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Barely more than a box with a shelf, but the 1x2 trim pieces around the base are doing real structural work, not just decoration — they add meaningful stiffness against the kind of loading a kid's bench actually sees, which is jumping, not just sitting. Don't skip them or substitute something thinner.
The side profile is cut freehand with a jigsaw, so take it slow and sand until both sides genuinely match — the seat height is adjustable by changing the side panel length, so measure against the table or step stool this bench needs to pair with before committing to the plan's default height.
| Item |
|---|
| Qty |
|---|
| Pine, 1x12, 5 ft | 1 each |
| Pine, 1x2, 5 ft | 1 each |
| Self-tapping wood screws, 2" or 1-1/4" nails | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 2 oz |
Overall cost: $. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| SidesPineCut to 17" for a standard adult seat height instead of kid height. | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 12 1/2" |
| TopPine | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 14 1/2" |
| ShelfPine | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 12" |
| TrimPine | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 12" |
Buy 2 boards at 8 ft.
1 board
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Cut the side profile as shown, taking your time with the jigsaw. Sand any rough edges smooth and check that the two sides match each other.
Mark both sides 3" from the bottom, inside and out, and attach the shelf using the marked line as a guide. Use 2" finish nails and glue, 2" screws, or 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Mark a 1/2" overhang on the top piece, center it over the sides, and attach.
Add the 1x2 trim pieces around the base with glue and nails or screws. These add real support against the kind of loading a kid's bench sees day to day — don't skip them.
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