How to Build a Wall Sitting Bench

Measure and cut two 2-by-4 planks to 66-inches in length with a miter saw. Cut two additional to 18-inches in length. Cut one 2-by-4 to 16 inches for a center support. Cut five 1-by-3 planks to 72 inches in length for the seat. Cut three 2-by-2 planks to 18-inches in length with the ends mitered to a 45 degree angle for support beams. The angles need to point toward center of the plank with the 18 inches being the longer side.

Measure and mark on the 66-inch planks a vertical line 33-inches from each end, which will be the centerpoint. Assemble the basic frame to make sure all the pieces fit together. The 66-inch planks are the back and front. The 18-inch planks are the sides, and the 16-inch plank is the center support. Center the 16-inch plank on the marks made on the 66-inch planks. All the 2-by-4s sit with the 2-inch edge parallel to the ground with the 4-inch edges sitting vertically.

Use a stud finder to locate three adjacent studs on the wall you want the bench to be mounted. Measure up from the ground to the height you want the bench and place an "X" on the center stud. The standard height is 18 inches.

Position the 66-inch back plank against the wall so that the upper edge is flush with the "X" and the 4-inch side of the board is against the wall. Drive a single 4-inch self-tapping wood screw through the mark for the centerpoint made in Step 2 into the wall centered below the "X". All the screws need to be countersunk to just below the surface of the board. Set a level on top of the board to make sure the board is level from left to right, and drive screws through the board into the left and right studs. Place a total of 2 screws through the plank into each of the three studs.

Drive two 3-inch self-tapping wood screws through each side plank into the ends of the other 66-inch wood plank. The front of the 66-inch plank needs to be flush with the ends of the 18-inch wood planks. This makes a C-shape. Attach the structure to the 2-by-4 mounted on the wall. Drive two 3-inch wood screws through the 18-inch planks into the 2-by-4 mounted on the wall. You should now have a basic box mounted to the wall.

Position the center support plank so that it is centered on the marks made in Step 2 on the front and rear planks. Drive two 3-inch nails through the front plank into the end of the 16-inch wood plank. Drive two screws through the side of the 16-inch plank at an angle into the side of the back plank. The upper edge of the 16-inch plank should be flush with the upper edges of the front and back planks.

Attach the 2-by-2 support beams. The support beams connect to the bottom of the side planks and center support plank and connect to the wall. Place a level on top of the 2-by-4s. Drive a screw through the lower portion of the 2-by-2 planks into the wall. Drive a screw through the top portion of the plank into the bottom edge of the 2-by-4s while monitoring the level of the bench.

Place the 1-by-3 planks on top of the bench. Each plank will have a 1-inch overhang on each side. Drive one 3-inch screw through each plank into the side and center support 2-by-4s. Start with the board adjacent to the wall. Place the next board along the front edge. Give the front board a half-inch overhang on the front and screw in place. The remaining boards will be separated by 1-inch between each board. Mount each board accordingly.