6 DIY Bench Projects for Inside or Out!

6 DIY Bench Projects for Inside or Out!

Bench seating is versatile, easy to make yourself, and can be quickly pushed out of the way to make space when not needed. Benches are also a beautiful and practical focal point in your hallway or on the porch.

Notre Dame Castle has gathered a few popular DIY bench seating projects for your home and outdoor spaces.

You’ll have fun being creative with these projects while honing your woodworking skills. As with all DIY projects, follow safety precautions when working with tools, wear safety equipment, and always work in well-ventilated rooms.

#1. DIY Farmhouse Bench

By Ana White

Image: DIY Farmhouse Bench By Ana White

This sturdy yet stylish DIY farmhouse bench looks great inside your home, at your dining table or outside on your deck.

Its classic lines complement so many décor styles: from cottage to shabby chic and Scandinavian. Just stain or paint the wood to get the look you want.

To build this bench yourself, you will need only a few key supplies and basic tools: pine boards, wood screws, and stain or paint.

See the plans here.

#2. DIY Shoe Storage Bench

By Jose at “Build it with Jose”

You’ll need three wood boards, some stain and basic woodworking skills to build this roomy bench. At 78” long it can seat the whole family and keep shoes neatly stored out of the way. It’s ideal for your porch, deck or balcony, and is also practical for a long hallway.

Get started by viewing the detailed instructions in this video by Jose.

#3. Rustic Hall Bench With Tapered Legs and Shelf

By Home By Me

Image: Rustic Hall Bench With Tapered Legs and Shelf By Home By Me

Another bench with a shelf, this version has tapered legs for a more elegant look and a new woodworking skill to learn.

This multipurpose, rustic hall bench can be completed in a day and lets you solve two problems at once – you’ll have a place to sit while putting on and removing your shoes, and a place to keep them. This bench looks stylish with its tapered legs, and can be used anywhere in your home or outdoors.

Make it as long and deep as you like, and finish the wood with stain or paint.

See the details of this project here. 

#4. Bay Window Bench Seat With Storage

By Kentdvm in Workshop, Instructables

If you have a bay window, make the most of the empty space beneath it by creating an inviting spot for relaxation. Build this dreamy window seat and you’ll soon be curled up with your pup or kitty and a good book. The extra storage space will also come in handy!

These easy-to-follow and flexible instructions allow for variations in bay window measurements and angles.

#5. Garden Bench with Planters

By Ovidiu at My Outdoor Plans

Summer is on the way, so now is the perfect time to start planning your backyard projects. If you need some planters and bench seating, then this combination garden bench/planter has you covered! All you need is a bit of time, some 2x4s, screws, glue and stain for this weekend project.

Follow these straight-forward instructions and you’ll be relaxing on your bench in no time!

#6. Salvaged Door Bench

By Karianne of Thistlewood Farms

Image: Salvaged Door Bench By Karianne of Thistlewood Farms

If you have a reclaimed door and have been wondering what to do with it, here is the perfect solution! Build a one-of-a-kind bench. This easy DIY project gives new life to a vintage door that may otherwise end up in the landfill.

You can create this original bench in nine steps with just a few basic materials. Improvise as you like to make this a one-of-a-kind with materials you already have. The shorter panels of the door will become the sides of your bench, and the longer panels will be the bench seat and back.

See the Thistlewood Farms page for step-by-step instructions on how they created this eye-catching bench.

 If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to visit Notre Dame Castle for assistance. We would be happy to help you in any way we can.