Why build a plywood bench?

If you’re looking for a DIY project that’s both functional and stylish, building a plywood bench might be perfect for you! This bench combines simplicity with elegance, making it a beautiful addition to any room or entryway. A DIY plywood bench offers a modern, clean look that’s versatile and fits in various settings. Okoumé plywood, known for its durability and fine grain, is ideal for this project. With the right finish, it can mimic the rich, warm color of afrormosia wood, giving a luxurious appearance without the high cost.

Materials & tools you’ll need

To get started, you’ll need 25 mm thick okoumé plywood, dowels, furniture connectors, and finishing oil or stain. For the best experience, gather the following tools:

• 25 mm thick okoumé plywood — I ordered everything cut to size at opmaatzagen.nl:
  • 2pcs – 450 x 330 mm
  • 1 pc – 1750 x 330 mm
  • 1 pc – 345 x 280 mm
  • 1 pc – 862 x 60 mm
  • 1 pc – 863 x 60 mm
• Drilling jig for accurate hole alignment
• Drill with bits (5 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm)
• Wooden dowels
• Furniture connectors
• Hammer
• Sandpaper
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Cloths for applying oil or stain
• Rubio Monocoat oil plus 2C – mixed colors ‘bourbon’ and ‘ice brown’

In addition, a custom cushion adds comfort and completes the look. I ordered mine in a cold foam style with a cover in “Trekatex Frianus 028 Sunkiss,” which complements the wood’s warm tones.

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Steps to build your bench

STEP 1/ Pre-drilling the holes

Start by using a drilling jig to pre-drill all necessary holes for the wooden dowels and furniture connectors. This step requires precision to ensure that the dowels and connectors align perfectly during assembly. Don’t skip this—accurate holes mean a solid and stable final product.

STEP 2/ Assembling the pieces

Next, assemble the bench components with wooden dowels and furniture connectors. In the 5 mm holes, screw in the connecting bolts, in the 10 mm holes, insert the wooden dowels, and in the 15mm holes, insert the cam locks. Each part (seat, sides, support beams, center support) fits together to create a strong structure. A hammer can help with securing the dowels firmly. This part of the build is highly satisfying, as the bench takes shape before your eyes!

STEP 3/ Finishing with oil or stain

Okoumé plywood has a beautiful grain that can be enhanced with a quality wood oil. For an afrormosia-like color, I recommend to use oil plus 2C from Rubio Monocoat, which comes in a variety of shades. One of the biggest advantages of this product is that it only requires a single coat! For this project, I used a mix of “bourbon” and “ice brown” to achieve a warm, amber hue. Apply the oil evenly with a cloth or brush, allow it to soak in, and then wipe away any excess. After drying, this finish gives the bench a rich, smooth surface. I strongly recommend to test different (mixtures of) colors.

STEP 4/ Adding the cushion

Complete your bench with a custom-made cushion to enhance comfort and style. A made-to-measure cushion in a coordinating color can add warmth and make your bench truly inviting. A thickness of around 8 cm works well for a balance of comfort and support. I ordered mine in a cold foam style with a cover in “Trekatex Frianus 028 Sunkiss,” which complements the wood’s warm tones.