A Beautiful Bench with Curved Legs Perfect for the Outdoors!
Previously, I posted plans for the Anna Chair – a chair with beautifully curved back legs and a wide seat. The DIY furniture plans to build an Anna bench feature the same gorgeously curved legs (with the included templates) and tapered front legs. The seat on the chair can also be upholstered or used with a 2″ thick cushion, and would be a perfect addition to a covered porch or deck. As always, this bench can be completed in a weekend!
Materials:
- 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
- 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
- 1-1/4″ brad nails
- Metal corner braces
- Edge banding for the seat (<– affiliate link!)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
- Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)
Tools Needed:
- Jigsaw or bandsaw
- Miter saw or Circular saw
- Iron for edge banding
- Drill
- Pocket hole jig
- Right angle drill attachment (for tight spaces)
- Pneumatic brad nailer with compressor
- Sander
Lumber:
- 2 – 1×3 at 8′
- 3 – 2×2 at 8′
- 1 – 2×6 at 4′
- 1 – 2×6 at 6′
- 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
Cut List:
- 3 – 2×2 at 16″ – Front Legs
- 3 – 2×6 at 36″ – Back Legs
- 4 – 1×3 at 21-3/4″ – Front & Back Aprons
- 3 – 1×3 at 18-1/8″ – Side Aprons & Center Support
- 6 – 2×2 at 16″ – Back
- 8 – 1×2 at 5″ – Corner Braces, optional
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 21-1/8″ x 48″ – Seat
Click on the drawings for a larger view!
Step One
Cut the pieces for the front legs. Cut the taper using a tapering jig on the table saw or a jigsaw.
Cut the piece for the front apron. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the apron piece. Secure the apron to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The tapers on the legs will face toward the back legs. The apron will be positioned 1/4″ back from the front face of the legs.
Step Two
Print the templates. Align the registration marks and tape the sheets together, then cut out the template. Secure the two 2×6 pieces together using screws or hot glue (not wood glue!) then trace the template. Draw a line across the pieces at 16″ from the bottom of the leg. Cut out the legs using a jigsaw or a bandsaw. Thoroughly sand the legs before separating the pieces trying to keep the pencil mark drawn beforehand in place. Transfer the pencil mark to the other leg. This mark is where the top of the back apron will be positioned.
Step Three
Cut the pieces for the back apron and back framing. Drill pocket holes in each end of the apron. Secure the apron to the back legs at the pencil mark (16″ up from the bottom of the leg). The apron will be positioned 1/4″ back from the back face of the legs.
Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the back pieces. Secure the pieces as shown to the back legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. The front face of the back pieces will be flush with the front faces of the legs.
Step Four
Cut the pieces for the side aprons. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the aprons to the front and the back legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The aprons will be positioned 1/4″ back from the side faces of the legs.
Step Five
Cut the piece for the center seat support and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the support to the center of the middle front and back legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.
Step Six
Secure the corner braces to the inside of the legs at the lower edges of the aprons. Corner braces can also be cut from scrap pieces of 1×2 material with a 45° miter in each end then secured using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.
Step Seven
Cut the piece for the seat and cut the notches with a jigsaw. Secure the seat to the aprons using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.
Finish as desired.
With the wide seat, this bench would be super-comfortable… The templates are easy to use, and the legs are easy to cut. Have any questions on the DIY furniture plans to build an Anna Bench? Leave a comment below!
Originally posted 2016-02-05 08:00:47.
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