First off, let’s get one thing straight, I am in love with wood benches. My very first real DIY build was this Farmhouse Bench. I even modified the length to fit my entry way. The best part? it only cost me $15 in lumber. For a few more dollars, I ripped some plywood for the Faux Shiplap Wall you see behind it! This entry way marked the beginning of my love for DIY.
Why DIY?
It seems like a dumb question, but one worth asking yourself. For me, DIY-ing is not only a way to save money, but it is a way to get exactly what I want. I can make a piece fit MY space, rather than re-arrange everything to fit a piece of furniture I buy. So, customization is a big reason. Why else do I DIY?
I just LOVE it.
It’s a stress reliever.
It’s a creative outlet.
It feels amazing to decorate my house with something I have created. If you are a DIY-er, I am certain you can relate.
Why Buy?
Speaking from experience. I am a novice wood worker, so there is a limit to what I can make. And. Let’s be honest. I love to shop, too. Sometimes I would rather BUY than DIY.
Why?
Because tools are expensive. To save money building furniture you have to invest in expensive equipment. Don’t get me wrong, it’s totally worth it. I have a few main tools that have served me well thus far, and my collection continues to grow.
But, even when you have the tools, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy than to DIY. What?… It’s true!, especially if it’s a clearance item, just buy it!.
So, let’s get to the reason for this post. Remember those benches? I rounded up 10 varieties for you to either BUY or DIY. It was so much fun to find these amazing creations. Some of them are already on my to DIY list.
Or maybe I’ll just buy them 🙂
SO pull out your credit card (or your miter saw!). One of these beauties is sure to sweep the sawdust off your feet. Enjoy!
10 Gorgeous Wood Benches you can BUY or DIY
Scroll to the bottom, (below the image)to find links to the products and DIY tutorial for the benches. Will you buy? or DIY?. The choice is yours!
Affiliate links included for your convenience. Click here to read our disclosure
Scroll to the bottom for the links to each bench!
- Shoe Storage Bench-BUY
- Shoe Storage Bench-DIY
- Faux Fur Bench-BUY
- Faux Fur Bench-DIY
- West Elm Slab Bench-BUY
- West Elm Slab Bench Look Alike-DIY
- Upholstered accent bench with wood legs-BUY
- Upholstered accent bench with wood legs-DIY
- Rustic Wood Bench-BUY
- Rustic Wood Bench-DIY
- Upholstered Bedroom X-Bench-BUY
- Upholstered Bedroom X-Bench-DIY
- IKEA Nornas Bench-BUY
- IKEA Nornas Bench Look Alike-DIY
- Farmhouse-Style Wood Bench-BUY
- Farmhouse-Style Wood Bench-DIY
- Garden Patio Bench-BUY
- Garden Patio Bench-DIY
- Modern Slat Bench-BUY
- Modern Slat Bench-DIY
other building projects you will LOVE
Novice woodworker and serial Popcorn eater, Janice Thomas writes detailed tutorials that motivate others to “dare to try”. Originally from Puerto Rico, Janice is fluent in Spanish and dreams of owning a beach house on the island someday! Janice currently lives in Utah with her husband and children, where she works as a university professor.
Anika says
February 11, 2017 at 12:13 amGreat collection!!! Now I have a few more ideas to build… but first I have to decide what I would do with those benches? LOL..
Thanks for including my bench 🙂
Janice says
February 11, 2017 at 12:03 pmThanks Anika!! I have a lot of benches around my house 🙂 I’m working on another one for a friend! So, you could give them away! Haha
christy@theharperhouse says
February 13, 2017 at 8:14 amgreat roundup Janice! I love all your choices. And sometimes, it is easier to just buy them. But the satisfaction you get doing diy is great too 🙂 Have a great week! xo, Christy
Janice says
February 13, 2017 at 11:36 amThanks Christy! Sadly, sometimes it is easier and CHEAPER to buy than to DIY.
Maria @ Pastels and Macarons says
February 13, 2017 at 3:14 pmGreat list ladies. Love the fact you have a DIY option and a paid equivalent option. Very cool.
Janice says
February 13, 2017 at 3:27 pmThanks Maria!
Vineta @ The Handyman's Daughter says
March 2, 2017 at 11:22 amI’m always torn between buying and building! Sometimes I’ll get halfway through a build and regret not just buying the stupid thing instead. Great list!
Janice says
March 2, 2017 at 4:54 pmHaha! I hear you! Some of these are definitely cheaper to buy! 🙂