If you have been searching for an easy, simple indoor entryway 2×4 DIY bench for your home, you are in the right place! I loved this build so much that we created a wood plan that you can have for FREE, get your own copy here right now!
I made this DIY farmhouse entryway bench as a complement to the entryway shelf I made with repurposed wood. I didn’t want to buy this piece of furniture, I figured it would be easy enough to make myself and definitely was worth it.
Be sure to grab one or keep reading for the full bench plan! Then tag us on social media @hammerandhandsaw if you decide to give it a try. If you know how to make pocket holes (to hide the attachment screws) and you are decent with a miter saw, you can definitely tackle this project.
Supplies
- A: 4 seat boards – 2 x 4” – 4’ length
- B: 2 seat trim – 2 x 2” – 16” length
- C: 4 legs – 2 x 4” – 16 ½” length
- D: 2 bottom supports – 2 x 4” – 41” length
- E: 2 bottom support trim – 2 x 4” – 12 ½” length
- F: 3 trim pieces – 2 x 2” – 41” length
- G: 1 trim piece – 2 x 4” – 41” length
- Tape measure
- 2 ½” Pocket hole screws
- Construction screws
- Pipe clamps
- Clamps
- Wood glue
- Paint brush
- Paint and/or stain (your choice!)
- Square
- Furniture slides
Tools
Instructions
Step 1 – Assemble the Bench Legs
Secure the 2 x 4” bench legs together using the 2 ½” pocket hole screws to hide the joints. Be sure to use the square to make sure any two edges are at 90 degrees. You’ll have two bench ends when finished. We also used pipe clamps to hold the pieces in place.
Step 2 – Attach the Bench Bottom Support
Drill pocket holes on the two 2 x 4” bottom supports and use the 2 ½” pocket hole screws to attach to the two bench ends.
Step 3 – Attach Trim
Using 2 ½” pocket hole screws, attach one 2 x 4” trim piece to the top bench back and attach one of the 2 x 2” to the top of the bench front. The other two trim pieces will align on the bottom supports.
Step 4 – Make the Bench Seat
Now we’ll make the bench seat before attaching it. Evenly space out the four 2 x 4” seat boards against the seat trim ends. Use clamps to hold the pieces in place while you attach with one 2 ½” pocket holes screw one each seat board.
Step 5 – Sand and Paint Bench
Give the entire bench a sanding using an orbital sander and 400 grit sandpaper.
I decided to stain the seat slats and paint the bottom to give it a farmhouse look. The stain I used for the seat was my go-to DIY rustic weathered gray stain and the paint I used for the bottom and leg pieces was Behr Polar Bear in a semi-gloss finish.
Step 6 – Attach the Bench Seat to the Bottom
With construction screws, carefully attach the seat to the rest of the bench using wood glue and screws. Ensure that everything is securely fastened and flush for a sturdy and stable bench.
Lastly, I tacked on the furniture slides (optional, but very helpful for moving around) and that’s it! I made this shelf with a matching entryway shelf with hooks, using the same stain and paint color.
I’m so satisfied with the results for both– these two pieces together transformed my entryway and serve as a very nice complement to each other.
If you want to give this project a try, download the FREE woodworking plan here! This simple 2×4 entryway bench is sure to be a great addition to your home, giving you stylish rest stop while adding a bit of rustic, farmhouse charm to your space.
