Entryway Farmhouse Bench DIY

This is a simple Farmhouse Style Entryway Bench made entirely from 2×4 lumber. I initially tried building it without any screws but failed and in the end used Kreg Screws to hold the bottom frame and bench-top together. I will try to hone my skills more and try again next time without any screws. This bench was inspired by Ana White’s design with several modifications to how it was built. There are many different ways to build this bench. You do not have to follow every step that is laid out on these plans. Use what tools you have and be creative.

Entryway Farmhouse Bench DIY

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Supplies

Tools

Estimated Cost: ~$25 (Does not include stain / paint of choice)

Instructions

Step 1: Build Bench Top

Cuts: (3) 2×4 –> 59 inches (Miter Saw)

I wanted to have a more seamless bench top. To create this look I used my table saw and cut off about 1/8 of an inch off both sides of the 2×4 lumber. This resulted in ~3.25 inch width planks. This eliminated the rounded edges on the middle plank and only one side on the left and right planks. I left the rounded edge on the left and right end planks so it was not so sharp to touch / sit on.

At this point you can sand down the sides or run them through a planer like I did in the video. This will again shrink the overall width of the planks slightly. In the end my 3 planks side by side was about ~9.5 inches wide for the bench top.

I used a self centering dowel jig to drill holes on the sides of the 2×4 lumber. I then used a wood dowel and glue to hold the bench top together. I used my Bessey Clamps to hold the top together. I filled in any cracks with wood glue and saw dust. *Be careful with letting glue dry in areas where stain is applied. The glue will act as a protective barrier and stain will be unable to penetrate unless you sand off the glue.

Adding the Bench Top End Pieces:

Cut: (2) 2×4 lumber at ~9.5 inches (however wide your bench is).

These pieces will go on the bench top ends. Using a Table Saw cut off about 1/8 inch on one side to eliminate the rounded edge. Repeat the same steps previously with dowel, glue, clamp method.

After the glue drys I ran the bench top through my planer to smooth everything out. If you do not have a planer a sander would work here as well.

Step 2: Building the Bench Legs & Frame

Cut: (8) 2×4 –> at 16.5 inches

Using the same method above with a table saw, shave off 1/8 inches on both sides to remove the rounded edges. Next use a planer or sander to smooth out the sides.

Next glue and clamp up (2) pieces together. After the glue has dried, sand down all the sides.

Cut: (2) 2×4 –> ~2 inches (Side Aprons)

There are a couple of ways to attach the legs together.

Use dowels and glue
Fasten a small piece of scrap wood (inner apron) to each leg with wood glue and wood screw. This will be the anchor to use wood glue and wood screws to hold the 2″ side apron in place.

Next use a table saw or circular saw to cut out a socket into the leg. The depth of the socket should be about ~1.5 inches. The width of the socket should be about ~3.25 inches.

Cut: (2) 2×4 –> 8.75 inches (Stretchers)

These stretchers will be used for the socket. Cut off the rounded edges on the table saw. I chose a 3″ width for the aprons. Glue and clamp down the 8.75″ lumber into the socket.

Cut (2) 2×4 –> 60.5 inches (Aprons)

Use a table saw to cut off 0.5″ on one side. This will get rid of the rounded edge and shorten the overall width to about 3″. I chose 3 inch width for the aprons for aesthetics. Sand down or plane the newly cut straight edge. This will be the contact point on the underside of the bench top.

Use a 1.5″ pocket hole on the bottom and top of the 60.5″ length lumber. I centered the 60.5″ support on the bench leg and used wood glue and a 1.5″ pocket screw to secure it. I also placed a wooden dowel to help me hold it in place while I secured it. This is unnecessary (with pocket holes joinery) but I wanted to practice dowel joints for fun.

Attaching Bench Legs / Frame to Bench Top

I tried using wooden dowels to join the bench top and legs but as a novice it did not work out as planned. In the end I went with pocket hole joinery to attach the legs to the bench top. To do this I centered the frame and legs to the underside of the bench top. I used wood glue and 1.5″ pocket holes every 12 inches or so around the frame to secure everything. I used a lot of clamps to hold everything together and dry.

Step 3: Staining and Finishing

I wanted to try a different type of stain that reacts with the tannin’s in the wood. This creates a natural weather washed look. WeatherWash sent me their Oaked Stain to try out on this bench. This stain will work on many different types of wood species and creates a driftwood grey color. Each wood species will react differently to the stain. The only 2×4 lumber available at Lowes had lots of red / warm tones in it which created a different weathered look. It was not completely uniform and had warm spots all over.

Visit their website to see all the stain colors: http://www.weatherwashcoatings.com/

To use WeatherWash stain it is important to open up the wood pores by using 80 grit sand paper before staining. This allows the stain to penetrate deep into the wood and bring out the natural colors. Apply the stain using a foam brush and allow it to completely dry for 45-60 minutes. There should be a gradual change in color over time. I also tried WeatherWash’s Maintenance Oil White color to lighten up the wood more. It also provides some light protection, since I don’t expect it to get wet as an entryway bench I am not too worried about giving it further protection with polyurethane or varnish.

Thanks for stopping by and have fun building!

I am a self taught do it yourself project / woodworker. I want to demonstrate that DIY project can be doable and simple. I hope to inspire others to try to build and create new things! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and this blog for more DIY projects! Thank you.

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Use all power tools with caution. Do not copy what you see in the video / instructions without proper safety precautions.