How to Build a Wood Bench
![How To Make a Modern Wood Bench](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/023/0239/0239963.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661820662171.webp)
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/talent/dan-faires/hgtv-avatar-talent-dan-faires.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1414011627881.webp)
![Minimalist Wood Bench minimalist wood bench in a foyer](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-final-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.85.suffix/1442605800534.webp)
Materials and Tools:
- (9) 1x4 x 10’ pine boards
- miter box and saw
- wood glue
- (1) box 1-1/4" finish nails
- stain or paint
- paintbrush
- pencil
- speed square
Measure and Cut Boards
Cut boards down to multiple sized slats including 18 at 18", 20 at 14-1/2" and 10 at 3' using a miter box and saw.
![Measure wood piece at 36 inches to make a bench.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-measure.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605803335.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Mark a line across the wood piece before cutting.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-mark.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605801824.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Cut wood using a miter box and saw.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-cut-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605799814.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Cut wood pieces using a miter box and saw.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-cut-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605799684.webp)
Boyte Creative
Assemble First Pieces
Lay a 3' piece down, and place a 14-1/2" piece perpendicular at each end of the 3' piece. Apply wood glue on top of the wood, and lay an 18-inch piece on top of the 14-1/2" piece overlapping at the top corner of the bench. Line everything up with a speed square and nail together. Repeat on opposite corner.
![Attach first wood pieces using wood glue and a nail gun.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-attach-first-pieces-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605799751.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Attach first wood pieces at a 90 degree angle to make a modern bench.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-attach-first-pieces-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605798915.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Attach first wood pieces using a nail gun.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-attach-first-pieces-3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605806054.webp)
Boyte Creative
Alternate Wood Slats
Dab glue in the top corners of the two 18" pieces, and place a 3' piece on top horizontally. Secure with nails. Repeat these steps until you use all of the 1x4s. Fill any holes with wood filler, and allow everything to dry for 24 hours.
![Apply glue in between wood pieces to make a bench.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-repeat-steps-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605802472.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Attach more wood pieces with a nail gun to complete bench.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-repeat-steps-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605803348.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Apply wood filler to all nail holes on bench.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-apply-wood-filler.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605807620.webp)
Boyte Creative
Sand and Stain
Use 220-grit sandpaper to smooth all surfaces. Wipe clean, and apply a clear coat of polyurethane.
![Sand entire wood bench with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-sand-piece.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605803273.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Apply polyurethane to entire bench to protect the wood.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-apply-polyurethane.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1442605799770.webp)
Boyte Creative
![Make a modern wood bench using scrap pieces of wood.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/9/18/1/Original_Danmade-wood-bench-final-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.347.85.suffix/1442605800534.webp)