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    Home » DIY » outdoor living » simple bench made from 2x4’s

    simple bench made from 2x4’s

    Published by Gail | Published July 19, 2018 | Updated February 22, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to make a simple bench from scrap reclaimed lumber. After removing an old deck I salvaged some of the boards to make simple benches from 2x4's. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #reclaimed #lumber #2x4 #bench via @repurposedlife

    I'm going to show you how to make a simple bench made from reclaimed 2x4's. It really is easier than you think!

    Be sure to see more great projects from this month's Power Tool Challenge at the bottom of this post.

    reclaimed wood reused for simple 2x4 benches

    Look at this scrumptious perfectly weathered BLUE deck wood.

    The only lumber that was salvageable were the vertical 2x4’s that made up the spindles. See those thin little horizontal pieces? Those were put up by yours truly years ago to keep this little fella in . . .

    Louie learned very quickly that he couldn't escape the new deck!

    HOW TO CONSTRUCT A SIMPLE BENCH OUT OF RECLAIMED 2X4 LUMBER

    This is the simple construction of these little benches. I made a box as long as the longest board. The end pieces were made so that the simple bench would be about 14 inches wide. 

    If you're looking for really easy 2x4 stools, check out this tutorial for 2x4 benches and stools.

    The little scrap piece at the end is a guide. I made the simple bench so that it would have an overhang the width of a 2x4 thickness. While I had my box laid out, I put a 2x4 on each of the 4 sides to measure to see if everything was going to fit correctly.

    designing 2x4 bench

    The little scrap piece at the end is a guide. I made the simple bench so that it would have an overhang the width of a 2x4 thickness. While I had my box laid out, I put a 2x4 on each of the 4 sides to measure to see if everything was going to fit correctly.

    Dry fit 2x4 slats

    add 2x4 slats to easy reclaimed lumber bench

    The seat slats are 11 inches long. You can see here that it is resting on the scrap piece, allowing the overhang I wanted.

    workbench not necessary for DIY

    Don't be discouraged if you don't have lots of workbench space. It's more difficult to work on the ground, but in a pinch it works!

    how to construct the box for simple 2x4 bench

    The box was constructed with screws and wood glue. I also used glue and screws on the inside brace pieces. A countersink  bit was not needed because typically 2x4’s are soft enough to sink the screws. However I did make pilot holes for EVERY screw. The wood was brittle and I didn’t want to take any chances of splitting it. That is why you see 2 drills. One was manned with a drill bit, the other with a screw bit. That makes things go so much faster. If you only  have one drill, I suggest investing in a second one. Pawn shops are great places to shop for small power tools.

    Add 2x4 slats using a nail gun and screws

    using a nail gun to hold wood in place until you can secure it with screws makes diy easy

    All the slats were attached first. I screwed the end one on, then used glue and my nail gun to attach the rest of the slats. When I got to the last one (the other end) I used screws again. Nail guns are great for a temporary hold until you can secure the wood permanently with screws.

    How to join two boards with a 45° angle

    board too short? combine two boards with 45 degree angle

    After attaching all the slats, I worked on the side pieces to box in the slats of the simple 2x4 bench. Because I used the longest board to make the box, when it came time to “box” the slats in, I didn’t have a board long enough to have “overhang”. I made a 45 degree cut on two boards. Then on one board I made the straight cut. After I had that laid out, I then measured where the other straight cut needed to be made on the other board. These boards laid directly on top of the outside board (of the box). That means they overhang the thickness of a 2x4 all the way around. I used screws on these boards also.

    Add legs to simple 2x4 bench

    add legs to simple 2x4 bench

    After I added both side boards, I attached the legs. Because there is an overhang, the legs fit perfectly under the side boards. I used screws on the legs. These benches are VERY heavy. I can move one by myself, but to carry one from the very back of the yard to the deck was nearly impossible to do by myself!

    Make a matching table for your simple benches

    easy diy reclaimed lumber table

    I am not a math whiz! I came up with the simplest way to make this table! Jamie wanted it to be a square, the same size as the bench. I cut enough boards to make it that size. Then imagine  laying all of those boards down  on a table (upside down), laying those small scraps on each of the four sides. That is what I did, then I measured the inside dimensions to figure out what size box I needed to make. Remember, I needed the overhang to allow the legs to fit perfectly on each side.

