Projects / 2×4 bench plans / 72″ long
72″ 2×4 bench
A 6 ft backless bench from 2×4s, with three seat slats and apron-braced legs.
Intermediate3 hours11 parts2× lumber
Have scraps? Check this project against your wood
Cutting diagram
Bright pieces are your parts; the dimmed wood is left over. Every cut allows ⅛″ for the saw blade.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | Width × length | Cut from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Seat slat | 3 | 3½″ × 72″89 × 1829 mm | 2× lumber |
| B | Leg | 4 | 3½″ × 16½″89 × 419 mm | 2× lumber |
| C | Long apron | 2 | 3½″ × 65″89 × 1651 mm | 2× lumber |
| D | End apron | 2 | 3½″ × 7½″89 × 191 mm | 2× lumber |
How to build it
- Cut three seat slats at 72″, four legs at 16½″, two long aprons at 65″ and two end aprons at 7½″.
- Build two leg frames: screw an end apron between two legs, flush with their tops.
- Connect the leg frames with the long aprons, screwed to the legs 3½″ in from each end of the bench.
- Lay the seat slats across the top with ¼″ gaps and screw them down into the aprons.
- At 6 ft the seat will flex, so add a fifth leg pair or a centre stretcher under the middle slat. Finish with exterior stain.