Simple Bench Made From 2×4’s
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I will show you how to make a simple bench from reclaimed 2x4s. It’s really easier than you think!
You can see more great projects from our monthly Power Tool Challenge at the bottom of this post.
Look at this scrumptious, perfectly weathered BLUE deck wood.
The only salvageable lumber was made of vertical 2x4s, which 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 Deck Lumber
This is the simple construction of these little benches. I made a box that was as long as the longest board. The end pieces were made so the simple bench would be about 14 inches wide.
If you’re looking for really easy 2×4 stools, check out this tutorial for 2×4 benches and stools.
I made the simple bench so that it would have an overhang the width of a 2×4 thickness. While I laid my box out, I put a 2×4 on each of the four sides to measure to see if everything would fit correctly.
The little scrap piece at the end is a guide.
Dry Fit 2×4 Seat Slats
The seat slats are 11 inches long. You can see here that it is resting on the scrap piece, allowing the overhang I wanted.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have lots of workbench space. It’s more challenging to work on the ground, but in a pinch, it works!
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, 2x4s 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 two 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 2×4 Slats Using a Nail Gun and Screws
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
After attaching all the slats, I worked on the side pieces to box in the slats of the simple 2×4 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 an “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 measured where the other straight cut needed to be made on the other board. These boards are laid directly on top of the outside board (of the box). That means they overhang the thickness of a 2×4 all the way around. I used screws on these boards, also.
Adding the boards to the side of each bench gives the simple bench a more finished look, rather than seeing the raw ends of each short 2×4 seat slat.
Add Legs to Simple 2×4 Bench
After I added both boards on either side, I attached the legs. Because of an overhang, the legs fit perfectly under the boards along the side. I used screws on the legs. These benches are VERY heavy. I can move one by myself, but carrying one from the back of the yard to the deck was nearly impossible to do by myself!
Make a Matching Table for Your Simple Benches
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 determine 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
Being reclaimed deck wood, there were some rough places. Jamie used my orbital sander to smooth them out. 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.
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gail
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.
Maybe I am more confused that I thought LOL…in the frame, is there not an inner 2×4 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.
I am a traditional woodworker (hand tools only). Had some scrap 2x4s from building my house. I used your plan about a year ago. Made 2 benches. I love these benches. It’s a very good plan. Lost your website and just now found it.
Don,
Wow! Thanks for letting me know you used my idea for the easy 2×4 benches! 🙂
Welcome back!
gail
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 2×4 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!
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
“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?
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
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?
Hi again! I’m so happy you found this tutorial. All of the short slats rest on top of the long 2×4’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
If the slats are 11 inches and the lenghwise 2×4’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.
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 2×4’s which is approximately 17.5 inches.
Adding the thickness of the legs? They are underneath the outer 2×4, not adding to the overall size.
I hope this helps!
gail
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!
They turned out great love that color
Simple carpentry projects that even I can do. This is what I like. Keep ’em coming.
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!
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
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
Wow Gail – way to make those scraps into great. I love the benches!
Wow Gail! Way to clean up the wood pile 🙂
Very thorough tutorial! Can’t wait to try this…like Donna…got some pallet wood ready to go!
looks so nice!!!! great how to’s!
Love these and thanks for the great tutorial! Quick question–What size and type screws did you use?
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
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.
I love this bench, it looks like its a very solid one. I may have to try making one this summer. WONDERFUL
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.
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! 😀
Amazing job on the benches! I just love the color! Congrats on all your features this week, this project was certainly worthy. Wonderful project.
these came out so beautifully! what an amazing job. i love how aged they look.
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
This is awesome! I love the color! I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com
Great carpenter work, love the benches.
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
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
Great job Gail! Way to recycle! The color really is fantastic and the sanding is perfect!
PS The mouthwash tips are great!
Great reuse of those old boards. The bench looks so good. And the blue is so pretty!
Love it. That looks so cute.
Fabulous green project! And I love the color!
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
That’s definitely a great use for that old ,otherwise destined to landfill,wood. I love the blue! That’s a great job.
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.
Nice job!
I love these! I want some!!!
Stopping back to say thank you for your kind words on my Alzheimer’s post.
Pam
Yeah! I’ve got this little alcove in our front porch that has been begging for a bench… thanks for the great tut!
Love everything about the bench. It’s amazing how you repurpose wood — such an inspiration!
Giiiiirrrrl, you are GOOD!! I just love the bench & table! And the weathered look is perfection to a “T!”
Have a great weekend. :o)
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!
well done! perfect colour too! Have a great weekend ~Stacey
They look great! I don’t think I could’ve done as well.
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?
Great job on the benches and table. Louie is adorable. I’ll bet he’s already missing Jamie.
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!
They have turned out really good and you are very clever 🙂 I wish I had a clever person like you living in this house 🙂
You are amazing! Lovely!
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!