30 Easy DIY Bench Ideas You Can Build Today!
Looking for the perfect DIY bench? Here are 30 easy DIY bench ideas, including 2×4 wood benches, storage benches, upholstered benches, and outdoor benches. Learn how to build a bench for any space!
A DIY bench is one of the easiest and most rewarding woodworking projects for beginners and experienced builders.
Whether you need a DIY wood bench for indoor seating, a homemade bench with storage, or a simple outdoor bench, here are 30 easy DIY bench ideas to inspire you! These wood bench projects range from easy 2×4 benches to stylish modern bench ideas that fit any space.
Types of DIY Benches
Building a DIY bench is a great way to add functional seating to your home, entryway, patio, or even your garden. Here are some of the most popular DIY bench ideas to inspire your next project:
- Simple DIY bench – It is a beginner-friendly project with clean lines, requiring just a few boards and basic tools.
- Hairpin leg bench – A DIY bench with hairpin legs is an easy, modern option that combines a wooden top with sleek metal legs.
- DIY 2×4 bench – Made with 2×4 lumber that is easy to work with and widely available, this bench is sturdy, affordable, and perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
- DIY upholstered bench – An upholstered bench top adds comfort and style, making it ideal for bedrooms, entryways, or dining areas.
- DIY entryway bench with shoe storage – a practical solution to keep shoes, bags, and other everyday essentials organized.
- DIY industrial-style bench – combines wood with metal elements like pipes or steel legs for a bold and modern look.
- DIY Outdoor benches – It is built with lumber that is weather-resistant and perfect for patios, porches, or garden seating.
How to Build a DIY Bench – A Mini Guide
- Choose a DIY bench style – Pick a DIY bench idea that suits your space (entryway, outdoors, dining, etc.). See all the ideas below.
- Gather materials & tools – Most DIY benches require 2x4s, plywood, screws, a saw, and a drill.
- Cut & assemble the wood – Follow your chosen wood bench plan for cutting and assembly.
- Sand & finish – Use wood stain, paint, or upholstery to customize your homemade bench.
- Enjoy your bench!
2×4 DIY Bench Ideas
A DIY 2×4 bench is one of the most budget-friendly and sturdy options. Since 2×4 lumber is easy to work with and widely available, it’s perfect for DIY wood bench projects for both indoor and outdoor use. The thick, solid look of 2x4s makes it ideal for modern, farmhouse, or rustic decor.
1. DIY 2×4 Indoor/Outdoor Bench
This is one of my favorite and most popular projects. The x-leg 2×4 bench is an easy weekend woodworking project and looks amazing in any space! I love how you can add character by simply adding a few angles to the 2×4’s.
You can also use it indoors. It makes a great place to sit and put on or take off your shoes.
Get the plans to make it here.
2. Upholstered X-Leg Bench
Very similar to the indoor/outdoor bench, I turned my X-bench design into an upholstered version that is perfect to sit at the end of a bed. Upholster in any fabric to fit your decor.
3. DIY 2×4 Outdoor Bench From Virginia Sweet Pea
Using 2X4s, you can build a DIY bench with a back. Treated lumber and deck screws make it weatherproof and perfect to sit in your yard on a deck or porch. Leave it natural, or stain it in the color of your choice.
4. Easy Farmhouse Bench From the Creative Mom
Paint and distress the base and stain the top to give this DIY bench farmhouse style. Made using pocket hole joinery, this project is an easy beginner furniture build that anyone can make.
5. Double X-Bench From Her Toolbelt
I love the design of this double X-bench. It’s classic farmhouse design and distressed finish looks great on a front porch, but you could use it indoors, too. Don’t be itimidated by the angles, they are easier than you think.
DIY Benches With Storage
6. DIY Entryway Bench With Storage
Having a place to put your shoes or keys makes for great organization! This DIY entryway bench checks all the boxes. Made with plywood it features deep storage for shoes and a drawer for smaller items like keys and sunglasses.
Get the plans to build it here.
7. Modern Bench With Shoe Storage
Modern and easy to build, this A-frame bench gives you a place to put on or take off shoes and space to store them! Made with 2X2s it’s an easy beginner project you make with basic tools. Upholstering is easy using a colorful rag rug runner, but you could use any fabric.
8. Mudroom Bench With Scrap Wood From Sawdust Sisters
If you’re looking for an easy and budget-friendly DIY bench, this is it. Made from scrap wood, it features a simple design with a storage shelf you could use to hold baskets for shoes, hats and gloves, and more in your mudroom. Paint or stain in the color of your choice to fit your decor.
9. DIY Shoe Storage Bench From Jaime Costiligio
Add shoe storage to any space with this four cubby shoe bench. Made with plywood and 2X2s it’s designed to hold four storage crates, but you can customize it to fit your space. It would also be great in a kid’s room or playroom for toys.
10. Small Entryway Bench From the Handyman’s Daughter
Built to hold two storage bins, this DIY bench idea has a leather upholstered cushion for sitting to take off or put on shoes. Store kids’ shoes, dog leashes, and more.
11. DIY Bench With Storage Compartments by Sawdust Sisters
For $30 in lumber you can build this IKEA knockoff bench. 1X12s for the main body and 2X2s for the base makes it an easy project with straight cuts. Great for beginner woodworkers. Use it in any room of the house where you need a bench with storage.
