How To Build An Easy DIY Rustic Bench

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Check out this FREE plan to build a super easy DIY rustic bench. You only need 2 boards and a few tools. Let’s start building!

I’ve been wanting a bench in our entryway and decided to build one just like my coffee table!

This bench is almost identical to the coffee table build, but I switched up some of the board sizes and used a different staining process. Let’s start building!

Material List for DIY Bench:

Step 1: Cut your boards to length.

The cool thing about this bench is how easily it can be customized! The size of your bench may be totally different than mine but it won’t change the way it’s built.

My cut list:

  • (2) 55″ boards from the 2×8. (These boards are for the top of the bench)
  • (4) 17″ boards from the 2×12. (These boards are the legs)

Side note: I’m obsessed with this new Dewalt miter saw! The cuts are like butter (insert heart eyes).

Step 2: Remove rounded edge of 2×8

This step is optional but I love the look it gives.

I used my circular saw to take off the rounded edge of one side of each 2×8. This would be much easier with a table saw!

By taking off the rounded edge and making them square, the boards come together and give the illusion of a solid board instead of 2 pieced together.

Don’t worry, we’ll fill that gap and it will be seamless!

Step 3: Assemble top piece.

Drill 4 pocket holes with a Kreg Jig on the back square side of one of the 2×8 boards (you can see in this pic how I messed up 2 of the holes…mistakes happen, even after I’ve drilled 100 pocket holes!).

Then apply a generous amount of glue on the side and screw the 2×8 boards together using 2 1/2″ kreg jig screws.

Step 4: Make the two boards appear seamless.

Apply a small line of glue on the top seam of the 2×8 boards. Then sprinkle sawdust on the glue and mix it together.

When the glue dries, the boards will appear to be one solid board instead of 2 pieced together…magic!

Step 5: Assemble legs.

Drill 2 pocket holes in the top of 2 of the 2×12 boards.

Glue the boards together and secure them with 4 screws.

Then attach the legs to the bottom of the bench using 2 1/2″ pocket screws.

You can see in this pic the 4 screws to attach both pieces together and also the 2 pocket holes to attach the legs to the top of the bench.

Step 6: Rough it up.

I use a planer to take out chunks of the wood and a multi-tool to create lines and divots all over the bench.

Check out my Instagram highlight “DIY Bench” to see this step in action.

Step 7: Sand, sand and sand again.

Using an orbital sander, start with 80 grit sandpaper and generously sand the entire bench.

Then use 120 grit and finally 220 grit to get a super smooth finish.

Step 8: Stain

Since we live in Kentucky now, I can shop my Dad’s hardware store in our little town! He carries Old Masters stain so I decided to give it a try.

I applied Old Masters Special Walnut on the dry wood.

I chose not to use wood conditioner on these builds because I’m not looking for a flawless stain. The more imperfections, the better!

Then I mix a 2:1 ratio of water and white paint to create a white wash.

Using a paint brush, apply the white wash and immediately wipe it off using a damp cloth.

The last step is to apply Old Masters Espresso stain.

I tested this stain on a small section and it was way too dark.

So I decided to take a wet cloth and run it over the wood first.

Then I applied the espresso stain and it turned out to be the perfect, warm color for this bench!

And there you have it…a super simple, DIY rustic bench! I LOVE the way this bench looks in our entry and I’m always amazed at what two pine boards can turn into.

Tag me @shelleybateshome if you build one…I can’t wait to see it!

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