Basic 2x4 Bench
A slatted bench built from standard 2x4 lumber. Free: the full plan is on one page, with the PDF and the step-by-step assembly video to download. Choose Small, Standard or Deep on the plan page, or any length from 30 to 48 in in the calculator.
What is included
- A free printable PDF plan: drawings, parts list, cut list and screw positions, US units first.
- A step-by-step assembly video, to watch on the page or download.
- The whole plan on one page: sizes in inches and cm, cut list and steps.
Sizes and boards
3 sizes, each with its own dimensions in inches and cm, parts, screws and PDF.
Small: 36 x 14-3/4 x 18 in
- Overall size (L x D x H)
- 36 x 14-3/4 x 18 in
91.4 x 37.5 x 45.7 cm - Parts
- 11
- Screws
- 28
- Estimated build time
- 3 to 5 hours
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Buy 4 boards, 2x4 by 8 ft. Screws: #9 x 2-1/2 in exterior-coated deck screw.
| Part | Qty | Length (in) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat slat | 4 | 36 in | 91.4 cm |
| Leg | 4 | 16-1/2 in | 41.9 cm |
| Top rail | 2 | 14-3/4 in | 37.5 cm |
| Lower stretcher | 1 | 33 in | 83.8 cm |
Standard: 48 x 14-3/4 x 18 in
- Overall size (L x D x H)
- 48 x 14-3/4 x 18 in
121.9 x 37.5 x 45.7 cm - Parts
- 11
- Screws
- 28
- Estimated build time
- 3 to 5 hours
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Buy 4 boards, 2x4 by 8 ft. Screws: #9 x 2-1/2 in exterior-coated deck screw.
| Part | Qty | Length (in) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat slat | 4 | 48 in | 121.9 cm |
| Leg | 4 | 16-1/2 in | 41.9 cm |
| Top rail | 2 | 14-3/4 in | 37.5 cm |
| Lower stretcher | 1 | 45 in | 114.3 cm |
Deep: 48 x 18-1/2 x 18 in
- Overall size (L x D x H)
- 48 x 18-1/2 x 18 in
121.9 x 47.0 x 45.7 cm - Parts
- 12
- Screws
- 32
- Estimated build time
- 3 to 6 hours
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Buy 5 boards, 2x4 by 8 ft. Screws: #9 x 2-1/2 in exterior-coated deck screw.
| Part | Qty | Length (in) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat slat | 5 | 48 in | 121.9 cm |
| Leg | 4 | 16-1/2 in | 41.9 cm |
| Top rail | 2 | 18-1/2 in | 47.0 cm |
| Lower stretcher | 1 | 45 in | 114.3 cm |
Need a length that is not listed? The calculator covers 30 to 48 in.
Try other sizes in the calculator
The full plan for each size (cut list, steps, PDF and video) is free: get the free plan. Measure your boards: lumber sizes differ by store.
Questions about this plan
Is this plan really free?
Yes. The full plan is on one page: sizes, cut list, steps, a PDF and an assembly video, all free to download. The other plans are not on sale yet; their planned price is $6.99.
What do I get?
A PDF plan with drawings, a parts list, a cut list and screw positions, plus a step-by-step assembly video.
Can I choose a size?
Yes. Pick Small, Standard or Deep on the plan page. The dimensions in inches and cm, the parts, the screw count, the estimated build time and the PDF all change with the size. The assembly steps are the same for every size.
Who designed this plan?
Designed with AI assistance and checked by software. An engine works out every size from one model of the piece and software checks fit and fastener placement. A language model does not write measurements.
Has this been built and tested?
No finished build has been photographed or tested yet; the pictures are drawings generated from the plans, not photographs. When a real build exists, we will say so here.
What lumber do I need?
Standard 2x4 boards, actual size 1-1/2 by 3-1/2 in. Lumber sizes differ by store, so measure your boards before you cut.
Which units are used?
US inches first. The size calculator also shows centimetres.
More plans
Designed with AI assistance and checked by software. No finished build has been photographed or tested yet; the pictures are drawings generated from the plans, not photographs. How it works.