Build a Diagonal Slat Bench

DIY Plans to Build a Stylish Bench

This bench is one of those DIY plans that is very easy to construct but with so many finishing options… I can imagine the seat using reclaimed pallet boards. Or maybe using different color of stain or paint for each board. Or like I have it drawn – all one color with gold tipped legs! This plan to build a diagonal slat bench is definitely going on my to-do-just-because list, I love it!!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (paint or stain)

Lumber:

• 1 – 2×2 at 6′
• 6 – 1×3 at 8′

Cut List:

• Four – 2×2 at 17-1/4″ – Legs
• Two – 1×3 at 13″ – End Aprons
• Two – 1×3 at 45″ – Side Aprons
• One – 1×3 at 14-1/2″ – Center Support
• Two – 1×3 at 48″ – Seat Frame
• Two – 1×3 at 16″ – Seat Frame
• One – 1×3 at 21-13/16″ – Seat Slat
• One – 1×3 at 19-1/16″ – Seat slat
• One – 1×3 at 16-5/16″ – Seat Slat
• One – 1×3 at 13-9/16″ – Seat Slat
• Five – 1×3 at 18-1/16″ – Seat Slats
• One – 1×3 at 15-9/16″ – Seat Slat
• One – 1×3 at 10-9/16″ – Seat Slat
• One – 1×3 at 5-9/16″ – Seat Slat

 

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the end aprons. Drill pocket holes in each end of the aprons. Secure to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the side aprons and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the center support and drill pocket holes at each end. Secure to the side aprons using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the seat frame and cut 45 degree miters in each end. Drill a pocket hole in each end of each piece (similar to what is shown in the drawing) then assemble the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the slats and drill pocket holes in the pieces as shown. The easiest way to assemble the seat would be to start with the pieces with the square ends and attach those pieces to the frame first using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Then add the diagonal pieces, securing with glue and 1-1/4″ pocket holes. The very last piece may need to be adjusted, so just keep that in mind!

Attach the seat to the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

 

Finish as desired!

This plan to build a diagonal slat bench is a perfect weekend project – so quick and easy! Do you have a request for other DIY bench plans or any other plans? Let me know! Email me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2013-09-09 08:00:35.