Plans

Free DIY Furniture Plans // How to Build a Cutter Picnic Bench

05.05.15 By //
You Can Build This! Easy DIY Furniture Plans from The Design Confidential with Complete Instructions on How to Build a Cutter Bench via @thedesconf

A fabulous bench for the end of the bed, your entryway or even in the backyard for a little enjoyment of the great outdoors… Did I mention easy to build? This will be a bit like a puzzle and fun to piece together!

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 easy as pie and perfect for beginners). With that, go forth, have fun, take lots of pictures and share them in a showcase on the site or on social media with the hashtag #builtTDCtuff and we will share our faves! Be sure to tag @thedesignconfidential on Instagram / FB and @thedesconf on Twitter / Pinterest. If you are a blogger and you post about your build, don’t forget to include a link to your post on your showcase here. Don’t forget… for all of our newer plans, clicking on the images will let them expand to enormous sizes with much greater clarity. The older plans may need updating so please let us know if you need one fixed!

You Can Build This! Easy DIY Furniture Plans from The Design Confidential with Complete Instructions on How to Build a Cutter Bench via @thedesconf
$50-$100
You Can Build This! Easy DIY Furniture Plans from The Design Confidential with Complete Instructions on How to Build a Cutter Bench via @thedesconf

 

 

 

  • 2 – 2×3 at 8’
  • 1 – 2×2 at 8’
  • 6 – 1×2 at 8’
  • 4 – 2×3 at 16-3/4” – Legs
  • 2 – 2×3 at 16” – Bottoms
  • 2 – 2×2 at 46” – Tops
  • 4 – 1×2 at 3-7/8” – Ends
  • 27 – 1×2 at 16” – Slats
  • 52 – 1×2 at 3/4” – Spacers

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! 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 the pieces for the Legs. On the top edge, measure 1/4” and make a mark. From this point, mark and cut a 45-degree angle. Make a 45-degree angle cut (perpendicular to the 45-degree angle on the top of the Leg) on the bottom of the Leg.

Cut the pieces for the Bottoms. Cut each end at a 45-degree angle as shown. With the Kreg jig set for 1-1/2” material, drill pocket holes in both ends of the Bottoms (on the longest side of the Bottom, which will face downward when assembled). Attach the Bottoms to the Legs as shown with glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Cut the pieces for the Tops. Cut each end at a 45-degree angle as shown. With the Kreg jig set for 1-1/2” material, drill pocket holes in both ends of the Tops (on the longest side of the Top, which will face upward when assembled). Attach the Tops to the Legs as shown with glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Cut the pieces for the Ends. Cut only one end of each End piece at a 45-degree angle as shown. Attach the Ends to the Tops as shown with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails. See how the Ends hide those pocket holes? Nifty, huh?

Cut the pieces for the Slats and Spacers. Place the first Slat next to the End pieces, flush on each end with the Tops. Secure the Slat to the Ends with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails, countersunk (brads will be nailed through the side of the Slat into the Ends). Next, position Spacers next to the Slat, one on each Top. Secure the Spacers to the Tops with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails. Repeat this step until the last Slat has been positioned on the other end, next to the End pieces. The best way to finish this piece is to have the Slats one color and the rest of the pieces another color – this will give the really cool effect of the Slats “cutting” into the Bench.

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

// Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! 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. By accessing or using any part of the web site, you agree to become bound by the terms and conditions of this website as outlined under Terms of Use. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the Website or use any services. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by The Design Confidential.com and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, personal injury or death, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of information or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website. 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. The Design Confidential.com is inspired by but does not replicate exact designs, any similarities between these plans and items sold at specialty retailers is coincidental and not endorsed by or related to any said retailers. // Affiliate links are used for tools and materials. The Design Confidential will earn a small commission for any items purchased using these links. Thank you for your support – every little bit counts!

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