Featured Image Credit: Our Handcrafted Life
Looking to add some extra seating room in the backyard or maybe some more storage in the mudroom? These awesome DIY bench tutorials will show you exactly how to build your own while saving money at the same time. It doesn’t matter if you want something cheap and easy or a West Elm copy cat… you’ll find a bench that fits your style here!
Here are the benches I found:
Williams Sonoma Inspired DIY Outdoor Bench
Source: DIY Candy
This Williams Sonoma inspired bench is absolutely gorgeous! The clean edges with the dark stained wood make it look very modern and expensive. But, the best thing about this one is that you won’t be breaking the bank… Coming in at around $35 bucks, you can make this beautiful DIY bench yourself and save a bunch of money. Plus, all you’ll need are 2×4’s, some basic woodworking tools and the stain of your choice. Stay classy while going cheap with this bench!
DIY Farmhouse Bench
Source: Love Grows Wild
Looking for a farmhouse style indoor bench? This awesome tutorial breaks down all the materials you’ll need along with giving you instructions on how to actually build it. While this bench does add up to more than the previous one at just over $100 bucks, the finished product turns out solid! I can imagine these benches would stick around in the family for a while. I love the distressed natural look of the wood paired with the matte finish she used to seal everything up. This is the perfect bench to withstand anything your child throws at it!
Hexagon Cedar Bench
Source: Addicted 2 DIY
This outdoor bench is so unique… I love this idea to add some personality to your backyard while getting something super functional at the same time. This DIY bench would be perfect if you have an awkward tree in your back yard that you’re just not sure what to do with. It definitely is on the more complex end of the spectrum when it comes to DIY benches, but she includes downloadable plans you can follow step by step. Add this super functional tree bench to your backyard this summer!
Easy DIY Bench
Source: Not Just A House Wife
Now, if you aren’t looking for an outdoor bench but just a simple indoor bench to put in the entryway or mudroom… Then look no further! This easy DIY bench is the perfect addition to that room you’re looking to put the finishing touch on. She gives you a detailed board list for all the wood you’ll and the name of the stain she used for the “grey” looking natural wood. But… my favorite part has to be the colored legs! You could very easily customize this bench to match any decor you have depending on which room it’s going in. Keep it simple with this awesome idea!
DIY Hairpin Leg Bench
Source: Gillo Designs
This DIY bench looks like it came straight out of a magazine! While this one looks very expensive and hard to make, it’s actually pretty simple. She breaks down the entire process, includes a nice diagram with measurements, and shows you where to get those amazing hairpin legs. When I first saw this bench, that was my main concern! How am I going to make those legs?! Well, luckily you can pick up a set of 4 for roughly $50 bucks and if you want to get really crafty, you can go wild with the wood top. This one is definitely on my to-do list and would surely transform any hallway or entryway that you might put it in!
Related DIY Post: Best DIY Coffee Table Ideas
Cheap Farmhouse Bench
Source: The Creative Mom
When it comes to farmhouse decor, I’m a sucker for distressed white paint on almost anything lol! So, it’s no surprise that I love this bench. But the best part has to be this entire project comes in at under $20 bucks. (if you have the required power tools) Plus, I love the contrast of the white chalk paint to the dark stained wood on top. This would be a great one to stick on the back porch during the summer for some extra seating when you’re having guests… or even in the hallway during the winter so the kids have somewhere to sit while they’re kicking off the boots. Cheap AND white chalk paint, this one is right up my alley!
DIY Upholstered X Bench
Source: Twelve On Main
Looking for something that’s a bit more on the comfortable side? I love the X style legs to this bench, but where it really got me was the upholstered foam top. With some 4″ foam that you could probably find on Amazon and your favorite fabric, you could have an amazing DIY bench for the end of your bed. Depending on the overall length of the bench and fabric you choose, you could probably get it done for under $100. I really like that fact that you can make it fit perfectly into any room by choosing a matching fabric for the top. You could even swap fabric pretty easily if it were to ever get it dirty (I know I would definitely spill some wine on it) or if you were to change up your decor
Rustic $15 DIY Bench
Source: The Happier Homemaker
How about this cheap rustic bench for a changeup? This is the perfect tutorial if you’re looking to build a bench that you can put outside and not worry about! She includes a link to super detailed plans which has a cut sheet, tool list, and great images with measurements to make sure yours comes out just like the pictures. I can see this out on the front porch in the fall with some pumpkins and other festive decorations. Stay within budget and go rustic with this one!
