The steps below follow the order of the work for this furniture project.
Learn how to build an straightforward wood 2×6 bench from just 3 boards! This modern Handmade waterfall bench walkthrough is straightforward for beginners and includes detailed woodworking plans.
Want a different style Handmade wood bench? Try this $25 straightforward Handmade farmhouse bench and this 2-board outdoor garden bench.
Get the waterfall bench plans here
straightforward 2×6 Wood Bench with Waterfall Edge
Back when we showed you our straightforward entry makeover, we debuted this clearly straightforward 2×6 bench with storage underneath.
This sturdy wood bench has been just the thing that we needed in our entryway.
It’s affordable to build this bench from basic construction lumber, or you could use redwood decking to make an outdoor bench.
The direct shape and straightforward modern waterfall edge give this wooden bench just the right style. And all the open space under the seat makes it well fitted for putting storage bins under the bench!
Get the plans to build this direct 2×6 bench for your entryway, patio, porch, garden, dining table… anywhere!
See more things you can build from 2×6 and 2×4 lumber.How to Build a Modern Waterfall 2×6 Bench
Here is the walkthrough for the 2×6 modern waterfall bench that we designed and built for our entry.
This bench is well fitted for a first-time woodworking project: no angled cuts, a few pocket holes, and a bit of sanding.
See how we made this bench in about a minute! (AND PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channe l to see all our new tutorials!)
Purchase the woodworking plans with the full cut list and detailed building diagrams here in the Bekob Shop.
Below you will find the general instructions on how to build your own.
2×6 Bench Dimensions
Finished bench dimensions: 72” L x 16 ½” D x 18” H
Material List:
- Printable woodworking plans
- (3) 2×6 x 10′ Boards
- (32) 1 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
We built our entryway bench from construction grade 2×6 pine boards.
For an outdoor bench, use redwood or cedar 2×6 boards instead, like we used for this outdoor concrete and wood bench.
Be sure to check all planks to get them as straight and square as possible. See our tips for picking good lumber here.
Tools Needed:
- Compound Miter Saw (recommended) or Circular Saw
- Rafter Square
- Kreg Jig (pocket hole jig) or Biscuit Joiner
- Sander
- Bar Clamps
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
Get the full cut list in the detailed woodworking plans here.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Cut Bench Leg Pieces
Cut the legs pieces to length following the cut list in the PDF plans.
Each bench leg requires one longer piece and two shorter pieces. This allows the bench top to overlap for the modern waterfall edge.
Drill the pocket holes as shown in the plans, so you can edge-join the leg pieces together and join the legs to the bench seat.
Sand all the leg pieces using 80-120 grit sandpaper. Round the cut edges to match the rounded factory edges on the other edges of the boards.
Step 2: Assemble 2×6 Bench Legs
Attach each set of three 2×6 bench leg pieces together along the edges using pocket hole screws, to make the two side legs.
TIP: Be sure to use a straight edge and clamp to keep the bottom of the legs straight and flush.
Step 3: Prepare and Cut 2×6 Bench Top Pieces
Cut the three bench top 2×6 pieces to length as listed in the woodworking plans.
Drill pocket holes on the bench top pieces as shown in the plan illustrations, to edge-join the bench top and join the bench seat to the legs.
Sand all the pieces using 80-120 grit sandpaper, rounding the cut edges to match the factory edges.
Step 4: Assemble 2×6 Bench Seat
Attach the 3 – 2×6 bench seat pieces together with pocket hole screws, to make the top of the bench.
Tip: Use a scrap 2×6 to ensure the correct offset for the shorter of the bench top boards.
Step 5: Attach the Bench Legs to the Seat
Attach the sides (legs) to the bench top using pocket hole screws in the remaining pre-drilled pocket holes.
Finishing the Bench
The best part of building your own wood bench is that you can finished as desired!
We decided to leave ours natural with no finishes.
What do you think of this modern waterfall 2×6 bench?
Enjoy these other Handmade Benches:
- Wooden garden bench from just 2 boards
- Handmade wood bench frame with a chevron top
- Handmade farmhouse wood bench for just $25
- Modern outdoor bench from concrete and redwood
- Modern triangle leg bench
First published 17 Jan 2017 // Last updated 13 Jan 2022
