How to Build a Backless Bench

Backless benches provide versatile seating for a wide variety of occasions. Use as seating around a big holiday table, extra seating for party conversation, backyard niches or as a seat to remove your boots in a mud room. Backless benches can easily slip into tight areas where a chair or other seating options may be too bulky. This backless bench is made up of simple construction that uses some basic woodworking skills and would make a wonderful teaching project for the junior carpenter.

Things You'll Need

• 1-by-8 pine board
• 1-by-4 pine board
• 1-by-2 pine board
• 1 1/2-inch wood screws
• Drill, small bit, screwdriver bit
• Jigsaw
• Sandpaper
• Measuring tape
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Measure and cut one piece 30 inches long for the backless bench top and two pieces 18 inches long for the legs, using the 1-by-8 pine board.

2. Measure and cut two pieces 30 inches long for the backless bench sides, using the 1-by-4 pine board.

3. Measure and cut two pieces 20 inches long for the backless bench braces, using the 1-by-2 pine board.

4. Mark a "v" on one end of each leg piece, 2 inches from each long side and 5 inches up from the bottom. Cut the "v" out using the jigsaw.

5. Stand one leg on its top end, on a level work surface. Set a brace on one long side and position it against the leg at a 90-degree angle. Drill two pilot holes from the outside of the leg and into the end of the brace. Insert the wood screws into the pilot holes and attach the brace to the leg. Repeat to attach the other leg to the other end of the brace.

6. Insert the other brace between the legs, above the point of the "v." Drill pilot holes and attach with wood screws.

7. Stand the leg frame right side up and center the backless bench top on top of the legs. Drill pilot holes through the bench top and into the ends of the legs. Drill two pilot holes for each leg. Insert the wood screws and attach.

8. Lay the backless bench on its side. Position the bench sides long wise and flush with the bench top at a 90-degree angle. Drill pilot holes through the sides and into the legs. Insert the wood screws to attach.

9. Sand the edges and surface of the backless bench and apply your desired finish.

Tips & Warnings

• This bench is an easy project to make using recycled wood, such as, weathered barn or fence wood. Apply wood glue between the joints for a more durable hold.