    Distress wood with orbital sander

    orbital sander distresses paint

    Being reclaimed deck wood, there were definitely some rough places. Jamie used my orbital sander to smooth them out some. I love the way these benches and that little table turned out! Blue is my favorite color, and I love how aged they look. I also love the fact that my daughter Jamie now has some of her original deck. Of course we did not build the original deck, it was there when she bought the house.

    Check out these awesome woodworking tutorials from my friends

    DIY Murphy BedThe DIY Village

    Pallet Wood ArrowsDesigned Decor

    DIY Rustic Fireplace Mantel Domestically Speaking

    Repurposed Picture Frame Wall Shelves H2O Bungalow

    Cordless Drill Charge StationHer Tool Belt

    Simple 2x4 BenchMy Repurposed Life

    Industrial Pipe BookshelfSweet Pea

    Scroll Saw LanternJust The Woods

    Cornhole Boards from Cabinet DoorsThe Kim Six Fix

    Wooden Quilt Block Create And Babble

    gail

    See other fun benches here

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    1. Cinder

      July 07, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      I think I am okay now. I had to literally construct an end from scraps to the get the right measurements. The end boards are 12" - that was really the one measurement that I needed.

      Reply
    2. Cinder

      July 07, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      Maybe I am more confused that I thought LOL...in the frame, is there not an inner 2x4 and an outer one - on each side? The pics depict that so that is what I am going by...again - sorry for so many questions.

      Reply
    3. Cinder

      July 07, 2022 at 12:22 pm

      Gsail - thanks for responding - that helps! I think my difficulty is that you are using old wood that has shrunk and I am using standard measurements for new wood. So your old 2x4s that frame the slats - they most likely measure 3.25" (rather than 3.5"). Otherwise the full width of the seat would be 18" (3.5 + 3.5 + 11) rather than 17.5 (probably 3.25 + 3.25 + 11). But that's fine, now that I have figured that out.

      I understand that the the 11" slats sit on the inside box - but are they flush with the outside edge of the inner box or are they sitting in the middle of the 2x4 edge? I am trying to determine if the long outside 2x4s that are laid flat on the top - are they resting on the inside box at all or are they only secured to the outside box? (Just seems like they might warp if they didn't have a second support point - but that is probably more an issue with new wood of course.) I hope this is clear - I think if I could see a pic of the underside of the bench it would be clearer. Sorry to be a pain with all the questions but I really do love the bench and want to make one!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 08, 2022 at 6:01 pm

        I'm so happy you figured it out. I looked and looked for more images that would help you out. You sound a lot like me, very determined, and not a quitter!!! I hope you LOVE your benches!

        gail

    4. Cinder

      July 06, 2022 at 6:58 pm

      "The end pieces were made so that the simple bench would be about 14 inches wide. "

      In your comments below, you say that the bench is 17.5" wide.

      This is SO confusing! What is the actual finished width of the bench?

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 07, 2022 at 10:50 am

        Cinder,

        I'm so sorry to have confused you. Looking at the pictures, I think what I meant was, the BENCH base is 14 inches wide. The overall measurement of the SEAT atop of the bench is 17.5 wide. There is an overhang of the seat, making it wider than the base it rests on. 🙂
        I sure hop that helps clear it up.

        gail

    5. Cinder

      July 06, 2022 at 6:53 pm

      I can't tell from the pictures how the slats are placed (the pics are not really showing the placement), so I am unable to figure out how to build this from your pics, without more info. Are the slats sitting on the edge of the inside box? Or do they overhang to the outside box?

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 07, 2022 at 10:59 am

        Hi again! I'm so happy you found this tutorial. All of the short slats rest on top of the long 2x4's. The left and right side hang over the side, as do the long front and back board.
        I searched all my photos to try to find a better image to clear things up, but no luck.
        Let me know if you have more questions. I think if you follow it step by step, it may make sense as you move along. At least I hope you!

        gail

    6. Steven Shepard

      October 25, 2019 at 6:16 pm

      If the slats are 11 inches and the lenghwise 2x4's are 3-1/2 inches wide then we're already up to 17 inches. Add in the thickness of the legs which appear to be set back from the edge and you're up to 20 inches. Rather than sending me to a nut farm, could you please explain.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 25, 2019 at 9:33 pm

        Steven,

        I'm sorry you're confused. I'm not sure what you don't understand. The bench is as deep as the table sitting next to it. It is made up of 5 2x4's which is approximately 17.5 inches.
        Adding the thickness of the legs? They are underneath the outer 2x4, not adding to the overall size.

