How to Build a Bench

To build a bench, make the seat 17–19 in (43–48 cm) high and 14–18 in (36–46 cm) deep, about 24 in long for each person, and support it every 24–32 in so it does not bend. The simplest bench is a plywood box: two sides, a seat and a back rail, glued and screwed. Add dividers and you have cubbies for shoes; add a hinged lid and you have a storage bench with a chest inside.

Bench sizes

See bench height for dining, entryway and window benches.

Build a simple box bench

1. Cut the parts from 3/4 in plywood: two sides as tall as the seat height minus the seat, the seat, a back rail and a bottom shelf if you want one.
2. Glue and screw the sides to the back rail and the shelf, checking that the box is square.
3. Fit the seat on top, overhanging the sides by 1/2–1 in, screwed from below.
4. Finish the edges with banding or a solid wood strip, sand, and paint or varnish.

Build a bench with storage

• Cubbies: add vertical dividers between the bottom and the seat, 12–14 in apart for shoes, 14–16 in for baskets. The seat rests on every divider and stays stiff.
• Lift-up lid: build a closed box and hinge the seat to the back, with a lid stay or soft-close lid support so it cannot fall on fingers. Drill a couple of ventilation holes in the back.
• Drawers: a pair of shallow drawers under the seat on full-extension slides; more work, the easiest to use.

A plinth (toe kick) at the front lets you stand close and keeps the bottom off a wet floor in a mudroom. Our storage bench plan sizes the cubbies, seat and plinth from your width and height:

Benches from solid wood

For a garden or picnic bench, use cedar, oak or pressure-treated lumber: 2x4 or 2x6 boards for the seat with 1/4 in gaps for water to drain, legs braced with aprons and stretchers, and stainless or galvanized screws. Seal the end grain and lift the legs off the grass on small feet so they do not rot.