DIY Plans to Build a Folding Bench

An Easy to Build Space-Saving Bench

For sure, this plan is going on my to-build list… The DIY plans to build a Folding Bench are super-easy to construct, and feature a slatted seat and back. The bench is reminiscent of old style folding chairs, and is very easy to build!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/2″ screws
• 4 – 1-1/2″ (or 40 mm) connector bolts with connecting nuts
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 6 – 1×2 at 8′
• 7 – 1×3 at 8′

Cut List:

• 2 – 1×3 at 38-3/8″ – Front Legs
• 2 – 1×2 at 48″ – Front Stretchers
• 4 – 1×3 at 48″ – Back Slats
• 2 – 1×3 at 27-1/2″ – Back Legs
• 1 – 1×2 at 46-1/2″ – Back Stretcher
• 5 – 1×2 at 16-1/2″ – Seat Frame
• 3 – 1×2 at 45″ – Seat Frame & Seat Stop
• 6 – 1×3 at 45″ – Seat Slats

Step One

Cut the pieces for the front legs. Cut a 25° angle in the bottom of each leg. Cut a slight arc in the top front edge of each piece, and cut the notches using a jigsaw. Drill 3/8″ holes in the positions shown in the drawing.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the front stretchers. Secure the stretchers inside the notches using glue and countersunk 1-1/2″ screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the back slats. Secure the slats to the back edge of the legs using countersunk 1-1/2″ screws. The slats are spaced approximately 3/4″ apart, and the top slat is flush with the top of the legs.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the back legs. Round over the top edge of each leg. The radius is 1-1/4″. Cut a 25° angle in the bottom edge of each leg. Cut the notch in the leg using a jigsaw. Drill 3/8″ holes in the positions shown in the drawing.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the back stretcher and secure it in the notches using glue and countersunk 1-1/2″ screws.

Step Six

Fasten the back leg assembly to the inside of the front legs using 1-1/2″ connector bolts. The bolts will be tightened with an Allen wrench on each side – not too tight, though!

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the seat frame. Drill a 3/8″ hole in the outer side frame pieces as shown in the drawings.

With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter frame pieces. The pocket holes in the outer side frame pieces will straddle the hole. Assemble the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the seat slats. Secure the slats to the frame using glue and countersunk 1-1/2″ screws. The slats will be spaced approximately 5/8″ apart.

Step Nine

Cut the piece for the seat stop and cut a 25° bevel along one long edge. This piece is secured to the bottom of the seat frame and the beveled edge will rest against the upper front stretcher to keep the bench from sliding apart.

Secure the stop to the bottom of the seat frame using glue and countersunk 1-1/2″ screws with the bevel facing toward the back and also facing up (the longer edge of the bevel rests on the frame).

Step Ten

Fasten the seat to the back legs using a 1-1/2″ connector bolt.

Finish as desired.

I am really excited to build this bench… I think it would be a fabulous addition to my back yard and I’m sure it will be to yours, too!

Looking for something different? Try these plans to build a bench:

• Long Chair Bench
• Easy Storage Bench

Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a folding bench? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2015-06-15 08:00:58.