Most woodworkers, including myself, began the hobby by using easy-to-source materials. Framing lumber is easy to find, and 2 x 4 timber is more common than most.
It makes sense, therefore, that you can find several woodworking plans using 2 x 4 planks. What follows are seven furniture plans I wanted to share with you. Each review highlights similar aspects so that you can easily compare them, and I have added bullet lists that let you focus on the stand-out features to determine which one you want to build first.
The Kim Six Fix: X-Leg Wooden Bench With Crate Storage
A popular project for beginners and intermediates alike is outdoor furniture. I find this set of plans functional as well since you add storage space under the seating surface. The bench uses pre-fabricated crates, so add to the complexity, time, and money if you decide to make your own wooden crates.
I assigned an intermediate level for complexity due to the layout and drilling that you need to do. The author mentions making over 100 holes using a drill and pocket hole jig, and that requires a bit of measuring to prevent alignment issues.
You can cut your materials to length with a miter saw. The tool that will be the most used here is your drill. A cordless design will make quick work of making holes and driving screws, but make sure you have a full charge on your battery or an extra battery pack.
A beginner will need a couple of days to lay out, cut, drill, and assemble the bench. Woodworkers with some experience can tackle this project in a day. Add an extra day or more for the stain and sealant that will be mandatory for exterior furniture.
You can build this for under $50 unless you have to spend money on wood to make the crates.
This set of 2 x 4 furniture plans at-a-glance
- Level of project complexity: Intermediate
- Tools you might need: Drill, Pocket Hole Jig, Miter Saw, Stain/Sealant, Safety Equipment, Measuring Instruments
- How long will it take: Six hours/Two days
- Approximate cost: $$
Ana White: Rustic X Console Table
The Kim Six Fix plans above use this Rustic Console design, so I have included it as an indoor option. One thing that I like about this set of furniture plans is that it makes use of the long 2 x 4 board lengths. As the author points out, it is ideal for shelving behind a couch or other long furniture piece.
Ana uses clear layouts on her online plans, which is advantageous for any skill level. The page also includes a link to a simple build that does not use pocket hole joinery, which cuts down the time and complexity.
As with the previous furniture plans, you will get a lot of use from your cordless drill and driver. A smoother finish is necessary on indoor furniture, so add a random orbital sander to your tool list. Protective coatings are not as critical here, allowing you can save some time with just a stain.
The simple furniture design will take half a day if you have some experience, but novice woodworkers will still want to plan for a full day in the shop. Using the standard plan will increase the time by an hour or more.
This set of 2 x 4 furniture plans at-a-glance
- Level of project complexity: Beginner/Intermediate
- Suggested tools you might need: Drill, Pocket Hole Jig, Miter Saw, Hammer, Sander, Safety Equipment, Measuring Instruments
- How long will it take: At least four hours/Two days
- Approximate cost: $$
The Creatie Mom: Farmhouse Bench
A simple project design is perfect for a new woodworker, and this outdoor garden bench is cheap and easy. You can take advantage of the long-framing lumber to build a bench that multiple people can use. Combining paint for the under portion and stain on the seating provides looks, protection, and longevity to your topcoats.
A good miter saw will be your friend with this build. Follow the instructions closely to get the proper angles for your support structure, and you will be fine.
I added the countersink bit on the tool list here. The author mentioned it, and it will be critical if you want to keep the screw heads from snagging clothing or skin when you sit down. You can get away with not sanding the frame, but I like sanding boards used for seating to provide the smoothest possible surface.
The materials are easy to use, and the build comes together quickly. You can make this in half a day, even if you are new to woodworking. Paint can be added to the frame and stain to the seat on the same day.
This set of 2 x 4 furniture plans at-a-glance
- Level of project complexity: Beginner
- Suggested tools you might need: Drill, Countersink Bit, Pocket Hole Jig, Miter Saw, Hammer, Sander, Safety Equipment, Measuring Instruments
- How long will it take: Four hours/One day
- Approximate cost: $
A Beautiful Mess: DIY Wooden Coffee Table
The coffee table built from these plans might be the quickest project on the list. One look at the images provided demonstrates the rough cut and assembly used for this functional furniture piece. You can cut the board ends flush with each other or stagger them for a more artistic appearance.
The coffee table is simple to make, which a first-time woodworker will appreciate. There are no complex cuts or angles to perform. The author even makes use of pre-fabricated legs.
A minimalistic woodshop will suffice for this furniture project. A drill and saw are all you need to dimension your 2 x 4 lumber and fit it together. Its basic look does not require finishing, although I suggest hitting the surface with 150-grit paper and a sealant to protect it from spills.
