Home » Blog » DIY Home Projects » How to Make Wood Bench with Metal Legs

How to Make Wood Bench with Metal Legs

Anyone else love a good home DIY project that easy, functional, and beautiful? From entryways to bedrooms and tv consoles, benches are a super versatile furniture piece. I’ve made a few benches over the years and am sharing my process here. With some careful sourcing and measuring, it comes together really quickly! Check out my steps on how to make a wood bench that works well in almost any space.

entryway wood bench with metal legs

You just need some sort of wood top (see sources below) and metal bench legs which are actually easy to find.

This bench is one of my all time favorite furniture pieces and the best part is I made it! It’s from the same tree as my Kitchen Wood Shelves.

Also, full disclosure: I used the bench legs from my brother’s business and where I help him with design content.

Wood Bench Supplies:

  • Metal Bench Legs – I used 11″ wide x 18″ high Metal Bench Legs in Powder Coated Black
  • Wood Slab – I used a piece of salvaged white oak. You could check your local lumber yard and there some nice finished ones online like this Maple Bench Top or this Butcher Block
  • Wax or Stain to protect wood slab
  • Screws or bolts to attach the top to the base (my bench legs came with the hardware)
  • Screwdriver or wrench to install the hardware
  • Cordless Drill/Driver to pre-drill holes (optional but makes it easier and keeps from damaging the wood when bolts are installed) I use this Cordless Drill Set
  • Ruler and pencil
metal bench legs
metal bench legs

1. Prep The Bench Top

If you’re going to stain or protect the wood bench top, you’ll want to do it before attaching it to the base. Make sure it dries or cures completely before attach the bench legs.

I like to keep my wood pieces natural and use furniture beeswax to protect the wood. That’s also what I used for my kitchen shelves.

making wood bench with metal legs

2. Mark the Holes

Flip over the bench top onto a soft surface so the bottom is face up to mark where to put the drill holes.

Determine how far from edge to place the bench legs. I placed my 3″ in from edge. If the legs are placed too far in from the edge, the overhang could be really weak.

Using a pencil, mark where the screw holes will be.

drilling holes for wood bench DIY

3. Pre-drill Holes

Set aside the bench legs. Using a drill bit just smaller than the bolt or screw size, pre-drill a shallow hole into the bench top. This will make it easy to screw in the hardware.

metal bench legs attached to wood slab

4. Attach Bench Top

With bench top still face down and the holes pre-drilled (ideally), place the bench legs so they line up with the marked placement.

Using screwdriver or wrench, attach the bench legs to the bench top being careful to not over tighten which could break bolt or strip screw.

entryway with shelf, hooks, wood bench and neutral decor

5. Flip Over Bench

The bench should now be complete! Check to make it’s sturdy and adjust screws if needed. I usually end up tightening them a bit.

neutral dining room with wood table and wood bench

This wood bench also worked double duty as seating at our dining room table for awhile.

Where to Put a Wood Bench

Ok, once you make a wood bench, you’ll be hooked and might be wondering exactly all the places where you can put it. Here are some of my favorite plays to style a bench:

  • Entryway
  • Foot of bed
  • Dining room seating
  • TV Console for smaller areas

More DIY

This bench of the most asked about projects I’ve done and looks great with my DIY Coffee Table. Also, check out How to Make Wood Shelves guide for another high impact home project.

Looking for something already finished? Check out my 8 Furniture Ideas to Update Your Space.

Leave a Reply