Easy DIY Entryway Bench for $10

This week I built my first project of the year, an easy DIY entryway bench! I only used one board that cost less than $10 to build this DIY wood bench! It’s a really quick and easy project if you need to add some extra storage and seating by your entryway.

The final dimensions of this DIY bench are about 37″ long  x 11″ wide x 18″ tall, perfect for a small nook or wall, but you can easily adjust it for different size spaces.

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How to Build a DIY Entryway Bench:

I finished off my bench with these cute baskets and throw pillow.

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1. Cut wood to size

Use a miter saw or table saw to cut your wood to size. Or have your home improvement store make the cuts, which is what I did to save time. Also, make sure you use very straight lumber for this project!

Make the first two cuts at 16 1/2″ long (for the bench sides). Next, make the third cut at 26″ long (for the bench shelf).

After the first three cuts, there will be about 37″ of wood left for your bench top. So, no leftover scrap wood to worry about, yay!

2. Add pocket holes to the DIY entryway bench

Use a Kreg Jig and add two pocket holes to the top side of the 16 1/2″ bench sides. Then, add 2 pocket holes to each end of the 26″ bench shelf piece.

Tip: See my how to use a Kreg Jig post for an easy, step by step tutorial and video tutorial on how to use the Kreg Jig!

3. Attach bench sides to bench shelf

Note: Ok so here’s where I had mom brain on this really simple project. It would be easier to first attach the bench sides to the the bench top (step #4 below) and then attach the bench shelf. When you attach the shelf first like I did, you need to use smaller Kreg drill bits or a smaller drill to screw in the Kreg screws because a standard size drill and Kreg drill bit doesn’t fit easily between the shelf and bench top. So, if you don’t have a smaller drill or smaller drill bits with a square tip, then attach the bench top first (step #4), then do this step to attach the bench shelf.

Measure and mark 3″ up from the bottom of each 16 1/2″ bench side piece. Then, attach the 26″ bench shelf board at these marks with a drill and 2 1/2″ Kreg screws. I used my Kreg right angle clamp to help with this step.

4. Attach DIY bench top to bench sides

Center the bench bottom on top of the bench top as shown in the photo below. There should be about 4″ of overhang on each side of the bench sides.

Using a drill and 2 1/2″ Kreg screws, attach the DIY entryway bench top to the bench sides. Note, this is the part where I had to use my smaller Kreg drill bits (see note above in step #3).

Flip your bench over and your DIY wood bench is complete!!!

5. Paint or stain the DIY wood bench

Make sure your bench is sanded well, then either paint, stain, or apply a weathered wood finish to it. I chose to apply a weathered wood gray finish to mine to make it more rustic!

I finished off my easy DIY entryway bench with these cute baskets and throw pillow.

What do you think? Could you use a small bench with some extra storage? Also, I have another entryway bench and storage build, this DIY hall tree, if you want another option!

Well that’s a wrap on my first project of the year and my first project back from maternity leave! Follow along for my latest projects and sneak peaks on Instagram and Pinterest!

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