Double X Bench
Source: Her Tool Belt
Just like I mentioned above… when I see distressed white chalk paint, I press like? But the real kicker with this bench is the double X design. It just looks sooooo freaking good and expensive. While just like many of the tutorials here, she includes plans to build it… but gosh are they detailed. I know when I saw the double X design I immediately thought that would be too complex for me. But she explains it perfectly and if when you cut the wood properly, everything should line right up
One of my favorite parts has to be how she stained the bench before painting it white. So once she distressed the paint the dark stain came peaking through giving it that amazing look. Put this on your to-do list and DOUBLE cross it off!
DIY 2×4 Bench
Source: Anika’s DIY Life
Speaking of an X design, how about this cute little 2×4 bench? If you have some extra wood laying around in the garage or shed that you don’t know what to do with, this project is perfect for you! There are so many different ways you can finish this one… With everything from a natural wood stain and sealant so you can keep it outside, to a darker gray stain and upholstered top… This bench is super versatile. She also includes some examples of other variations that other people have built to give you even more ideas for this bench! Clear out the garage and save some money with this project
Entryway Hall Tree Bench DIY
Source: Angela Marie Made
If you want something that will strictly live inside and give you some extra storage, then this bench will definitely give you some ideas… I know you might be thinking… “this looks big and expensive!!” Well, you might be surprised that she got this done with only $92 dollars of materials! I love that top of the bench has hooks for your coats and bottom has some cubbies for some simple shoe storage. Plus the top shelf looks so good while still being super easy to build. All she did was pick up some premade corbels from Amazon to finish off the look. Transform your entryway with this storage ready bench!
Scrap Wood Outdoor Bench
Source: Ugly Duckling House
If you made it this far AND still have some scrap wood you don’t know what to do with, then this simple DIY bench is perfect for you. It’s even more simple than then X leg design bench from above and you could have it whipped up in just a couple hours. Depending on where you plan to put this bench, you could stain or paint it in any fashion to match your plans
In this case, she painted hers black… which I think turned out really nice. I could totally see something like this in the back garden to give you a break while you’re working out there. But I also think it would look great with a redwood type stain to give some contrast if you have light mulch. Keep it cheap and easy with the scrap wood bench!
DIY Bench With Back Rest
Source: Virginia Sweet Pea
Want something with a little more support than a basic DIY bench? This awesome tutorial breaks down exactly how to build this 2×4 bench with a simple backrest. She kept the natural look of the wood but I think it would look great with a nice dark stain on it! Plus, if you wanted to take it one step further, you could make a foam upholstered top to make it even comfier! Dark stained wood and a floral fabric foam topper?! Hmmmm… sounds good to me! After building this bench, take a break and get comfy!
Cinderblock Outdoor Bench
Source: Son Shine Kitchen
Not exactly one for all the handy woodworking but still want a simple DIY bench? This built-in cinderblock tutorial is the answer! I don’t think it could get much easier when it comes to building it on your own… With the most obvious part of the build, cinderblocks, and a few 2×12 planks, you could have these benches built in a nice summer weekend. If you’re willing to commit to the fixed style benches, then this cheap and easy solution is a great way to add some extra seating!
DIY Mudroom Bench With Storage
Source: Just Life And Coffee
Need a way to add some storage and declutter your mudroom? If so, then this awesome farmhouse style bench will definitely spark some creative ideas! I absolutely love the length of this one and look like something you could own forever. To add even more storage, she installed a super simple, wall mounted coat rack to finish everything off. Get that mudroom under control with this super useful storage bench!
Comfy DIY Bench
Source: Stacy Risenmay
Gosh, I love this trendy modern bench! Similar to some of the others, this one has a foam upholstered topper and with a pattern that is funky in all the right ways. I love that she uses premade legs to make this project even easier… But my favorite part has to be the fact that she creates a lip around the topper to keep it in place. No more sitting down and having it slide around. Easy, classy, and trendy… what’s better than that!?
