A fresh coat of paint can completely change the look and feel of a project, and this DIY bench makeover from Donna at Do Dodson Designs is a perfect example. Starting with a simple handmade bench, Donna uses Dixie Belle Paint products to add color, character, and protection, creating a finished piece that’s both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re updating outdoor furniture, refreshing a thrifted find, or finishing a brand-new build, this project is full of inspiration for bringing your vision to life with paint.

(The following is an excerpt from Do Dodson Designs. Read the full article here.)  

Got some scrap wood lying around? This DIY Wood Bench is super easy to build, and it looks amazing! I built this entire bench using only 2x4s, and I’m sharing the exact measurements so you can recreate it easily. This wood bench design has a clean farmhouse look, but it’s also durable enough for outdoor use, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

**Alt Tag:** DIY outdoor wood bench with black painted seat and stained wood frame, displayed on a covered patio and finished with Dixie Belle Paint products.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Wooden Bench

Whether you’re into home DIY projects or just want to try something new, this is a great beginner-friendly build.

This DIY wooden bench is one of those projects that checks all the boxes. It’s quick to build, budget-friendly, and you can customize it to fit your space. The chunky 2×4 design gives it that modern rustic feel. You can easily dress it up with stain, paint, or even leave it natural for a more organic look.

It works beautifully as:

  • An entryway bench
  • A small porch seat
  • A simple garden bench (use treated lumber)

If you’ve ever searched for how to build a bench without complicated plans—this is it.

And if you’re new to woodworking, this project is a great place to start. It’s one of those home DIY projects where you can build confidence while still ending up with something useful and beautiful.

Supply List For DIY Wood Bench

Here’s what you’ll need to build this bench!

  • Scrap wood 2X4s (treated lumber if you’re using the bench outdoors)
  • Chop Saw or Miter Saw
  • Speed Square
  • Wood Sander and sandpaper (180 – 120 grit)
  • Brad nailer (to secure the wood together before screwing it together)
  • Exterior wood screws (I used 2.5-inch)
  • Anchor SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint
  • Golden Ash NO Pain Gel Stain (oil-based)
  • Paintbrush
  • Foam Brush (Foam and Dandy)

Cut List (Using Only 2x4s)

Here are the measurements I used for this DIY wood bench:

  • 3 pieces at 36 inches (these are your top boards)
  • 4 pieces at 14.5 inches (these are your legs)
  • 4 pieces at 8 inches (these are the inner supports for each side frame)

That’s all there is to it—super simple and perfect for using up scrap wood! I only used one 10 ft and one 8 ft 2×4 to make this bench.

**Alt Tag:** Cut lumber pieces arranged on a driveway before assembly for a DIY outdoor wood bench project using pressure-treated wood.

Step 1: Cut Your Wood Pieces

Start by cutting all your pieces using the measurements above. Try to keep your cuts as straight as possible so everything lines up nicely during assembly.

Once everything is cut, lay it out—you’ll see the bench taking shape quickly.

**Alt Tag:** Miter saw cutting pressure-treated lumber for a DIY outdoor bench project, with measuring square and pencil used to mark precise cuts.

Step 2: Sand the Wood

Give each board a quick sanding to smooth rough edges and splinters. You don’t need to overdo it—just enough to make it clean and comfortable to use.

I always spend a little extra time on the top boards since those are the most visible and your delicates will be sitting on them. 🤭

**Alt Tag:** Hand sanding pressure-treated wood boards to smooth the surface and prepare the pieces for a DIY outdoor bench build.

Step 3: Build the Side Frames

Each side of the bench is a simple rectangular frame. I love the simplicity of this design.

Take two of your 14.5-inch leg pieces and connect them with two of the 8-inch support pieces—one at the top and one at the bottom, leaving a one-inch space at the bottom of the leg piece. Make sure everything is nice and square. A speed square is super helpful and way more accurate than just guessing!

I used brad nails first to get everything in place, then went in with wood screws. Two pairs of hands are helpful, but if you can’t, nailing it first will do the trick.

Repeat this to create the second frame. These two frames will be the base of your DIY Wood Bench.

**Alt Tag:** Step-by-step assembly of DIY outdoor bench legs, showing wood pieces aligned with a square, secured with screws, and completed leg frames.

