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DIY Benches: A Great Way to Add More Seating

Whether you are looking for some indoor or outdoor DIY benches, you have come to the right place! Get inspiration from these 20+ DIY bench projects.

DIY benches to try right now

Ah, the quest for the perfect bench – it’s a journey that often leads us through endless aisles of furniture stores, only to find that the perfect piece is either nonexistent or requires a small fortune.

But fear not, fellow woodworking enthusiasts, for we have the power to create our very own seating masterpieces, tailored to our tastes and budgets!

You see, the world of DIY benches is as vast as our imaginations. It’s a place where an old tailgate transforms into a quirky garden seat, a retired crib becomes a charming entryway bench, and that old kitchen table?

Well, it’s about to embark on its second life as a stylish new bench. The possibilities are endless, and the satisfaction of creating something unique is immensely gratifying.

This DIY journey of mine began with a spark of inspiration from a West Elm coffee table and an outdoor table reminiscent of something from Restoration Hardware. But why stop there?

The creative bug had bitten, and there was no turning back. So, I delved deeper, exploring the realms of both indoor and outdoor benches.

The result? A curated collection of over 20 DIY bench ideas, each brimming with creativity and doable designs.

Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or someone who can barely tell a hammer from a hacksaw, fear not!

These projects range from easy DIY benches that require minimal skills to more intricate designs that challenge your inner craftsman.

Imagine transforming that forgotten piece of wood in your garage into a stunning entryway bench, or repurposing an old bed frame into a cozy outdoor seat.

So, grab your tools, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to embark on a DIY adventure. Scroll through this list of DIY wood benches for storage, work, the entryway, the mudroom, and more.

Whether you’re looking for something rustic, sleek, quirky, or minimalist, there’s a bench idea here that’s sure to spark your imagination.

And who knows, maybe you’ll find your next weekend project, a piece that not only adds character to your home but also tells a tale of creativity and resourcefulness.

Let’s get building and turn those bench dreams into reality! Let me know what you think in the comments.

1
How to build a wood bench

Outdoor West Elm Inspired Bench

Use $35 in wood and supplies to make this perfectly modern DIY wood bench that looks like a $1,300 Williams Sonoma find. No nails or screws required!
Get the Tutorial
2
Coastal Dining Table Benches
greenwithdecor.com

Coastal Dining Table Benches

Building beautiful DIY benches doesn't have to be hard. Meg made two benches to go with the dining table she previously made. I love the two-tone look!
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3
Distressed outdoor bench
Amy Huntley

Distressed Outdoor Bench

Amy made this outdoor bench using only $13 of wood! I really like the distressed paint look and the double "X" design in the back.
Get the Tutorial
4
DIY Wooden Bench Inspired by Crate and Barrel

Stacked Wood Crate & Barrel Inspired Bench

This modern DIY entryway bench was inspired by a Crate and Barrel find for $999 – except we made our version for less than $60. Easy to follow tutorial!
Get the Tutorial
5
DIY bench using hairpin legs
grillo-designs.com

Hairpin Leg Bench

This is a very easy bench to create since the hairpin legs are purchased as-is. You only need to create the top and attach the legs for a rustic wood bench with modern flair.
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6
Rustic Farmhouse-style Bench
thehappierhomemaker.com

Rustic Bench

Wondering how to make a bench, or better yet, a cheap DIY bench? It’s easier than you think! Build this simple farmhouse project for just $15 in supplies!
Get the Tutorial
7
Make your own mudroom bench
www.honeybearlane.com

Mudroom Bench

Mudrooms can get messy (mud is in the name, right?). That is why storage is definitely needed! This awesome DIY mudroom bench is just what is needed.
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8
Build a Bench in 60 Seconds
Stacy Davis

Build a Bench in 60 Seconds

Okay, so the 60 second time frame doesn't include the painting or staining – but it does include bench assembly. This is one of the easiest methods I've ever seen, using crates.
Get the Tutorial
9
DIY tufted bench with canvas upholstery
sustainmycrafthabit.com

Canvas Tufted Bench

Some of the parts used for this bench were upcycled from an IKEA butcher block table. The canvas seat is really durable.
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10
Ginger Bowie

DIY Storage Bench

If you're looking for a simple DIY farmhouse bench with storage, that you can customize colors, and it's great for indoors or outdoors – this is your build.
Get the Tutorial
11
how to make a simple bench
Anita Holland

Simple Bench

This simple bench was made with all recycled materials found at a construction site. Not all the wood is matching, but you'll see how it adds to the charm.
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12
Old tailgate made into a bench
addicted2diy.com

Old Tailgate Bench

There is something to be said about the rustic look of older items. This outdoor bench was made with a tailgate found at a swap meet!
Get the Tutorial
13
housefulofhandmade.com

Simple Upholstered Storage Bench

You’ll love the extra storage this DIY storage bench give any room in your home! Not only that, but it's a little extra seating as well.
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14
Claire Armstrong

Scaffolding Board Bench

A found piece of scaffolding board and the legs of a broken chair come together nicely as a bench! This is such a genius reclaimed wood project – one of my favorites.
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15
bench from a headboard
Anita Holland

Headboard Bench

Anita made this padded seat entryway bench from two headboards. They were from different style beds, but painting the whole thing one color brings them together!
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16
DIY pottery barn warner bench
Jen Woodhouse

DIY Pottery Barn-Inspired Bench

I love it when people see something they like and make it their own! The original cost nearly $500, but this DIY bench was built for about $35.
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17
www.shoemakesnew.com

DIY Breakfast Nook Bench

If you like DIY benches with lots of storage, this is your solution! It takes some time, but the cuts are all pretty straightforward and the results are worth it.
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18
www.bloomingdiyer.com

DIY Basket Weave Bench

If you've got sewing skills in addition to building skills, you're going to love this project. The tufting is very unique and this bench looks beautiful in a bedroom.
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19
west elm inspired outdoor bench
Carissa Bonham

West Elm Inspired Outdoor Bench

Paige used $20 in wood to make this slab wood bench that looks like one she found on West Elm for $700! The photos shows two of the benches in an L-shape.
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20
round kitchen table repurposed to a bench
Randi Dukes

Table to Bench

Make a nice rounded bench by repurposing a round kitchen table! This DIY project looks great at the end of a bed.
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21
Versatile wood bench
amber-oliver.com

Simple Indoor and Outdoor Seating

Amber made this versatile bench to coordinate with her farmhouse table but decided to use it on her porch instead. All you need for it to work outside is a little outdoor varnish.
Get the Tutorial
22
upcycle a cot bed baby crib into a garden bench
upcyclemystuff.com

Garden Bench

Do you have an old cot bed in storage somewhere that you aren’t sure what to do with? This tutorial is all about how you can turn an old cot bed into a garden bench – and a super summery one at that!
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23
picket fence garden bench
Randi Dukes

Fence Garden Bench

This whimsical garden bench was made using four fence posts and some picket fencing. It looks great as a garden bench.
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24
angelamariemade.com

Easy DIY Entryway Bench for $10

Angela only used one board that cost less than $10 to build this DIY wood bench! It’s a really quick and easy project if you need to add some extra storage and seating by your entryway.
Get the Tutorial
25
www.myrepurposedlife.com

Turn Repurposed Chairs Into a Bench

The ends of two chairs provide a unique opportunity to build a bench with a little flair. I love the finish that Gail put on her creation.
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Looking for more DIY furniture inspiration? Check out these projects right here on DIY Candy: