Double X Bench Plans

I’ve been searching for the perfect bench for my front porch. It’s a narrow and smallish space. Then I spotted a super cute bench from Simply Jenna’s instagram feed, I love her style. (I’m sorry I’m not sure where here instagram feed went.) I modified the look a bit to make it longer and added an extra X.

So far I’m really liking it on the porch. The bench is 42″ long x 18″ high and 14″ deep.

I have an updated version of this bench. It’s easier to assemble and doesn’t require a Kreg pocket hole jig. See it here.

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How to Build a DIY Double X Bench

Materials

4 – 2″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (actual lumber dimensions 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
1 – 2″ x 3″ x 8′ board (actual lumber dimension 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″)
8 – 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
32 – 2 1/2″ screws or 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws if you like the rounded heads showing
wood glue
sandpaper
stain/paint
vaseline – optional
paint brush

Tools

miter saw
drill
countersink bit
corner cat sander
measuring tape
Kreg pocket hole jig
- These are the tools that I used, you can substitute for what you have.

Cut List

4 – 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 15 1/2″ with 15 deg miter cut on both ends
1 – 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 27″
4 – 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 42″
1 – 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 34 1/2″
2 – 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 13″
2 – 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ x 9″
4 – 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ x 16 1/4″ with 45 deg miter cut on both ends

Cut all of the pieces for the bench, see the cut diagram for visual reference.

Cut Diagram

Step 1

If your boards are rough, you may want to lightly sand them before assembling the bench.

Drill pocket holes for 1 1/2″ material in both ends of the 34 1/2″ and 27″ boards.

Measure and mark the center of the 13″ and 9″ pieces, also mark the center of both ends of the 34 1/2″ and 27″ pieces. Using wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws, attach the center of the 9″ pieces to the ends of the 34 1/2″ piece. Repeat for the center of the 13″ pieces and the 27″ piece.

(If you don’t have a Kreg pocket hole jig, you can toenail the screws in.)

Step 2

Measure and mark 1/2″ in from each 13″ piece end. The legs will inset 1/2″ in from each 13″ piece end.

Use the countersink bit and pre-drill countersink holes for screws to attach the legs to the 13″ pieces. Use either 2 1/2″ or 3″ screws to attach the legs to the 13″ pieces. (Note: the legs won’t fit perfectly onto the 13″ pieces, overhang the same amount on each leg.)

Turn the leg assembly upside down and mark 2″ down on each leg end. Pre-drill countersink holes in the outsides of the legs (I drilled the holes about 3″ down from the leg ends). Attach the 9″ pieces between the legs using 2 1/2″ or 3″ screws.

Step 3

Measure and mark the center line for the length and width on the 34 1/2″ piece. Mark 3/4″ on both sides of the length center line mark. Repeat the same marks on the 27″ piece.

Slide 2 of the 16 1/4″ X pieces in between the top and bottom supports, trim the 16 1/4″ pieces if necessary. Line up the ends of the X pieces with the 3/4″ marks and the center line mark between them. Drill countersink holes in the 34 1/2″ and 27″ pieces, attach each X piece with a 2 1/2″ or 3″ screw.

Flip the bench over, slide the other 2 – 16 1/4″ X pieces in between the top and bottom supports, trim the 16 1/4″ pieces if necessary. Line up the ends of the X pieces with the 3/4″ marks and the center line mark between them. Drill countersink holes in the 34 1/2″ and 27″ pieces, attach each X piece with a 2 1/2″ or 3″ screw.

Yay, now the base is done.

Step 4

Measure over about 6″ from the 42″ board ends, pre-drill countersink holes to attach the top pieces to the base.

The top will overhang 1/2″ from the 13″ pieces on the side and about 4″ from the ends. Attach the top boards to the base with 2 1/2″ screws.

The double X bench assembled and ready for finish.

I decided to go for a highly distressed (chippy paint) look. First I stained the bench a dark brown color.

Once the stain dried fully, I used a little petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and applied a small amount on the corners and edges where I didn’t want the paint to stick.

I used a white latex paint and painted the whole bench white and let the paint dry.

Anywhere I put the Vaseline, the paint kind of cracked and didn’t stick. I used a corner cat sander to distress the paint and rough it up.

I’m excited how the bench turned out, it’s looking at home on my front porch!

If you would like the printable plans, you can grab them here.