Step 4: Assemble the Bench Base

Stand both frames upright and space them apart. Now attach your 36-inch boards across the top.

These boards will act as both the structure and the seat support. Once attached with the wood screws, your bench should feel solid and balanced.

**Alt Tag:** Completed wooden bench leg assemblies made from pressure-treated lumber, ready for attachment to the bench seat in a DIY outdoor bench project. **Alt Tag:** Attaching the bench seat to assembled wooden leg frames using a drill during the construction of a DIY outdoor wood bench.

Step 5: Attach the Top Boards Of The DIY Wood Bench

Now secure all three 36-inch boards across the top to form the seat.

Leave a slight gap between them for a more rustic farmhouse look. Attach them evenly and check alignment as you go.

For the top boards, I used a pin nailer to attach them first, then flipped the bench over. I pre-drilled pilot holes in the side pieces and used wood screws to make it super sturdy. Plus, this way, no screws are showing on top of the DIY wood bench!

**Alt Tag:** Securing the wooden seat boards to a DIY outdoor bench frame with a pneumatic nail gun during the final assembly process.

Step 6: Paint, Stain, or Both

Time to make your DIY wood bench pop! Or leave as is if you like the natural look of the wood.

For the seat of the bench, I opted for a rich, deep black color using Anchor SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint. I found that just two coats of this paint provided complete coverage, and what I really love about this paint is that it functions as a primer, stain blocker, and top coat, all in one convenient product! It has become an absolute favorite of mine for projects like this.

**Alt Tag:** Applying Anchor Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint to the seat of a DIY outdoor bench using a Dixie Belle Paint brush for a durable black finish.

To really bring out the natural beauty of the wood on the leg base, I chose a warm No Pain Gel Stain in Golden Ash to beautifully highlight the wood grain.

Apply the stain (oil-based) on the wood with a sponge, cloth, or even a paintbrush. After applying, immediately wipe away any remaining on the wood. This product does not need a topcoat sealer. But if you’re using it outdoors and exposed to the weather, I do suggest adding Gator Hide, a water-repellent topcoat to extend the life and to keep your bench looking beautiful.

I personally love this color combo, which creates a lovely contrast and results in a cozy, inviting farmhouse aesthetic that is sure to warm up any space.

**Alt Tag:** Applying Golden Ash No Pain Gel Stain to the frame of a DIY outdoor bench with a foam brush to enhance the natural wood grain and add rich color.

Finished DIY Wood Bench

And just like that, your DIY Wood Bench is done.

It’s simple, sturdy, and made entirely from 2x4s—which makes it one of those projects you’ll want to build again and again. I’m currently building a second one to match.

**Alt Tag:** Finished DIY outdoor wood bench featuring an Anchor Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint seat and a Golden Ash No Pain Gel Stain frame, displayed on a covered patio.

There’s just something really satisfying to me about building something this useful out of just a few scrap boards. This DIY Wood Bench proves you don’t need complicated plans or expensive materials to create something beautiful.

**Alt Tag:** Finished DIY outdoor wood bench with a black painted seat and stained wood frame, styled on a covered patio alongside outdoor furniture and greenery. **Alt Tag:** DIY outdoor wood bench featuring an Anchor Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint seat and Golden Ash No Pain Gel Stain frame, styled on a covered patio with outdoor seating and plants.

Thank you to Donna from Do Dodson Designs for sharing this creative bench project with the Dixie Belle community. We love seeing how paint can take a simple piece and give it personality, transforming it into something truly unique. From the carefully chosen finish to the attention to detail, this project shows how the right products can make all the difference.

Feeling inspired? Grab your favorite Dixie Belle colors and create a look that’s all your own. Be sure to share your finished project with us on social media using #DixieBellePaint so we can see what you’ve been working on! For another easy outdoor project that makes a big impact, check out our blog, How to Refresh Your Pation with a DIY Wooden Cofee Table.

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About the Author

Do Dodson Designs

Donna, also known as Do, is a decorative furniture artist, photographer, DIYer, author of Do Dodson Designs Blog. Do's true passion is attached to the paint brush and encouraging women. She has a successful online group where she teaches women how to merge their passion for furniture painting with business growth.

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