Free DIY Furniture Plans // How to Build an Equilateral Bench

The iconic bench, if ever there was one. Actually I can think of a few iconic benches, but this is certainly one of them! And believe me when I say this will be an easy build. No tricky cuts or fancy things, just cut and drill, then put together like a stacking tree for kiddos.

To check out our hundreds of other free plans, visit our plan index! As with all of our plans, you are building at your own risk and you should have a firm understanding of building in general before you attempt many of our plans (some are perfect for beginners, others... not so much). With that, go forth, have fun, take lots of pictures and share them in a showcase or on social media with the hashtag #builtTDCtuff and we will share our faves!

Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!

• Tape Measure
• Saw – Jig Saw, Circular, Table, or Miter Saw
• Drill
• Countersink Drill Bit
• Square
• Sander

• 8 – 2x2 at 8'

• 6 - 1/2” 17” long threaded rod and 1/2" nuts (or, 16-1/2” long threaded rod twice the depth of one nut)
• 2 - 1/2” 14” long threaded rod and 1/2" nuts (or, 13-1/2” long threaded rod twice the depth of one nut)
• 16 - 1/2” nuts
• 1/2" Spade Bit
• Clamps
• Safety Gear
• Wood filler
• Wood glue
• Sanding Supplies
• Finishing Supplies
• Paste Wax

• 2 – 2x2 at 55” – Front and Back
• 5 – 2x2 at 38” – Centers
• 8 – 2x2 at 10” – Ends
• 18 – 2x2 at 19” – Stands

Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Cut all the pieces for the Bench. At the end of each piece, drill a 1/2” hole that is centered 3/4” from each end. “Round out” each end by cutting the corners at a 3/4” radius. Drill additional 1/2” holes on noted pieces, centered.

Lay down the Back piece. Insert the longer Threaded Rod into each hole and thread a Nut onto the back side of each Rod. Install the pieces as shown. The 1/2” drilled hole at the bottom of each Stand will take the shorter Threaded Rod.

Continue to install pieces as shown.

Keep installing!

Install the Front piece.

Finally, thread a Nut on the front of each Threaded Rod to secure everything into place.

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

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