Free DIY Furniture Plans To Build a PotteryBarn Inspired Chesapeake Picnic Bench for Under $25

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential
Project Image

We covered plans for the table yesterday, found here, and now we are working on the bench! Yay, I love it when we finish a set or a collection, feels wonderful! Even if it is only virtual building for me, it still feels wonderful, just like progress in real life! The original pieces will cost $999 for the set, ours can all be built for less than $100! Much less since this bench will come in under $25, so that makes a set of 3 pieces closer to $80!!! A savings of more than $900! yahoo… spring is in the air, am I right?

Estimated Cost

Under $25

Dimensions
Dimensions for This Project
Tools

Tape Measure

Sander

Drill

Kreg Jig

Saw - Optional if you have your local lumber supply cut your boards.

Miter Saw

Lumber

1 – 2x3 at 6’

1 – 2x6 at 6’

5 – 2x4 at 8’

Materials

2 1/2” Pocket Hole Screws

2 1/2” Galvanized Wood Screws (for outdoor use)

Wood Glue – needs to be suitable for outdoor use

Wood Filler – needs to be suitable for outdoor use

Sanding Supplies

Finishing Supplies – needs to be suitable for outdoor use

Cut List

5 – 2x3 at 12 3/4” Bench Supports

2 – 2x6 at 14 3/4” Bench Top

4 – 2x4 at 61” Bench Top

3 – 2x4 at 23” Legs

6 – 2x4 at 11” Legs

4 – 2x4 at 22” Truss Supports

Instructions

If this will be for outdoor use, consider using a specie of wood that does well in an outdoor setting. Not required, but will make for a longer lasting piece that won’t need to be refinished or sealed as frequently. I have given you extra room for error when mitering the angles, just so you know.

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.

Step 1

Build your Bench Top: Join the Boards to the Outer Bread Boards using your pocket hole system set for 1 1/2” stock and your 2 1/2” pocket hole screws and glue. Be sure to use glue that is applicable for outdoor projects. Space the Boards 1/4” apart.

Step 1
Step 2

Attach the Bench Supports : Use your pocket hole system set for 1 1/2” stock and your 2 1/2” pocket hole screws and glue to attach the Supports or use 2 1/2” screws from the top of the table top and be sure to countersink. The Supports will sit back 1” from the front/back edges and 1 1/2” from the side edges, and should be spaced as shown below. These are not spaced equally I realize, but this is to allow for the center leg unit later.

Step 2
Step 3

Fasten the Legs in Place: You want the height of your X-Shape to be about 15 1/2” and the width of your X to be the width of your Table Supports from the previous step. You should measure and mark for your exact dimensions but you will likely be mitering the legs at about 60 Degrees give or take. 3 of your leg pieces will be whole (green) and the other 6 will be halved (blue) and I chose to alternate which is which so that the outside 2 are the same and the center is the reverse. To fasten the legs together, use your pocket hole system set for 1 1/2” stock and your 2 1/2” pocket hole screws and glue. To fasten to the Bench, use 2 1/2” screws and secure to the table supports on the outside, or use your pocket hole system set for 1 1/2” stock and your 2 1/2” pocket hole screws and glue to secure to the table top. or both…

Step 3
Step 4

Attach the Truss Supports: Measure each section (all 4) and Miter for exact fit and angle with an approximate 60 Degree angle on the side that will fasten to the Legs, and a pointed arrow shape with approximate 2 1/2” and 2 3/4” sections as shown below mitered at 135 degrees (approximately, so be sure before you cut). Fasten to the bench top, the supports, and the legs using your pocket hole system set for 1 1/2” stock and your 2 1/2” pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 4
Finishing Instructions

Fill and Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School, consider a water seal or outdoor appropriate sealant/finish if this will be used outside.

Disclaimer

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel free to link to my plans as long as you provide an appropriate link back. Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

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