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Rustic $15 DIY Bench

Updated by 33 Comments

Wondering how to make a bench, or better yet, a cheap bench? It’s easier than you think! Build this simple Farmhouse DIY Bench for just $15 in supplies!

cheap rustic bench

Remember that little old table my hubby and I built early in the summer? The little Pottery Barn inspired turnbuckle table?

diy pottery barn inspired dining table

Well, she {yes, she’s a girl} needed a little accessory.  While she loved the beautifully spray painted turquoise and white chairs we had her paired with she felt alone.  In need of a rustic wooden partner in crime.

So we build her a little friend bench.

rustic $15 bench

And it only cost us $15.

My hubby was out of town when I built this bench (he drew up a rough plan for me before he left and bought the wood.) I felt like a modern-day superwoman using my new tools I told you about recently.  They made it SO easy and SO fast to get this little sucker built.

Tools for Making a DIY Bench.

I cut everything on my miter saw and the angles for the bottom of the bench and the side base notches were super easy to make.  I’ve been missing out working with only a circular saw! You definitely can make this bench with a circular saw though if you don’t have a miter saw so don’t let that deter you.

And the impact driver…oh be still my heart! This little powerhouse has an internal anvil that gives it muscle-takes all the pressure off you when using it, just hold it and it pushes itself right in.  Don’t believe me? Check out this little makeshift video I made when assembling the bench:

DIY Bench Supplies

  • 1 – 2×6 @ 12 feet long (you can cut this one into 2 – 6′ long boards for easier transporting)
  • 2 – 2×4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2-1/2″ self-tapping screws (try the exterior deck ones) or 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws (for Kreg Jig users)

DIY Bench Plans

And the best part of the entire DIY bench situation? My amazing superstar buddy Ana White is drawing up plans for you to create your very own-and it’s under $15 in lumber! Woo-to-the-hoo!

illustration of diy farmhouse bench building plan

Check out the $15 DIY Rustic Bench plans here and please give Ana a little “thank you” for drawing up the plans cause you can be assured they are SO much better than anything I would have tried to explain!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anna | Yes, Little Hummingbird?

    1. That Impact Driver is awesome and looks like the perfect tool for little weakling me.
    2. The bench is equally as gorgeous as the table, and now I’m convinced I need one for my garden patio.
    Wonderfully done!

    Reply

  2. Gregor

    Great thing, I must admit, I really like this bench, I have to take care of something like that in the spring in the garden.

    Reply

  3. Mrs G (Jennifer)

    I love this. My son has been doing some work like this. I can not wait to show him and see if he could do this for me. I would love to have them on my deck!

    Reply

  4. Tiffany

    I feel you on the impact driver girl! Hubs got me one and I use it almost exclusively. I finally can drive a screw fully into wood! (And I had thought I was pretty strong). This tool has upped my work options now.

    Reply

  5. tested

    Hey there excellent website! Does running a blog like this require a lot of work?
    I’ve very little expertise in programming but I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways,
    if you have any ideas or tips for new blog owners please share.
    I know this is off subject nevertheless I simply had to ask.
    Many thanks!

    Reply

  6. Katrina Navarrete

    Hi! I came across this project at Ana White, and made a pair for our backyard. I saw you mentioned the stain you used, can you also share any other steps to your process (wood conditioner? something to seal the wood after being stained?) I also used inexpensive pine and really like the finish you ended up with

    Reply

  8. Jen

    The bench is beautiful! I have just started with the tools in the garage but I am slowly building my skills. I will have to save this project for when I feel a little more confident in my ability…lol. It would look so nice in my entryway as a place to stop and put shoes on.

    Reply

  11. Latosha

    This bench looks pretty big! Out of curiosity, how many adults do you think could fit on it comfortably? These might be just what I’m looking for to use as outdoor seating. 🙂

    Reply

  12. jeremy

    I will be building your bench and matching table this weekend. I had a question about the height of the bench. at 14.5″ it seems low for a table that is 30″ high. since you have both and are using them do you feel like the bench is tall enough? I love the plans for these and cant wait to make them.

    Reply

    • Melissa Riker

      Hi Jeremy,

      I don’t use the bench with the table-the bench was more decorative for my front porch. I’d definitely adjust the height if you’re using it with a table.

      ~Melissa

      Reply

  14. HDesmind

    We are planning on making this next week. What stain did you use? I really like the color and would like to recreate the look.

    Reply

  15. Laura @ The Turquoise Home

    Amazing, Melissa!! I’ve been needing to build a bench for one side of my dining room table (which was built from Ana’s plans). I am so happy you had Ana draw up your plans – so easy to follow! Thanks girl!

    Reply

  16. Jamie

    Wow! Seriously? Sharing on my FB page tomorrow! Ah-mazing!! Can you ship me one? I’m dead serious
    Hugs,
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

    Reply

  19. Courtenay

    Stunning!!! I would totally copy you if I could access any of my power tools in the garage without bending over. 🙂 Or if I could bend over.

    Reply

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