How to Build a Simple Bench With a Backrest

Benches are an easy way to add more seating to your living spaces. Create a versatile seat for your space by building a simple bench. This bench consists of a back, sides and a seat. Make a bench over the weekend as a practical do-it-yourself project. Benches are a classic piece of furniture that will match nearly any home design or style.

Things You'll Need

• 2 plywood panels, 3/4-inch, 18 inches by 28 inches
• Flexible curve ruler
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Band saw
• Edge belt sander
• 3/4-inch plywood panel, 16 inches by 48 inches
• 3/4-inch plywood panel, 16 inches by 49 1/2 inches
• 3/4-inch plywood panel, 16 inches by 18 inches
• 1 box flush trim wood screws
• 3/4-inch plywood panel, 32 inches by 49 1/2 inches
• Wood putty
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish
• Paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Lay the 3/4-by-18-by-28-inch panels flat on a work surface. These are the sides. Measure up 18 inches from the bottom of one 28-inch edge on each panel and mark the panels.

2. Shape the flexible curve ruler from the top corner of one 28-inch edge of one side panel down to the 18-inch pencil mark on the opposite edge. This is the curve for the top edge of the sides. Transfer the curve to the second side panel using the flexible curve ruler and a pencil.

3. Cut out the curves on the side panels using a band saw.

4. Sand the curves on the side panels until they are completely smooth with an edge belt sander.

5. Place the 28-inch edge of the side panels flat on a work surface. The panels should be parallel to each other approximately 48 inches apart. Position the 3/4-by-16-by-18-inch panel midway between the two side panels with the 18-inch edge flat on the work surface. This is the center support for the seat.

6. Align the 3/4-by-16-by-48-inch panel on top of the center support and at the 18-inch mark between the side panels. This is the seat. The 48-inch edge of the seat panel should be flat on the work surface.

7. Drive flush trim screws through the sides of the side panels into the edge of the seat panel every 2 inches. Fasten the center support to the seat by driving flush trim screws through the top of the seat into the edge of the center support.

8. Align the 3/4-by-16-by-49 1/2-inch panel over the bottom edges of the sides and center support. This is the bottom of the bench. Drive screws through the bottom into the edges of the sides and center support every 2 inches to secure it in place. The bottom provides support to the bench.

9. Set the assembly upright so that the bottom is flat on the work surface. Align the 3/4-by-32-by-49 1/2-inch panel on the back side of the assembly. This is the back of the bench. The 49 1/2-inch edge should be flat against the work surface. Make sure that the ends are flush with the outside edges of the sides.

10. Fasten the back to the assembly by driving flush trim wood screws every 3 inches through the back into the edges of the sides, seat, center support and bottom.

11. Fill the screw holes with wood putty using a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry. Sand the putty flush with the wood.

12. Paint the bench using a paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the bench one of the room's accent colors.

• Wear eye protection when working with wood. Apply wood finish in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Mother Earth News: 3 Easy Benches
• Popular Mechanics: How to Build a Wooden Bench

Resources

• This Old House: How to Build a Mudroom Bench