Small Farmhouse Bench Two-Board DIY

After building the Small Farmhouse Table, I thought it definitely needed a custom-sized little bench to go with it. This small farmhouse bench was built entirely from scrap lumber that was laying around the shop. How’s that for thrifty? Also, the diagonal 2×4 supports are optional and were just added for appearance so you could build this bench with just one board! However, if you do opt for the 2×4 supports and don’t have any scrap lumber, this bench can still be made with only two boards which won’t cost very much at all.

Material List:

2×8 (pine)
2×4 (optional)
2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
2 1/2″ wood screws
Wood glue
Spray paint
Chalk paint or stain

Tools:

Kreg Jig
Miter or circular saw
Drill
Sander

Cut List:

1-2×8@37″
2-2×8@15 1/4″
2-2×4 both ends cut at 45-degree angles (see pictures below) short side should measure 5 1/2″ and long side 12 1/4″

Step One: Make Cuts and Assemble 2×8 Boards

Cut your 2×8 boards. This board was leftover from another project I had started that didn’t pan out so it was already stained.

Adjust the Kreg Jig to 1 1/2″ and drill three evenly-spaced pocket holes into booth feet of the bench where they will attach to the top. Determine where you want your feet to be. I left a 1″ overhang on each end. Attach the feet to the top using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws.

This bench is super sturdy and you could totally leave it as is and not add the diagonal 2×4 supports. Since it was going to be paired with the Small Farmhouse Table, I thought the bench needed something extra to make it look a little more farmhouse-y. Let’s just pretend that’s a word. 😉

Step Two: Optional 2×4 Supports

To cut the 2x4s, adjust the miter saw accordingly to make two 45-degree cuts. These need to be angled towards each other as pictured. I sanded these before attaching just for convenience.

Next, position your angled 2x4s in the center of the boards and drill 2 1/2″ wood screws at an angle to attach.

Step Three: Paint/Stain

Sand the bench using 120-grit sandpaper and round all edges before painting. I used the exact same finish technique as the table, spraying with dark brown spray paint then using the Valspar Chalk Paint.