Long Wood Bench for Dining or Extra Seating
DIY Sturdy Long Bench – Build a bench that’s built to last! This simple, low-cost design has been tested in real life for over 10 years —and it’s still just as strong and sturdy as the day it was built. The design is lightweight enough to move easily, yet solid enough to seat a pile of people without sagging in the middle. Features: • Very sturdy & stable – no tipping, rocking, or sagging • Lightweight & easy to move – practical for indoors or outdoors • Proven durability – still in new condition after a decade of daily use • Seats a crowd – long span design holds multiple people comfortably • Low-cost build – made entirely from affordable 2x boards • Custom finish – paint or stain any color to match your space The include step-by-step instructions, clear diagrams, and plenty of photos to guide you through the build. Perfect for beginners or experienced builders looking for a quick, reliable project. 👉 Download the and build your own bench today—strong, beautiful, and made to last!
Specifications
| Project type | Bench |
|---|---|
| Room | dining room |
| Style | Farmhouse Furniture |
| Difficulty | Beginner Projects |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 6 - 2x4x8'
- 1 - 2x6x8'
- 1 - 2x2x4'
Cut List
LEGS
- 2 - 2x4 @ 12-1/2" - bottom ends cut off at 45 degrees - see step 1
- 4 - 2x4 @ 15-1/4" - both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, ends ARE parallel
- 2 - 2x4 @ 12-3/4" - both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, ends are NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement
CENTER SUPPORTS
- 1 - 2x4 @ 73-1/2"
- 1 - 2x4 @ 15" (center leg)
- 2 - 2x4 @ 36"
- 2 - 2x4 @ 13-7/8" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends ARE parallel
TOP
- 2 - 2x4 @ 83-1/2"
- 1 - 2x6 @ 83-1/2"
- 2 - 2x2 @ 12-1/2" (cut to fit)
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- compound miter saw
- countersink drill bit
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Build the two legs sets first. I used pocket holes first to joint the two legs to the top piece, and then pocket holes again to attach the bottom stretcher piece to the legs. Set your kreg jig for 1-1/2" thick stock and use 2-1/2" pocket holes. Mark the centers of the top and the bottom stretcher.
Step 2
Drill 1-1/2" pocket holes on both ends of your top board, and attach, centered on the leg sets, to the two legs, with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.
Step 3
Attach the center support leg. I used 2-1/2" wood screws, from the top. If you don't want to go out and buy different screws, pocket hole screws will work just fine, but you will need to countersink the screw head so it sits below the surface of the wood.
Step 4
Drill 1-1/2" pocket holes on both ends of the smaller stretcher boards, and attach to legs with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.
Step 5
Step 6
Build the top first ( check out this post for some tips on building tabletops ). Then attach from underside with 2-1/2" screws.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/long-wood-bench-dining-or-extra-seating