        I hope this helps!
        gail

    7. Christina

      July 20, 2018 at 5:05 pm

      What an awesome way to recycle the old wood! And you can enjoy them on your new deck! The color is beautiful and I love how it's distressed!

      Reply
    8. Bryan Patterson

      July 19, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      They turned out great love that color

      Reply
    9. Brette

      April 26, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      Simple carpentry projects that even I can do. This is what I like. Keep 'em coming.

      Reply
    10. Wendi@H2OBungalow

      August 28, 2016 at 5:54 pm

      Wow, first the benches are awesome! It's really something how you're able to repurpose pretty much everything! Second, I saw the dates of the original comments and realize how many...many project you have under your belt! You have so much talent!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        August 29, 2016 at 10:40 am

        Thanks Wendi! Back in the day....I posted several projects every week. 🙂 I LOVE what I do. I just wish I could do more, definitely looking forward to cooler weather.

        gail

    11. Javier Reza

      October 01, 2015 at 10:00 pm

      Excelent idea thank you for sharing , If you add a small chamfer in the bottom of the legs it will help to prevent tear out

      Reply
    12. Adina Johnson

      September 14, 2015 at 10:48 am

      Wow Gail - way to make those scraps into great. I love the benches!

      Reply
    13. Susan Homeroad

      September 14, 2015 at 6:34 am

      Wow Gail! Way to clean up the wood pile 🙂

      Reply
    14. Sue at Blu

      January 23, 2014 at 12:38 pm

      Very thorough tutorial! Can't wait to try this...like Donna...got some pallet wood ready to go!

      Reply
    15. girlfromwva

      January 23, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      looks so nice!!!! great how to's!

      Reply
    16. Kelly B

      January 23, 2014 at 12:12 pm

      Love these and thanks for the great tutorial! Quick question--What size and type screws did you use?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        January 23, 2014 at 12:20 pm

        Kelly,

        I almost always use drywall screws, which wouldn't be the best choice for these outdoor benches. So I would go with deck screws, 2.5 inches, countersinking the screws slightly to get more bite into the second board.
        Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
        gail

    17. Ricky T

      August 03, 2013 at 2:12 pm

      Just a thought about not having two drills....you can also buy a drill/bit to do the job of two drills. They are so easy to use, I use them all the time and it saves a bunch of time.

      Reply
    18. Sanlea

      April 16, 2011 at 9:47 am

      I love this bench, it looks like its a very solid one. I may have to try making one this summer. WONDERFUL

      Reply
    19. Nina

      March 09, 2011 at 2:06 am

      Came across your blog when looking for picture ideas for 2 x 4 furniture. This is awesome! You have definitely inspired me! I will have to check back often.

      Reply
    20. muralimanohar

      July 12, 2010 at 8:42 am

      That is SO awesome!! 😀 I just made myself a bench for the pool area, and I love it, but I think I could DEF find a use for another bench like that one! 😀

      Reply
    21. Lisa

      June 13, 2010 at 2:14 am

      Amazing job on the benches! I just love the color! Congrats on all your features this week, this project was certainly worthy. Wonderful project.

      Reply
    22. kaitlyn sullivan

      June 11, 2010 at 3:55 pm

      these came out so beautifully! what an amazing job. i love how aged they look.

      Reply
    23. Jennie

      June 06, 2010 at 11:47 pm

      Hey, I found you over at Someday Crafts...I love your little benches! I laughed as I started to read your post because I have a HUGE pile of wood just like that in MY backyard. SO FUN! I can't wait to try something like this. Thanks for the idea.

      Jennie @ Cinnaberry Suite

      Reply
    24. michelle@somedaycrafts

      June 06, 2010 at 7:18 am

      This is awesome! I love the color! I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

      Reply
    25. Dianna

      June 06, 2010 at 2:25 am

      Great carpenter work, love the benches.

