DIY Farmhouse Benches

Materials Needed:

• 8' 1 X 3 pine board
• 6' 1 X 2 pine board
• 8' 1 X 4 pine boards (2)
• 6' 1 X 12 pine board
• 2" finish nails (32)
• 2" wood screws (24)
• 1-1/4" wood screws (10)
• pilot hole bit to match wood screws and lag screws
• small tube wood filler
• 1 quart stain or 2 quarts flat paint

• spray can exterior clear coat
• sandpaper in medium and fine grits
• measuring tape
• carpenter's square
• drafting compass
• drill
• hammer
• jigsaw Tip: Many hardware stores will make cuts complimentary with the purchase of lumber.
• vacuum with soft-bristled brush

Cut List

1 X 3 boards cut at 17-1/4" (side legs, 4 boards)
1 X 3 boards cut at 11-1/2" (ends, 4 boards)
1 X 2 boards cut at 17-1/4" (end legs, 4 boards)
1 X 4 boards cut at 45" (aprons and bottom stretcher, 3 boards)
1 X 4 boards cut at 25-3/4" (cross bracing, 2 boards)
1 X 12 board cut at 54" (top)

Getting Started

Select boards that are straight. Tip: Pretend the board is an arrow on a bow and look down the length of the board to see if it is straight. Tip: For added character, select boards that are rustic in nature with imperfections, cracks and knots. To save time, have hardware store cut boards as directed in cut list. Work on a clean level surface large enough for the project and always wear safety glasses and ensure proper ventilation when painting.

Notch Legs

Mark out 1 X 3 leg boards as shown in diagram. Carefully cut notches out with jigsaw.

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