DIY Upholstered X-Bench using 2 x 4 boards with Plans

Build a simple DIY Upholstered X-bench using 2x4s. The simple 2×4 bench plans are easy to follow even for the beginner woodworker. This DIY cross leg upholstered bench makes a great addition DIY entryway bench or an end of bed bench. 

We think you will also love – 24 Easy 2×4 project ideas, and Simple scrap wood project ideas.

This upholstered X-bench has totally added the perfect finishing touch to my bedroom!

It fits right in with the rest of the furniture in my master bedroom. with its cross-legs like the   X-base nightstand and Pottery Barn inspired Clara bedside table. 

The best part is that this bench is built from only two 2 x 4 boards making it really easy on the budget. It comes in under $10 for the lumber! Can’t beat that!

I decided to upholster the top with faux fur. It is simply so soft and gorgeous! 

Let’s talk about the finish… I am crazy about it right now… and it is so easy to achieve. I have a video tutorial about that for you later in this post.

If you are a beginner woodworker, this 2×4 bench is the perfect project for you! Click here to download the printable pdf plans

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RELATED: Check out the indoor/outdoor version of this bench with a full how-to video.

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How to build the DIY upholstered X-bench –

 This bench is super easy to make! Just follow the plans!  Here are a few quick tips and tricks- 

1. Once you make all your cuts and pocket holes, be sure to sand the boards down before proceeding to assemble. Here is a full tutorial on how to use a Kreg Jig.
2. I get questions about how to make those pocket holes on the angled pieces. You simply lay the bottom flat against the Kreg Jig. Here is a picture of how to do that!
3. Make sure you lay out the pieces first before proceeding to join them to make sure all the boards align well.
4. While assembling the legs, make sure the pocket holes are facing inside. You don’t want the pocket holes to be on the outside of the bench.
5. If you would like to use wood filler to fill up the pocket holes, you can. I chose to leave mine alone and just filled them with stain to camouflage them in. They are hardly visible.

How to stain the bench with a custom stain color

I used weathered gray and dark walnut stains mixed together to create the beautiful effect. I demonstrated how to do this in my Facebook Live video. Here is the video clip for you –

How to upholster the bench –

I decided to add an upholstered top because I wanted a nice soft seating place in the bedroom. You can totally skip this and opt for a planked top made from 2×4 boards  – which I show you in this indoor/outdoor version of this bench.

Below are the steps to upholster the top –

1. Cut out 1″ foam to the size of your plywood. I used a bunch of leftover foam from various projects.
2. Glue the foam to the plywood using spray adhesive.
3. Cover the foam with polyfill. Wrap with batting and staple from the back. Here is a secret and a money saving tip – instead of the polyfill, I used the filling from a couple of pillows – they are about $1.50 at Walmart and much cheaper than buying a bag of polyfill!!
4. Cover with the upholstery fabric and staple from the back. I chose this beautiful Faux Fur from Joann’s.

Once the bench top is upholstered, attach the top using 2” Spax screws to the frame we built using the plans.

Don’t forget!

You can get the Printable Plans for this Upholstered X-bench!

See all the amazing benches built by readers like you!

If you built this bench, submit it here.

If you are a beginner woodworker, this is the perfect project for you! 

Not quite the upholstered bench you were looking for? Or maybe you’re not the DIY type? Here are some great options for the same look!

Just click on the photo to check them out!

Love this? Need a console table?

I designed a version for you! Take a look at the X-leg Console table! 

Need more X-leg furniture project ideas? take a look at  20 of my favorite X-leg projects!

If you are looking for even more projects to build using 2 x 4 boards –

• 24 Simple and Amazing 2×4 wood projects
• 8 Things You Can Make with 2x4s
• Easy DIY Modern Display shelf