Easy DIY 2×6 Waterfall Bench Tutorial
Learn how to build an easy wood 2×6 bench from just 3 boards! This modern DIY waterfall bench tutorial is easy for beginners and includes detailed woodworking plans.
Want a different style DIY wood bench? Try this $25 easy DIY farmhouse bench and this 2-board outdoor garden bench.
Get the waterfall bench plans here
Easy 2×6 Wood Bench with Waterfall Edge
Back when we showed you our easy entry makeover, we debuted this super easy 2×6 bench with storage underneath.
This sturdy wood bench has been just the thing that we needed in our entryway.
It’s affordable to build this bench from basic construction lumber, or you could use redwood decking to make an outdoor bench.
The simple shape and easy modern waterfall edge give this wooden bench just the right style. And all the open space under the seat makes it perfect for putting storage bins under the bench!
Get the plans to build this simple 2×6 bench for your entryway, patio, porch, garden, dining table… anywhere!
See more things you can build from 2×6 and 2×4 lumber.
How to Build a Modern Waterfall 2×6 Bench
Here is the tutorial for the 2×6 modern waterfall bench that we designed and built for our entry.
This bench is perfect for a beginner woodworking project: no angled cuts, a few pocket holes, and a bit of sanding.
See how we made this bench in about a minute! (AND PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to see all our new tutorials!)
Below you will find the general instructions on how to build your own.
2×6 Bench Dimensions
Finished bench dimensions: 72” L x 16 ½” D x 18” H
Material List:
We built our entryway bench from construction grade 2×6 pine boards.
For an outdoor bench, use redwood or cedar 2×6 boards instead, like we used for this outdoor concrete and wood bench.
Be sure to check all planks to get them as straight and square as possible. See our tips for picking good lumber here.
Tools Needed:
- Compound Miter Saw (recommended) or Circular Saw
- Rafter Square
- Kreg Jig (pocket hole jig) or Biscuit Joiner
- Sander
- Bar Clamps
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
Get the full cut list in the detailed woodworking plans here.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Cut Bench Leg Pieces
Cut the legs pieces to length following the cut list in the PDF plans.
Each bench leg requires one longer piece and two shorter pieces. This allows the bench top to overlap for the modern waterfall edge.
Drill the pocket holes as shown in the plans, so you can edge-join the leg pieces together and join the legs to the bench seat.
Sand all the leg pieces using 80-120 grit sandpaper. Round the cut edges to match the rounded factory edges on the other edges of the boards.
Step 2: Assemble 2×6 Bench Legs
Attach each set of three 2×6 bench leg pieces together along the edges using pocket hole screws, to make the two side legs.
TIP: Be sure to use a straight edge and clamp to keep the bottom of the legs straight and flush.
Step 3: Prepare and Cut 2×6 Bench Top Pieces
Cut the three bench top 2×6 pieces to length as listed in the woodworking plans.
Drill pocket holes on the bench top pieces as shown in the plan illustrations, to edge-join the bench top and join the bench seat to the legs.
Sand all the pieces using 80-120 grit sandpaper, rounding the cut edges to match the factory edges.
Step 4: Assemble 2×6 Bench Seat
Attach the 3 – 2×6 bench seat pieces together with pocket hole screws, to make the top of the bench.
Tip: Use a scrap 2×6 to ensure the correct offset for the shorter of the bench top boards.
Step 5: Attach the Bench Legs to the Seat
Attach the sides (legs) to the bench top using pocket hole screws in the remaining pre-drilled pocket holes.
Finishing the Bench
The best part of building your own wood bench is that you can finished as desired!
We decided to leave ours natural with no finishes.
What do you think of this modern waterfall 2×6 bench?
Enjoy these other DIY Benches:
- Wooden garden bench from just 2 boards
- DIY wood bench frame with a chevron top
- DIY farmhouse wood bench for just $25
- Modern outdoor bench from concrete and redwood
- Modern triangle leg bench
First published 17 Jan 2017 // Last updated 13 Jan 2022
I am the husband of the amazing Cassity of Remodelaholic. I love to problem solve and to design and build things inside and outside the house to make life better. I am a professional Landscape Architect by trade and love the outdoors.
Love this and so easy!! Where did you find the galvanized storage bins?! They are perfect 🙂
Hi Chris,
All the info about the other things on/under the bench is in this post here: https://www.remodelaholic.com/new-mudroom-area/
Love it!!
Thanks!
Love the simplicity of this, looks like the perfect first pocket whole adventure for me. However I do have a question on the cut list. you have 18″ x 5 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ I get that the first one is length then width, but what is the 1 1/2″ at the end? is it the pocket holes?
Hi Jenny,
The 2×6 dimensions are actually 5 1/2 by 1 1/2 — so that cut list means cut an 18″ piece of 2×6, which will actually measure 18 x 5.5 x 1.5. Lumber dimensions are crazy like that 🙂 Best of luck and we’d love to see pictures when you build it!
Simple but pefect DIY. Love it! Thanks for share.
Thank you we really love it too!!
Hello! Great bench. I was wondering what type of wood I should buy for this project. And is the bench strong enough to support a few people sitting on it? Thank you!
Minnie! We used 2×6 structural lumber so just pine! Really affordable and really strong! If you feel like you’re going to be moving in around a lot and a lot of people are going to be sitting on it, you might want to take a 2 x 4 and add it to the center of the bench under the seat- like a i beam of sorts!
We can easily have three people sitting on our bench so it hasn’t been a problem and we haven’t needed it – but it’s an option!
I am building a small table with waterfall front and back to fit between a loveseat and matching chair. What is stopping your table from rocking back and forth since there are no cross pieces to hold it square? Are the pocket hole joints sufficient to do this?
Because the top and sides are sort of woven together they hold up really well and the weight of the peace keeps it from rocking in any way. The bench is super sturdy so I don’t think you should have a problem with a little side table
Hello! Thank you for the tutorial. Could I change the dimensions and turn it into a desk? Would it still support laptop/normal desk work?
Thanks,
Stacy
Stacy, you are welcome for the tutorial. I think this would make a great desk. It may not be the best surface to write on though. You might need to think of that, but if you make it desk height, it could work. I would make it a little narrower, because it is a little bouncy at the length it is at now. A four foot desk would be a lot sturdier.
Absolutely love this bench design relay simple but looks fab, just built a corner deck out of 2×6 and 2×4 using pocket hole jig for the first time been looking for a design for entryway bench found the perfect one and having plenty of 2×6 left for me to make your bench thanks
You’re welcome, Karen! We’d love to see photos when you build it!
We have the perfect spot for something like this in our small holiday home and the extra storage underneath is going to come in sooooo handy. Great tutorial, thank you
You’re welcome, and thanks for the comment!