Although we recommend staining the top to show off your impressive woodworking skills!
We hoped you’ve enjoyed our plans – and hope you built something. Enjoy your time woodworking!
