DIY Mini Bathroom Bench (or Outdoor Bench)

The raining season has finally gone. It is nice to try some DIY projects. Here is a plan to build a mini bathroom bench in 4 steps. You may choose to build whatever size you want. It could be bathroom bench, outdoor bench, or for your dining table.


I decide to build the size: Height 13", Longth 22", Width 10.5". I use 1x3" and 2x3" lumbers. It is easy to add more width. For instance, use 6 pieces, the width becomes 12.75", 7 pieces for 15". If you decide to build longer bench, you may choose 2x4 for top.

Step 1: Cut Lumber

I prepared the following cuts by Miter saw (Hitachi 10" is good choice, Dewalt is better, but more pricy). You may also use circular saw (7" will do the work). You can easily find these sizes in Home Depot. I have recycled the lumbers from other projects, so that they are not very uniform --- a little bit more work on sanding.
  • 2x3"  22" long, 5 pieces for top
  • 2x3"  10.5" long, 10 pieces for legs
  • 1x3"  13" long, 8 pieces for legs


Step 2: Build the Legs

Clean the lumber surface by using microfiber towel (or vacuum). Use wood glue (Titebond II wood glue, interior/exterior). Avoid using interior glue if you intend to use the bench outdoor. Use 24" bar clamps to hold them and leave them overnight.



Step 3: Polish & Paint

Assemble the Bench as above, sand the surface for smooth finish.

Once done, dissemble it for cleaning, staining and painting. I paint the legs to bright white (2 layers), and stain the top with dark walnut wood stain. Once you stain the wood, you need to finish with protection. I use polyurethane (interior). Don't paint (or stain) the joint parts, because we will glue them. Again, if you are building outdoor bench, please use exterior polyurethane, which is a little bit more expensive than interior. Home depot usually charges less than Amazon on paint and wood stain/finish.

Step 4: Assemble and Done


Again, use wood glue to put all parts together. I add 3" screws to reinforce the joint between legs and top.

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