Richard Felt: How to Build a Primitive Farmhouse Bench

Hi, it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt back with another build plan for you. The very talented Karin from Art is Beauty built a beautiful DIY Farmhouse table awhile back (which Cassity featured here). Karin built her table to fit around this beautiful primitive farmhouse bench that her friend gave her. ( I would do the same thing, it is a beauty!) We’ve had a few requests for the bench that was with the table, and Karin so graciously agreed to let us make a plan based on it, and she even took more pictures for us!

primitive farmhouse bench (plus free building plans!)

Image source – Art is Beauty

Be sure to stop by Karin’s blog to say thanks — and check out her amazing art studio transformation while you’re there!

How to Build a DIY Primitive Farmhouse Bench

The original bench is 64 3/4″ long, however to make the bench using one 1×10 I shortened the length to 60 1/4″. You can easily adjust the length according to your needs.

Materials

1 – 1″ x 10″ x 8′ board (actual 3/4″ x 9 1/2″)
2 – 1″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (actual 3/4″ x 3 1/2″)
2 – 1″ x 2″ x 8′ boards (actual 3/4″ x 1 1/2″)
1 1/4″ nails or screws
wood glue
sandpaper
stain/paint
top coat
- Approximate pine wood cost is $18.50

Cut List

2 – 3/4″ x 9 1/2″ x 17 3/4″
1 – 3/4″ x 9 1/2″ x 60 1/4″
2 – 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ x 56 1/4″ with 45 deg miter cuts on both ends facing inward
2 – 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 45 3/4″
4 – 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 16 3/4″ with 45 deg miter cuts on both ends facing inward

Step 1

Cut the 1×10 into 2 pieces 17 3/4″ long and 1 piece that is 60 1/4″ long. The width of 1x10s may vary between 9 1/4″ and 9 1/2″, either width will work fine for this build.

On the top piece, mark in 2″ from each corner and cut the corners off.

On the 2 17 3/4″ leg pieces make the following cuts. Make sure the notch cuts will fit your 1×4’s and 1×2’s snugly (actual sizes vary). A tool like a jig saw is an easy way to make these cuts, but many other tools will work great too.

Karin’s original is a little bit different, but here’s a photo to help with the visual:

Step 2

Cut the 1×4’s into 2 – 56 1/4″ with 45’s on each end.

Cut 2 pieces of 1×2 that are 45 3/4″ long. Cut 4 pieces of 1×2 that are 16 3/4″ with 45’s on each end.

Step 3

To assemble the bench you can use nails or screws, whichever you prefer. Nails are a more authentic if you are going for the primitive look

On the skirt mark in 6″ from each side, this is where the legs will mount. On the long 1×2’s mark in 3/4″ from each end. Use wood glue and 1 1/4″ nails or screws and secure the skirt boards and long 1×2 in the leg notches.

Dryfit the top on the bench and mark where the legs are. Glue and nail the top to the legs.

Glue and nail the braces in place. It may be useful to clamp the braces in place while you are nailing them.

Here is a close up of the original bench’s nail placement.

Step 4

Lightly sand the farmhouse bench finishing with 120-150 grit paper. Paint or stain your bench according to the look you want. Apply a top coat if desired.