Large Outdoor Storage Bench
Source: The House of Wood
An outdoor bench with storage?! Yes, please! I know I always find toys, footballs, or anything else lying around in the backyard and this would be a great place to store all that kind of stuff. If you’re anything like me, I’m sure this would help quickly clean up some of that clutter outside when the inlaws are on the way over! This is a more complex build so she includes a downloadable pdf of the build plans when you sign up for her newsletter. Keep the backyard clean and get some extra seating with this one!
DIY Bench With Piled Velvet & Wood
Source: A Subtle Revelry
Looking for a trendy bench idea but don’t have the best woodworking skills?! Don’t worry, I’m right there with you ? This has to be one of the most simple ones on the list when it comes to actually building the bench. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to build the bench at all! She includes a link to the bench she modified on Amazon and it looks like it goes for just under $40 bucks. Now since you’re getting a break on the woodwork here, you might have to bust out the sewing skills for the velvet topper. But don’t worry, she includes nice pictures that explain the whole process. Say no to saw dust with this super easy DIY bench!
Simple DIY Farmhouse Bench Tutorial
Source: Cherished Bless
By now, you know that I love a good farmhouse furniture tutorial and when you add some storage on top of that… you’ve got me sold! This is a great example of just that. It’s super simple to build and coming in around $25 bucks its cheap at the same time. I love the metal storage containers she used which fit perfectly with the farmhouse look. I could see this in a playroom and those storage bins full of toys in no time. Love this one!
White Outdoor Storage Bench
Source: Our Handcrafted Life
Sticking with the extra storage theme, this adorable outdoor bench is calling my name! I’m completely obsessed with how she ended up painting it and I can totally imagine this in my backyard. This does take quite a bit of material and time but it would be a perfect project for your husband to knock out over the weekend if you don’t want to get that involved lol. Plus, it has the perfect amount of room to fit two large plastic storage containers (the type you probably have out in the garage) underneath the seats. A pile of wood, a nice summer weekend along with some sweat and you’ll have a beautiful bench for the backyard!
DIY Potting Bench
Source: Rachel Teodoro
Need an extra hand out in the garden but can’t convince any of the kids to get out there with you?! This is the perfect helper that will be out there all day with you… Whether you want to put this out in the front for a cute way to store some of your gardening tools or you want to put it out back for a place to put your potted plants, this is the perfect solution. I love the simple planter box on top and it even has room on the bottom!
DIY Simple End of Bed Bench
Source: Simply Beautiful By Angela
If you’re looking for a simple and easy end of the bed bench, then look no further! I absolutely love the colors she color for this project and if they fit with your decor, I would definitely recommend going the same route. The gray / white paint for the legs paired with the gray foam topper really makes this bench look like something you would have to buy! Not to mention the tufting she added to really pull everything together. Keep it classy with the easy bedroom bench!
Entryway Bench Plans
Source: Erin Spain
Speaking of easy, how awesome is this simple entryway bench?! With a few 2x12s and a 1×4 for support underneath, you could have this built in a few hours! After that, all you’d have to do is a pick your favorite stain to match the decor and boom…. you have a perfect DIY bench for cheap. I personally really like the dark stain she chose and she also threw on a semi-gloss sealant which makes it look very professional. Add some simple seating with this one!
Outdoor Rope Bench
Source: At Charlottes House
Need some extra seating out on the back porch or three seasons room? If so, this DIY rope bench is going to fit in perfectly! At the core of this build, it’s pretty simple… but where it really stands out is the rope feature she added on each side, underneath the armrests. It looks amazing and gives it that beach house / cottage type feel to it. Plus, she picked up some cushions at World Market to make that part of the project super easy. I’m in love with this look for the summer!
Chic Bench
Source: Lily Ardor
This chic DIY bench would be the perfect addition to any bedroom or hallway! The frame is simply made out of 2x4s and the foam topper is made from two different fabrics giving it that striped look… which I’m really digging. Plus, those upholstery tacks look perfect! Go chic with this DIY 2×4 bench!