      Reply
    26. Funky Junk Interiors

      June 05, 2010 at 6:12 am

      I totally wanna work alongside you. What a riot that would be! I need to go reread this again VERY SLOW to let it sink in. I found a ton of old palette wood I need a good use for... hmm.. 🙂

      Thanks for linking up to SNS!
      Donna

      Reply
    27. Homemade Quilts by Granny

      June 05, 2010 at 5:42 am

      Its really great that you can find ways to use old wood...saving so much money and still get to enjoy your hobby makeing useful items....your good. Trish

      Reply
    28. Michelle @ Sweet Something

      June 05, 2010 at 4:18 am

      Great job Gail! Way to recycle! The color really is fantastic and the sanding is perfect!
      PS The mouthwash tips are great!

      Reply
    29. Anita

      June 05, 2010 at 3:19 am

      Great reuse of those old boards. The bench looks so good. And the blue is so pretty!

      Reply
    30. Pam

      June 05, 2010 at 3:00 am

      Love it. That looks so cute.

      Reply
    31. Londen @ Sixty-Fifth Avenue

      June 05, 2010 at 1:12 am

      Fabulous green project! And I love the color!

      Reply
    32. The Hillbilly Housewife

      June 04, 2010 at 11:00 pm

      How am I ever supposed to remember all these great ideas you put on the bottom? I just called my daughter and told her that she needs listerine. She wanted to know how I could smell her breath over the phone. LOL

      Reply
    33. Corn in my Coffee-Pot

      June 04, 2010 at 8:13 pm

      That's definitely a great use for that old ,otherwise destined to landfill,wood. I love the blue! That's a great job.

      Reply
    34. Melanie Beth

      June 04, 2010 at 5:30 pm

      love the bench, and the way the blue paint looks! you'd think that bench had been around for years!

      also love the lists of other uses for household items - although being a hair stylist i would recommend against using listerine in your hair! ph is too acidic, would not be good.

      Reply
    35. Kate

      June 04, 2010 at 5:26 pm

      Nice job!

      Reply
    36. Heather

      June 04, 2010 at 3:18 pm

      I love these! I want some!!!

      Reply
    37. Becolorful

      June 04, 2010 at 2:57 pm

      Stopping back to say thank you for your kind words on my Alzheimer's post.
      Pam

      Reply
    38. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking

      June 04, 2010 at 2:56 pm

      Yeah! I've got this little alcove in our front porch that has been begging for a bench... thanks for the great tut!

      Reply
    39. Suzanne

      June 04, 2010 at 1:52 pm

      Love everything about the bench. It's amazing how you repurpose wood -- such an inspiration!

      Reply
    40. Mardell

      June 04, 2010 at 1:47 pm

      Giiiiirrrrl, you are GOOD!! I just love the bench & table! And the weathered look is perfection to a "T!"

      Have a great weekend. :o)

      Reply
    41. Robyn

      June 04, 2010 at 1:36 pm

      AWESOME tuturial and I LOVE the re-use of the wood! CHEAP and GREEN! The bench is so sweet and a great color! Hey, is your little guy a Brussels Griffon? I can't tell from the photo but he sure looks sweet!

      Reply
    42. the VG huis

      June 04, 2010 at 1:19 pm

      well done! perfect colour too! Have a great weekend ~Stacey

      Reply
    43. Paige (Final Clothes-Out)

      June 04, 2010 at 11:54 am

      They look great! I don't think I could've done as well.

      Reply
    44. frugal farmhouse design

      June 04, 2010 at 11:15 am

      I LOVE the look of this bench, the wash of blue is perfect. Thanks for the tutorial, I will be making use of it. All the best, Lori
      Is your dog a Griffon?

      Reply
    45. Granny J

      June 04, 2010 at 9:59 am

      Great job on the benches and table. Louie is adorable. I'll bet he's already missing Jamie.

      Reply
    46. Rose

      June 04, 2010 at 9:09 am

      Great tutorial on how you made the benches. I really love the way they look!
      Great tip on splicing the wood together. You can't even see it until you pointed it out!

      Reply
    47. Vicki

      June 04, 2010 at 9:01 am

      They have turned out really good and you are very clever 🙂 I wish I had a clever person like you living in this house 🙂

      Reply
    48. Michelle

      June 04, 2010 at 7:18 am

      You are amazing! Lovely!

      Reply
    49. Pam

      June 04, 2010 at 7:12 am

      Your woodworking skills are solid! Well done! I love the way you've repurposed the wood into this simple faded blue bench; it's awesome!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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