Ryobi North- How to Build an Easy DIY Bench

I’ve recently partnered with Ryobi Canada to bring you a Canadian inspired project. Pop over to read all about the Ryobi North Canada 150 challenge here. This project is perfect for beginners, can be built in approximately 1 hour, and rings in at less than $75. Below are the instructions How to Build an Easy DIY Bench.

To build this DIY Bench you will need:

Drill
Driver
Mitre Saw (I use the Ryobi ONE+ONE 18-Volt 10 in. Cordless Brushless Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw)
Kreg Jig
2 ½” pocket hole screws (12 total)
1 ½” screws (16 total)
2 x ³/⁴ ” galvanized threaded pipes 48″ long
4 x ³/⁴ ” flange
3- 2 x 6 x 8 pressure treated lumber (I got color treated ones)

How to Build an Easy DIY Bench

As I mentioned in the previous post I recently got a new Mitre saw. This Ryobi ONE+ONE 18-Volt 10 in. Cordless Brushless Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw (say that 10 times fast) was perfect for this project, I was able to take it right along with me to the lake and build my project on site, because it’s battery operated! Still as powerful as my previous plug in model, but so portable.

Lets begin!

Phase 1- Leg pieces

Using the Mitre saw, cut two pieces measuring 17 ½” from each of the 3– 2 x 6 x 8. You will then have 6 pieces measuring 17 ½”. These will be the sides or legs of the bench. IMPORTANT- set the remaining pieces of lumber to the side, do NOT cut from them until you complete phase 1.

Next you will need to drill holes in four of the 17 ½”of the pieces using the Kreg jig and your drill or driver.

Two pocket holes along the long side, and one along the short side. Be sure to be mindful which side you put the hole on the top of the board. This way you’ll be able to sandwich the third piece between and have the pocket holes going in the proper direction.

Using 2 ½” pocket hole screws, screw the three pieces together to make a larger square. Touch up any rough edges with a piece of sandpaper.

Measure 4 ½” from the bottom of each leg piece (opposite short edge from the pocket holes). Place the bottom edge of the ³/⁴ ” flange on the measured mark, and centre on the seam of each board. Screw in place using 1 ½” screws. Measure both pieces, but only screw on one set of the flanges.

Next screw the ³/⁴ ” galvanized threaded pipes onto the flange pieces as well as the flanges on the opposite end, tightening as well as you can with your hand. Use a tape measure to be certain each pipe is screwed in to be the same length.

Attach the other side of the bench to the galvanized pipes. It may be helpful to have another set of hands for this part. However, I was able to stand the whole thing vertical to screw in place.

Phase 2- the bench seat

Now that the legs of the bench are complete, measure from the outside edge of each leg piece to the other to determine the length of the seat. I built two of these benches and both measured approximately 51 ½”, but this measurement could change depending how far the rod threads into the flange pieces, and you want the edges to be flush with one another for that modern industrial look.

Cut each of the three remaining pieces of lumber to length.

Similar to the leg pieces, drill three pocket holes on the long side of two of the boards. Sandwich the third board between and screw together using 2 ½” pocket hole screws.

Flip the leg piece onto the bench seat to attach. Use 2 ½” pocket hole screws in the four holes you created in phase 1. Touch up any rough edges with sandpaper.