If you’re in need of more sitting space around the table or are looking into how to make a simple bench, this DIY hairpin bench doesn’t get any easier. If used in the dining room and you can replace two chairs to fit 3 people, or more if you’re seating little kids.
Four years ago, my daughter and her husband moved to Columbus, Ohio for dental school. They left with a 6-month-old baby, and returned 4 years later, with two more kids (apparently dental school doesn’t keep you all that busy?). Now a family of 5, they’re starting a new chapter while furnishing a small rental home.
To help, I happily agreed to build them a table and bench for their dine-in kitchen. After all, my love of DIY wood benches is real! There are several bench tutorials on this blog to prove it.
DIY Hairpin Bench
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The possibilities are endless for this bench with hairpin legs. Entryway, bedroom, or anywhere extra seating is needed. And it’s as quick as it gets where you only need one board!
| Materials Needed |
| (1) 2″ x 12″ Pine wood board cut to desired length. If you are making the matching table, cut the length to 51″ if you want the bench to nest under the table.
Set of metal legs (you can find the ones I used here) Miter Saw (of have your wood cut at the store) Finish of choice (I used this stain and this top coat) |
Step 1: Cut Board to Size
The seat of this easy bench is made from a 2 x 12 board cut to the desired length. Keep these tips in mind as you build your seat.
- Select a straight board
- Pay attention to the knots. If you want a cleaner, less rustic look, select a board with fewer knots or choose a different kind of wood.
- When you’re ready to cut, trim the end of the board first, so you can measure from a square edge.
- Cut the board the same length as your table to maximize seating space, or cut it 6″ shorter if you want the option to nest the bench under the table.
This DIY indoor bench will sit alongside a small 3′ x 5′ table. After talking to my daughter we decided to go with a shorter length to have the nesting option since the table will be against the wall with the bench underneath, when not in use.
Step 2: Sand the Board
As you think about how to make a simple bench like this with a smooth finish, some sanding will be necessary. Using a power sander helps to smooth out the rough spots quickly. I started with 120 grit and followed with 320 until it was nice and smooth.
I love this sander because as you can see, there are no cords or compressors. It’s small, lightweight, and powerful, even though it’s battery operated.
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Step 3: Apply the Finish
You’re almost to the end already. See? building benches isn’t all that bad if you keep things simple.
At this point, you can apply the stain/paint color of your choice. This is the stain color I used. I also applied three coats of this top coat. If you want details on how to create a smooth finish on this one board bench, be sure to read this post. If you love building benches or any other wood piece you can apply the same finish using the same process.
Step 4: Attach Hairpin Legs
Once the board is all dry you get to add the jewels of the project. These hairpin bench legs are a beauty and can be easily attached with a drill and wood screws, which are included with the legs. I was surprised at how sturdy they are.
It was also super cool that they came with floor protectors. I’m telling you if you’re looking for easy benches to build, it doesn’t get easier than this one.
And there you have it. Building a bench is easy and really gives you the confidence to take on more projects. Not to mention you don’t need a power saw if you have your wood cut at the store. After a little bit of work, you have a simple, cute, and functional bench you can use anywhere in your home. Are you ready to give this easy DIY bench a try? Where in your home will you put it? Let me know in the comments.
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I am passionate about teaching women how to get started with power tools and this hairpin leg bench is a perfect project to start. So, if you have a husband with a stash of tools you want to learn to use while he’s at work (shhh…I won’t tell), or if your neighbor, family or friends let you borrow theirs, join the sawdust sisterhood for more simple projects like this to beautify your home!!
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