Easy How to Build a Modern Bench

Let’s build a modern bench!

Wrapping up our 2-week bench series with a modern bench build. Last week I shared how to build a bench with purchased legs. This week I’m sharing how to build a bench AND legs. Such a super-easy build! And like I said last week, if you can build a bench you can build a table. Legs, frame, top–that’s it!

Last week’s bench was all farmhouse, this week we’re going modern. I love this timeless bench I built for my brother and sister’s-in-law modern home. So, let’s get to it!

EASY HOW TO BUILD A MODERN BENCH

Materials Needed:

2x4x8 (3)

1x5x8 (2)

2x6x8 (3)

2.5″ pocket hole screws

2.5″ finishing screws (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Wood filler

Tools Needed:

Miter Saw

Kreg Jig (easiest tool for pocket holes) (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Drill

Step One: Build the legs

First you’ll want to determine how long, wide and tall you want your modern bench to be. My bench was 71 inches long, 16.5 inches wide, and 17.5 inches tall (height).

Note: You’ll want to allow for some overhang, therefore, the width and length of your bench frame will be 4 inches shorter than the top (seat) of the bench. This allows for a 2 inch overhang on each side. For example: bench frame measurements are: 67″ long; 12.5″ wide. The height stays the same (17.5″ tall).

Legs: Cut four 2X4’s at 17.5 inches (height).

Join your legs together: Cut two 2X4’s at 9.5 inches. Drill 2.5″ pocket holes in the ends of each of these boards. Attach with 2.5″ pocket hole screws….

Now you have your legs for each end of the bench.

Step Two: Long Expanders

Next, we need to connect the legs with expanders.

Cut two 2X4’s at 60″ each….

Drill 2.5″ pocket holes on each end and attach to the legs using 2.5″ pocket hole screws….

Step Three: Supports

Now, your frame is built and ready for supports. Cut three 2X4’s to fit in between the expanders. (This provides support for the middle of your modern bench). Drill 2.5″ pocket holes in the ends of each 2X4 and attach with 2.5″ pocket hole screws, as shown below….

Step Four: Short Expander

Cut two more 2X4’s at 9.5″. Attach using 2.5″ finishing screws from the sides (as shown below) It’s kind of tricky to get your dril in this compact space, so I found it easier to attach them from the sides….

Step Five: Visible Expander

Cut a 1X5 board to fit snug between the two short expanders. Drill 2.5″ pocket holes on each end. Attach to the short expanders using 2.5″ pocket hole screws (bottom board in picture below)….

Cut a 1X5 board to fit 3/4’s of the way across each short expander. Attach with 2.5″ finishing screws. (top board in picture below)…

Step Six: Build the top (seat)

Cut three 2X6’s at 71 inches long. Drill pocket holes on one long side of two of the boards and attach all three boards together using 2.5″ pocket hole screws….

Attach to bench frame using 2.5″ finishing screws. Fill in nail holes with wood filler. Paint and voila! You have a nice, sturdy, modern bench for your family to enjoy….