A sturdy two-board bench on a simple 2x4 and 1x4 frame. Finished size 36 × 14¾ × 17½ in. About 3–4 hours for a first build, 4 boards to buy.
Quick facts
| Plan | PS-05, in The Garage Starter Collection |
| Level | 2 of 3 (Confident beginner) |
| Finished size | 36 × 14¾ × 17½ in |
| First build | About 3–4 hours |
| Parts / boards / screws | 14 parts, 4 boards to buy, 48 screws |
| Wood | Pine, fir or cedar (indoor or covered porch) |
Parts list
| Part | Name | Qty | Board | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Leg | 4 | 2x4 | 16 3/4" |
| B | Long apron (upper) | 2 | 1x4 | 33" |
| C | Long rail (lower) | 2 | 1x4 | 33" |
| D | End apron (upper) | 2 | 1x4 | 11 3/4" |
| E | End rail (lower) | 2 | 1x4 | 11 3/4" |
| F | Top board | 2 | 1x8 | 36" |
Lengths are finished lengths. Boards are listed by nominal size; see the actual lumber sizes. The plan also gives the shopping list by board length and a cutting diagram.
Materials and tools
Hardware
- Wood screws #8 x 1-5/8 in x 48
- Wood glue (optional)
Tools
- Miter saw, circular saw or hand saw
- Drill/driver with a pilot-hole and countersink bit
- Tape measure, speed square and pencil
- Clamps (two or more)
- 80 and 120 grit sandpaper
What the plan includes
- Shopping list by board length and a cutting diagram, so you buy once
- Dimensioned drawings and an exploded view with lettered parts
- Step-by-step assembly, with a 3D view of every step
- Square Checks: the exact numbers to measure as you build
- Cut tags and a maker’s label to print
- A Letter edition to print and a Phone Edition to read in the garage
Before you build
- A seat for one or two adults. It is not a step or a stool for standing on, and it has not been rated for heavy loads.
- If you are building it for a child, supervise and do not let them stand on it.
- Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when cutting, and a dust mask when sanding.
- Always pre-drill before driving screws near the end of a board, to avoid splitting the wood.
- Clamp or firmly hold the workpiece before cutting and keep your hands out of the cut line.
- This plan has been modeled and cross-checked in 3D, but it has not yet been physically built and tested. Dry-fit the parts before you drive screws and use the Square Checks as you go.
Our plans are modeled and checked in 3D and have not yet been built and tested. Dry-fit before you drive screws.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Entryway Bench take to build?
We estimate 3–4 hours for a first build.
How many boards do I need for the Entryway Bench?
The shopping list in the plan is 4 boards, listed by length, with a cutting diagram.
What wood is the Entryway Bench made from?
Pine, fir or cedar (indoor or covered porch).
What size is the Entryway Bench?
The finished size is 36 × 14¾ × 17½ in.
Get the Entryway Bench plan
The Entryway Bench is plan PS-05 in The Garage Starter Collection: 12 beginner plans, 4 guides and a Start Here guide. One payment of $27, instant download, 14-day money-back guarantee.
See the collectionNew to this? Try the free Box Ledge Shelf plan first, or read how to read a cut list.