12. DIY Storage Bench With Drawer From Woodshop Diaries
Build this gorgeous two-toned bench with storage drawer using plywood and common boards for the legs and trim. It’s a great piece for the bedroom, living room, mudroom, or anywhere else in the house.
Outdoor DIY Bench Ideas
13. Simple DIY Outdoor Bench From Artsy Chicks Rule
Simple and easy to build, this outdoor bench is great for seating at a table or by itself on a patio or deck. 4X4 legs make this a bench sturdy perfect for seating multiple people.
14. DIY Outdoor Storage Bench With Hinged Top From the Handyman’s Daughter
An outdoor bench that can seat three people and hide all the toy and yard clutter? Sign me up! Made with cedar boards and fence pickets, it’s weather and pest proof. Hinges make the bench top easy to open. Use it on a porch, deck, or patio.
15. Outdoor Bench With Storage From Our Handcrafted Life
Add stylish storage to your outdoor space using common boards, cedar fence pickets, and paint. This storage bench can hold two plastic totes inside for toys, garden tools, and more.
16. DIY Outdoor Patio Bench From Jen Woodhouse
This gorgeous outdoor bench will elevate your outdoor living space. It features arms on both ends, storage under the seat, a back, and room for a 45-inch bench cushion. I love the natural finish, but you could paint or stain it any color. It’s the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning or a cool drink on a hot afternoon. Your guests will be impressed when you tell them you built it yourself.
17. Williams-Sonoma Inspired Outdoor Bench From DIY Candy
An outdoor bench made with 2X4s and wood glue. No screws. It’s modern and sturdy and a piece of furniture that will great in your outdoor living space. Use a waterproof stain to protect it against the elements.
18. Simple DIY Bench From Love and Renovations
Make a distressed bench using new pine and furring strips. Use hammers, chains, and other tools to beat the boards, giving them the look of old weathered wood. It’s great to use on a front porch!
More Easy Beginner-Friendly DIY Benches
19. DIY Upholstered Metal Bench
Yes, you can make a metal bench without being a welding expert. Aluminum brazing is a beginner-friendly technique that is simple to learn. Upholster the bench with faux fur for a high-end look.
20. Industrial Style Farmhouse Bench
Use structural lumber to build this industrial-style farmhouse bench. The wood gives it a chunky look, and the chain gives it an industrial touch. It’s an easy beginner woodworking project that you can use indoors or out.
21. Modern DIY Kids Bench
Build this cute toddler bench for reading or play using scrap wood. It’s modern design can be painted in a fun design and is the perfect place for them to call their own. It’s an easy beginner woodworking project that anyone can build.
22. DIY Bench With Cushion From Making Manzanita
2X4s, 1X4s, and particle board for the cushion are the supplies you need to make this simple DIY bench with a cushion. Pocket hole joinery makes it sturdy, and you can upholster the cushion in any fabric you choose. Use it anywhere in the house where you want extra seating.
23. Small Wooden Bench From Sawdust Sisters
I love this simple, modern bench design. The frame is made with 2X3s creating a place for the bench seat. It’s an easy beginner bench project that looks great anywhere in your home.
24. Modern Woven Bench From Woodshop Diaries
2X2s, string, and basic tools are all you need to build this boho-style modern bench. Building the frame can be done quickly. Weave a pattern using thick twine that is simple or as complex as you want.
25. DIY Bench Made With One Board From Jaime Costiglio
You can build this minimal, primitive-style bench with just one board! Built with pocket holes, its sturdy construction can be used anywhere in your home.
Get the plans to build it here.
26. Easy DIY Bench With Hairpin Legs From Grillo Designs
This is the easiest bench you will ever make. All you need are 3 boards and 4 hairpin legs. It’s an easy beginner DIY project that anyone can make. Use it in an entryway, bedroom, or mudroom.
27. Knockoff West Elm Bench From Charleston Crafted
I love bench seating at a dining table. More people can be seated comfortably around the table when you have bench seating. You can build this DIY bench using reclaimed wood and basic tools. The waterfall edge gives it a clean, modern look.
28. Faux Metal Frame Desk From Sawdust Sisters
It may look like metal, but it’s not. This DIY bench is made using 2X2s with a faux finish that looks like metal. No welding required to make this on, just basic tools. Upholster the top in the fabric of your choice.
29. Entryway Bench From Jaime Costiglio
I love this colorful red bench! It looks great in the entryway and not just at Christmas. It’s a straightforward build that anyone can do at any skill level.
30. Patchwork Plank Bench From Lazy Guy DIY
Using common boards, some scrap wood, and many different colors of stain you can build this aptly named patchwork plank bench. I love that you get creative and vary the stain for a unique look.
Learn how to build and finish it here.
DIY Bench FAQs
What is the easiest DIY bench to build?
The easiest DIY bench to build is a simple 2×4 bench or a hairpin leg bench, as both require minimal cuts and basic assembly. They are a great starting point for getting your feet wet with woodworking projects.
How much does it cost to build a DIY wood bench?
A DIY wood bench can cost anywhere from $20 to $100, depending on the type of wood, hardware, and finish used.
Can I build a DIY bench without power tools?
Yes! A DIY bench can be built using hand tools like a handsaw, hammer, and screwdriver, though power tools make the process faster and easier. I highly recommend a power saw, a power drill, and a pocket hole jig to make it easy to build the bench.
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Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
What a great collection!! Benches are my FAVORITE to build! Definitely pinning these for future projects!