Build It: A Modern Bench

by | Oct 27, 2019 | DIY projects

Sitting Pretty

Sometimes you see a bench that is so simple – yet so striking. That’s what we love about this modern bench build. It’s made with pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine, so it’s great for outdoor use. It will last you a long time and is a wonderful addition to a porch, deck, or other outdoor sitting areas.

There are lots of variations you could do with these plans: such as shorten the height, narrow the width by leaving off one or two of the slats, shortening the length of the bench to fit specific areas, etc. 

The length of time it takes you to build this project depends on how skilled you are. There aren’t any crazy cuts, so you only need to worry about your ability to measure twice, cut once..several dozen times.

This build is a fairly simple one. And you’ll be thrilled with the results: a super sturdy, modern bench.

Once you’ve made this project, let us know how it went. We’d love to see it and brag on you, OK?

Check out the step-by-step instructions below, or you can print out a cut list and overview of the build here: 

Modern Bench from Wood. It’s Real. Printable PlansDownload

IT’S MODERN BENCH BUILDING TIME

We recommend getting the following supplies:

MATERIALS

Lumber
• (11) 2″ x 4″ x 8′ Pressure Treated SYP

Other
• Exterior Grade Wood Glue
• 1.5″ Wood Deck Screws

TOOLS
• Pencil, Measuring Tape
• Straight Edge / Carpenter Square
• Wood File
• Circular saw or Jig Saw
• Electric Drill / Driver
• Radial Sander / Sanding Block
• Safety Glasses / Ear Protection
• Dust Mask / Work Gloves

OVERALL DIMENSIONS OF THE MODERN BENCH

CUT LIST

Without further ado, here we go with the cut list.

Southern Yellow Pine Modern Bench from Wood. It's Real.


AND NOW, TO THE FUN PART: PUTTING YOUR MODERN BENCH TOGETHER.

Step 1: Cut the Slats

Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.
  1. Cut six boards to your desired length, not to exceed 95 inches – especially if purchasing 8′ length
  2. Once the ideal length is determined, use a circular saw or a jigsaw to cut the taper at each end to the desired angle.
  3. The assembly will use one slat at a time. However, cut all six slats at the same time to save time later and to reduce potential error.
Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.

Step 2: Cut and Assemble the Bench Legs

Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.
  1. The legs are a lamination of several layers of boards cut at either of the dimensions.
  2. Cut all of the boards at the same time.
  3. Cut 10 lengths at 1 foot, 9.5 inches; Cut 12 lengths at 1 foot, 6 inches
Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.

4. Lay one of the longer cut boards on top of the smaller cut boards.

5. Using glue and fasteners, attach these two boards to make a leg assembly, taking care to line up the edges and bottoms of the two boards.

Step 3: Assemble Bench

Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.
  1. Lay one of the slats face down on a flat surface.
  2. Place one leg assembly on top, eight inches from the end.
  3. Use a square to place the leg 90-degrees to the face of the slat.
  4. Glue and screw to attach the longer piece of the leg assembly to the face of the slat.
  5. Be sure to use at least two decking screws to avoid rotation of the leg piece.
Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.

6. Attach another leg assembly to the opposite side of the slat by 8 inches, just like the other side.

Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.

7. Lay another slat and shorter leg pieces face down on the previous assembly.

8. Line everything up with the parts below and attach with wood glue and decking screws.

9. Keep the leg parts flush with each other on the sides and bottom to prevent the final assembly from being uneven and wobbly.

Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.

10. Repeat the process until there are no more boards left.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.
  1. Once the glue is dry, inspect the bench for any unevenness.
  2. If there’s too much of a wobble, it’s possible to take a small sliver off the bottom of the legs using a straight edge and a circular saw.
  3. However, if care was taken during the assembly, the bench should be solid as a rock.
Southern Yellow Pine modern bench from Wood. It's Real.
Here's a bench that is so simple yet striking. It's a modern bench made with pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine. Check out the free building plans.