DIY Black & White Bench
Source: Home Made By Carmona
If you’re anything like me, you love looking at through the West Elm catalog… but think twice when it comes to actually buying! This is the perfect tutorial that shows you how to get that West Elm look on the cheap. With a 2×12, a 2×4 and some elbow grease, you can save a nice chunk of change with this one. Coming in at under $15 bucks, I don’t think you can find something that looks this good and costs this little. Save your money and steal the look!
Outdoor Bench With Blue
Source: The Handy Mans Daughter
While this DIY bench is going to be a bit more than $15 bucks, it’s totally worth it to have a super solid place to sit and store your things in the backyard… Since this is more a more involved process, she includes a downloadable plan with clear instructions. My favorite part has the be the screen mesh she uses at the bottom of the storage compartment. It lets all the water, dirt and anything else that you don’t want through to the ground. That feature makes it the perfect bench to store your outdoor toys, garden tools or anything else that you don’t mind if they come into contact with some moisture. Plus, the way she finished it off with the baby blue accents is adorable!
How To Make A Floating Bench
Source: TwoFeetFirst
Okay… this floating bench is too cool! It almost goes without saying… but the most important part of this project is finding the studs. So make sure you have a good stud finder before you get started. I love the way she stained the wood which gave it a very modern look. If you’re looking for a simple indoor bench idea, then I’m sure this tutorial will spark some creativity!
Related: Best DIY Floating Shelf Ideas
Blue Reclaimed Wood DIY Bench
Source: My Repurposed Life
Have an old weathered wood fence that’s falling apart? This easy tutorial shows you how to repurpose that wood to make this super cool bench! Even if you don’t have an old fence to harvest lumber from, most scrap wood will work… it might turn out even funky if you use a bunch of different colored wood. But for this bench, I’m really digging the blue color of the scrap wood and how it turned out! If you want more of the rustic look than the wood your using has, you can always distress it a bit more to really bring out the aged look. (just like they did in this example) Repurpose that scrap wood and go rustic with this cheap DIY bench!
DIY Rustic Live Edge Wedding Bench
Source: Lazy Guy DIY
Second to white chalk distressed paint furniture has to be anything with a live edge! So it’s no question that I really like this bench… But the crucial piece to the puzzle for this one is the actual live edge slab. It might take a little bit of search around to find something you like and in your price range, but it’s totally worth it. Once you have the slab, another important thing to mention would be making a level surface for the legs to mount to (he goes into more detail about how to do just that)
Speaking of the legs, he found some premade metal legs on Etsy so no welding was needed. But, they’re pretty expensive compared to some of the other projects here. In my opinion, metal legs are almost needed in a project like this to give contrast to the live edge slab. Once this bench is built, it’s not going anywhere!
DIY Kitchen Benches
Source: Old Salt Farm
While I know you might have seen similar farmhouse style benches like this before, I had to include these since they’re the perfect addition to any kitchen island! I just love the way they look in this specific kitchen and I’m sure they get used every day. She includes a cut sheet so you’ll know exactly how much material you’ll need. But… the best part of the whole project has to be how she numbered the spots for each seat. It’s pretty subtle, you can’t see it in this picture of it, but it just the right amount so you’ll definitely notice it when you go to use the bench. Add these benches to your farmhouse kitchen and never look back!
Pottery Barn Knock Off Bench
Source: Shanty 2 Chic
Love copy cat projects just as much as me!? Well, this awesome Pottery Barn copy cat bench, you’ll save money while still getting that vintage and expensive look! What’s better than that?! I love the way they finished it off with the handles and distressing the Rust-Oleum Heirloom White spray paint giving it that distressed feeling. This tutorial is very detailed and breaks down the pretty lengthy process of building it. Go vintage with this DIY bench with storage!
Headboard Bench
Source: Confessions Of A Serial DIYer
This one is perfect for the DIY thrifter in you! If you’re lucky enough to find a nice headboard and footboard set at your local thrift store, this bench will definitely be one of the cheaper on the list. She ended up finding one that was already white which made it easier but you could paint it any color that fits your style. But if you do keep or paint everything white, adding gray stripes to the project (just like she did) really brings everything together. Get creative and thrifty with this headboard bench!
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