Learn how to build a DIY rustic bench with these free building plans. This primitive look bench is perfect for the end of a bed, a mud room, or to use as an outdoor coffee table.

I made this DIY rustic bench a little while ago when I gave our bedroom a no-cost makeover and I got a lot of questions about it!

Today, I’m finally sharing the simple building plans for the bench with you.

This primitive bench is a wonderful beginner’s woodworking project, and it only uses a few 2×4’s and 2×6’s so it’s very inexpensive to build.

Not only does this DIY bench look great at the end of a bed, but it also works as an outdoor coffee table. Here it is on our porch!

Ready to build this simple, rustic bench! Let’s go!

Materials:

*Note: If you want to make the bench a different width, adjust your materials and cut list accordingly.

• one 2 x 6 x 10 (I used pine) piece of lumber
• one 2 x 6 x 8 piece of lumber
• one 2 x 4 x 10 piece of lumber (or one 2 x 4 x 8 if you only want one vertical piece on the top front)
• one 1 x 3 x 6 piece of lumber
• wood stain
• 2″ long deck screws
• drill
• sandpaper / electric sander
• miter saw

Cut List:

• four 1’4″ long 2 x 6
• two 11″ long 1 x 3
• two 4′ 3″ long 2 x 6
• two 4’3″ long 2 x 4

*NOTE: If you want to stain this piece, you can stain each piece after cutting and before assembling to give the finished bench its best look.

Instructions:

First, cut the leg pieces from the 2 x 6 x 8 lumber with a mitre saw. You’ll need four 1’4″ long pieces. Then, cut an angle off of one side of the bottom of each piece. Use the illustration above as a guide, but cut the angle however you think looks best for your bench.

Then, cut two pieces from the 1 x 3 x 6 lumber that are 11″ long to create braces.

Place two of the leg pieces together with the angled cuts facing as shown above. Then, lay a brace piece over top about 1/2 way from the tops of the legs. Secure it in place with two deck screws. Repeat to build a second leg.

Next, cut two 4’3″ pieces from the 2 x 6 x 10 to create the top bench pieces. Secure these to each leg with 2-4 deck screws so that the legs are about 2 1/2″ from each edge.

Finally, cut two 4’3″ pieces from the 2 x 4 x 10. (You could also cut just one piece if you only want one horizontal trim piece on the front of the bench, like the one I created.) Cut an angle on each side of each piece as illustrated above. 

Attach these pieces to the front and back of the bench top sides with 4-6 deck screws.   

Finish the piece with a clear coat of poly if desired.

You’re all done! Enjoy!

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