How to build the perfect bench easy (video)
How to build the perfect bench easy in a couple of hours
If you are searching for how to build a bench for indoor or outdoor use, just start by getting hairpin legs and 2×4″ wood. With three metal brackets and some screws and you have made a cool-looking bench for under $ 40 in an hour.
I am not a carpenter or very handy, BUT I love to make things for my home.
So I have been looking at all these cool benches from Anthropologie and Crate and Barrel but they are just too expensive for my budget.
The only way to get one of these benches into my own house is to make it myself.
And after some research, I found a way to make one of these cool-looking benches for under $50.
How about you?
What do you think?
Want to make one too? Promise it is easy to make.
This Bench is easy to build and looks stunning
Please note this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.
This is the super easy way to build a bench:
If you are interested in how to make this bench, read on and I am sure you will build one for yourself too because it looks great and fits everywhere.
You can use it inside or outside of your home. In your entryway or in the kitchen, even at your dining room table.
There are a lot of options, for where to place this pretty bench and I am sure you already know exactly where to place yours. So let’s start:
How to build the perfect bench easy
First, you need to get all the material for the project
This is what you need to make this bench.
Material list:
- 1 piece of 2 x 4″ x 16 (get it cut into 3 equal pieces at the store)
- 3 plate brackets (National Hardware) or 3 pieces of scrap wood
- screws 1 1/2″
- screwdriver or drill
- sandpaper
You can get all of this material at your local Lowes or Home Depot, hardwood floor store etc. I am sure, most of it you have already at home.
- The hairpin legs I ordered on Amazon
If you don’t have a drill, you can use a screwdriver. But investing in a drill really makes your life so much easier. Here are some starter kits I recommend.
.
If you want to get access to my Resource Library filled with lots of tutorials, printables, and checklists, fill out the form and receive my weekly Newsletter and the password.
And if you like the clean and minimalistic look of these hairpin legs, you might want to make the perfect side table for this pretty bench too.
This is one of my favorite DIY projects:
Here is the step-by-step plan for how to make this hairpin leg bench:
How to build the perfect bench easy:
- First, you sand the edges of the wood with sandpaper to make the wood all nice and smooth.
- If needed, sand the surface of the wood also, and be careful not to get any splinters in your hands.
- Lay the three (four) pieces of wood evenly next to each other and decide if you want a little gap in between. I left a 1/2″ gap in between or if you want all of the wood pieces flush together. Both options look good.
- If the bench is too narrow for you, then just add another piece of wood. I like it narrow because I think it looks more elegant.
- Then connect the three (four) pieces of wood with the brackets using 1 1/2″ screws. Or use wood pieces (see picture below).
- Now get your hairpin legs and screw them into the wood at each corner.
In this picture you can see the scrap wood I used first:
This is what the metal bracket I used looks like, you can see it here.
Decide on either wood or metal brackets to build this bench
Finally, I decided to go with the metal bracket. I only used the wood piece in the middle of the bench for support.
Also, I used the metal brackets because you can see the wood pieces from the side view and I didn’t like that.
If it doesn’t bother you, use wood, it is definitely cheaper.
I decided to mount them 1″ away from the corners. Don’t go too close to the corners.
Just be sure that the wood doesn’t split.
Watch this short video how to build a bench the easy way:
But wait, I am not done yet because
Here comes the hardest part building a bench
The hardest task for me was the decision if I should paint the wood or stain it.
And then I had to make the decision which stain or paint color should I use?
Well, I checked through all of my leftover wood stains and paints and found this stain.
It is a Dark Walnut color and actually a penetrating stain, which is good.
Always test the paint or stain on the underside or on a spare piece of wood first
I tried it out on the underside of the bench and absolutely liked it. So I went on staining the bench.
Just use a medium size paint brush and spread the stain on evenly. Don’t stop in between because the stain dries fast.
Start with staining the underside of the wood to test it out and then move on to the top for an even look.
This stain required only 1 coat and looked pretty good, just check if the stain is painted everywhere evenly.
I let it dry for at least 2 days before it was completely dry. (It is so humid in the Carolinas)
Check if it is completely dry before you actually sit on it. Drying period depends on the humidity level.
In this picture the stain is still wet:
.
.
.
.
Want to shop this look? Here are some links you can use for your convenience.
Please note this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.
So now that I am done, I am not sure if I am going to use it on my deck outside or in my entrance inside the house.
Also, I am thinking about making a pretty seat cushion, but this is my task for next week.
So please check back and don’t miss how I am making a seat cushion without a sewing machine, I am sure you want to know how this is going to work.
See you next week,
Conny
If you like to do updates in your home, add some stencils on your porch or to a door or a wall. There are so many different options and of course, I tried them all.
How to paint stencils on wood the easy way
Or another great DIY project is making concrete side tables, especially if you have leftover legs from the bench project.
And you can add stencils on it of course if you love stenciling as I do.
Do you want to remember this post? Pin ‘How to build a bench the easy way’ to your favorite board.

Wow.. Thanks for sharing this tip
My pleasure Kristie.
I’m not that handy but you make this and all your projects look easy enough so I can try, thanks.
Thank you Kathy, I appreciate your comment.
Wow! I’m not very crafty but you make this sound easy.
Thank you Marissa, it is really very easy to make.
Always searching for DIY to do during quarantine! This look so cute! Will do.
Thank you Katherine, it is really easy even if you haven’t painted before.
Hallo Conny. Die Bank sieht ja toll aus…und so einfach. Die steht jetzt auch auf meiner Liste.
Liebe Grüße. Marion
Hi Marion,
freut mich dass sie dir gefaellt. Ich schau sie mir dann bald mal an. Bis dann.