Projects / 2×4 bench plans / 60″ long

60″ 2×4 bench

A 5 ft backless bench from 2×4s, with three seat slats and apron-braced legs.

Intermediate3 hours11 parts2× lumber
Other sizes:36″ long48″ long60″ long72″ long
2×4 · 3½″ × 72″A Seat slatD2×4 · 3½″ × 72″A Seat slatD2×4 · 3½″ × 72″A Seat slat2×4 · 3½″ × 72″C Long apronB Leg2×4 · 3½″ × 72″C Long apronB Leg2×4 · 3½″ × 72″B LegB Leg

Cutting diagram

2×4 · 3½″ × 72″A Seat slatD2×4 · 3½″ × 72″A Seat slatD2×4 · 3½″ × 72″A Seat slat2×4 · 3½″ × 72″C Long apronB Leg2×4 · 3½″ × 72″C Long apronB Leg2×4 · 3½″ × 72″B LegB Leg

Bright pieces are your parts; the dimmed wood is left over. Every cut allows ⅛″ for the saw blade.

Cut list

PartQtyWidth × lengthCut from
ASeat slat33½″ × 60″89 × 1524 mm2× lumber
BLeg43½″ × 16½″89 × 419 mm2× lumber
CLong apron23½″ × 53″89 × 1346 mm2× lumber
DEnd apron23½″ × 7½″89 × 191 mm2× lumber

How to build it

  1. Cut three seat slats at 60″, four legs at 16½″, two long aprons at 53″ and two end aprons at 7½″.
  2. Build two leg frames: screw an end apron between two legs, flush with their tops.
  3. Connect the leg frames with the long aprons, screwed to the legs 3½″ in from each end of the bench.
  4. Lay the seat slats across the top with ¼″ gaps and screw them down into the aprons.
  5. At 5 ft the seat will flex, so add a fifth leg pair or a centre stretcher under the middle slat. Finish with exterior stain.