Build a Holly Dining Bench

DIY Furniture Plans – A Bench to Match the Holly Dining Table and Chair

Since I’ve previously posted plans for the Holly Dining Table and Dining Chair, I figured a matching bench would be in order! The DIY plans to build a Holly Dining Bench match the other pieces perfectly, and is another plan well suited for those new to woodworking! The bench features the inset aprons and is such an easy build, it can be completed in a weekend!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Edge banding, optional
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 2 – 1×2 at 6′
• 2 – 1×2 at 8′
• 1 – 2×2 at 6′
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
• 6 – 3/4″ square dowel at 4′

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 17-1/4″ – Legs
• 4 – 1×2 at 15″ – End Aprons
• 4 – 3/4″ square dowels at 15″ – End Aprons
• 4 – 1×2 at 46-1/2″ – Side Aprons
• 4 – 3/4″ square dowels at 46-1/2″ – Side Aprons
• 4 – 1×2 at 10-1/2″ – Angled Seat Supports
• 1 – 1×2 at 15″ – Straight Seat Support
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 48″ – Seat

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the end aprons. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes at each end of the 1×2 apron pieces. Place a 3/4″ square dowel between two 1×2 pieces (with the pocket holes facing out) securing in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. The back edges of all three pieces will be flush.

Secure the end apron assemblies 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 of the 1×2 pieces. Place a 3/4″ square dowel between two 1×2 pieces (with the pocket holes facing out) securing in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. The back edges of all three pieces will be flush.

Secure the end apron assemblies to the legs using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the angled seat supports to length then cut 45° miters in each end. Drill pocket holes in the mitered edges then secure the supports to the aprons using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Cut the piece for the straight support and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the support to the center of each side apron assembly using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the seat. Apply edge banding to the exposed edges of the plywood. Secure the seat to the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails through the seat into the frame and supports.

Finish as desired.

The bench will be a fabulous addition to the ensemble – one on each side of the table would look fabulous! The bench is not just for the dining room… It would look equally fabulous in any area of the home! Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Holly Dining Bench? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2014-12-30 08:00:07.