Here’s How I Built this Bench

I built frames to fit the space using 2x4s, then elevated the frames with legs.

I covered the frames with 1/4″ thick plywood.

Then I trimmed it with 1×3 boards and added a 3/4″ thick plywood top.

Watch the Quick Build Video

Can I Build Any Size?

Yes, this bench plan is designed to be custom fit to your space.  Your 2×4 frames will determine the size, and everything past that is just measuring and cutting to fit.

How Much Did it Cost to Build?

For this bench, about 8 foot x 10 foot, 2 feet deep (it’s huge!!!) I used about 10 2x4x8s, 1 sheet of 1/4″ plywood, 1 sheet of 3/4″ plywood, and about 10 1x3x8 boards.  I used a half a gallon of paint, screws, alot of nails and inexpensive hinges.  Overall cost was under $300.  Similar sized benches are upwards of $5000!

How Long Did it Take to Build?

Three days total, the first day was getting materials, prepping the space, and then I got the benches framed up.  The second day I pretty much finished building it.  The third day was finishing it.

Can I Build at an Angle for a Dining Nook?

Yes, you’ll still build the same way, just leave dead space in the angled areas.  It will be a little tricky on the trim out – this may require a compound miter saw.  

Can I Build a Straight Bench?

Yep, even easier.  Just build a single straight bench.  But maybe consider attaching to the wall behind to keep it in place.

Can I Keep My Baseboard Trim?

Yes, in this project, I kept the baseboard, and simply scribed the trim around it.  You can remove the baseboard too.

Free Plans to Build this Banquette Bench

Here’s the step by step plans, designed to be modified as a corner bench, nook bench, window seat bench – whatever you need!