How To Make a Farmhouse-Style Outdoor Bench
A custom two-tone bench is a great way to dress up your yard. Select your favorite colors and tackle this project in just a half day.
DIY Farmhouse-Style Bench 00:51
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Estimated Time: 1/2 day
Estimated Cost: $150
Gary Payne
Tools and Materials
- (1) 2x12 x 8' piece of wood
- (1) 4x4 x 8’ posts
- (3) 2x2 x 8’ pieces of wood
- 1-1/4” deck screws
- (8) lag bolts
- circular saw
- miter saw
- measuring tape
- pencil
- drill
- wrench
- exterior-grade paint
- paintbrush
- stain
- painter's tape
- ruler or straight edge
Cut Bench Top
Gary Payne
Using a miter or circular saw cut a 2x12 to 60”. This will be the bench top.
Cut the Legs
Gary Payne
For the legs, use a miter or circular saw to cut the 4x4 post into four 18-inch pieces.
Mark Notches on Legs
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
After the legs are cut, measure and mark a line 1-3/4” down and 1-1/2” from one corner of each post.
Cut Notches and Test Fit
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Use a circular saw to cut the notch. Lay the 2x12 bench top onto the four notched posts to check for levelness. Sand the notches if needed to make the 2x12 sit even.
Attach Legs
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Pre-drill and secure legs to the bench top with two lag bolts per leg. The legs should be positioned a few inches inset from the end of the bench top.
Measure for Rungs
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Measure the length in between each leg and cut four supports out of the 2x2 boards. Notch each brace piece and attach all four of them to legs at the desired height using deck screws.
Sand
Gary Payne
Sand the bench smooth and clean off residue. Stain each leg and let dry.
Paint
Gary Payne
Gary Payne
Use a straight edge to imitate the dipped-paint look. Once you’ve determined your look, mark the line going across the two front legs. This is the place to customize your bench, use a straight line, harsh diagonal or slight angle. Mark off the line with painter’s tape and paint the bench above tape in a contrasting color. Be sure to use latex paint to ensure full coverage of the pre-stained legs.
Gary Payne