You can cut your lumber and assemble it in just a couple of hours. Add an extra hour to sand and seal. That makes this one of the quickest furniture projects you can make.
I have prices ranging from cheap to mid-tier. The reason for this is the legs. Buying pre-fabricated legs similar to those used by the author can vary in price, depending on where you shop and availability. You might also use a different design that can alter the price one way or the other.
This set of 2 x 4 furniture plans at-a-glance
- Level of project complexity: Beginner
- Suggested tools you might need: Drill, Miter Saw, Safety Equipment, Measuring Instruments
- How long will it take: Two hours/One day
- Approximate cost: $/$$
Family Handyman: Sawhorse Plans
Sawhorses are a crucial accessory in woodshops as well as for DIY projects around your home. That is why I include a set of plans to make them in this furniture list. You can even use the sawhorses made here to help build other projects on this list!
Sawhorses are simple to make, as they use a minimal amount of wood. The hinges help with folding the sawhorses when not in use and are easy to install. You will not need to make angled cuts, as these plans create angles with the positioning of the legs.
A set of sawhorses can be made in just a couple of hours, even by someone with little or no experience in the shop. Unlike other projects, you will need to make two items from these plans.
Your cost, out of pocket, is minimal. A few 2 x 4 lumber pieces and a bit of hardware is all that is required. Sawhorses do not need stain, paint, or sealants as they are used as shop tools and not as pieces of fine furniture.
This set of 2 x 4 furniture plans at-a-glance
- Level of project complexity: Beginner
- Suggested tools you might need: Drill, Miter Saw, Hammer, Safety Equipment, Measuring Instruments
- How long will it take: Two hours/One day
- Approximate cost: $
More Like Home: Simple Modern Nightstand
Bedroom furniture is often overlooked by beginner and intermediate woodworkers. The nightstand you can assemble from these plans uses a three-sided design and a single shelf that acts as a support as much as for storage. An open back and U-shape give this wood project a modern feel.
New woodworkers will enjoy the straight cuts and accessible drilling points on this nightstand. Using butt joints with fasteners and glue keeps the complexity level low. You will need more time for surface prep and finishing than for assembly on this project.
Pocket hole jigs can help hide screws here, but you can also assemble this with flush-drilled fasteners. I have included the glue and filler on the tool list as they are necessary here. The filler will hide screw heads and fill knots or other imperfections, while the wood glue provides adhesion to the paneling.
Clamps will make panel glue-ups easy, so keep those in mind as you prepare a tool list. You will need to wait for the glue to dry before you assemble, so I have listed the project time as two days to include surface prep and staining afterward.
This set of 2 x 4 furniture plans at-a-glance
- Level of project complexity: Beginner
- Suggested tools you might need: Clamps, Drill, Pocket Hole Jig, Miter Saw, Sander, Glue and Filler, Safety Equipment, Measuring Instruments
- How long will it take: Four hours/Two days
- Approximate cost: $
Used.ca: DIY Giant Jenga
Furniture can be functional, but it can also be fun! A great beginner project, especially for younger woodworkers, can be a set of giant Jenga pieces. It requires few tools and makes something the family or friends can use forever.
A decent circular saw will quickly cut the 2 x 4 lumber to make the Jenga pieces. You can also use a hand saw here. I suggest a sander, as you can smooth the edges, faces, and (most importantly) the ends of each piece of wood.
If you are using power tools, it will only take you an hour to cut and sand the Jenga components. Add a bit more time if you are cutting or sanding the wood with hand tools.
A set of giant Jenga pieces will require eight 2 x 4 boards if you follow the author’s instructions. You can get cheap materials here as long as the boards are straight. The components will not require a topcoat, so all you have to pay for is the boards themselves.
This set of 2 x 4 furniture plans at-a-glance
- Level of project complexity: Beginner
- Suggested tools you might need: Circular or Miter Saw, Sander, Safety Equipment, Measuring Instruments
- How long will it take: One hour/One day
- Approximate cost: $
Building Functional Furniture Projects
The plans above cover a wide array of items to be used indoors or out. These projects require little, if any, previous woodworking skills. That makes them a fun way to practice your hobby, no matter how much you know.
Each tool list includes entries for safety and measuring equipment. The authors of the plans place various importance on these items, but they help safely and accurately build the furniture described.
While most projects list various types of lumber and hardware, each plan should emphasize the use of 2 x 4 framing lumber. I selected this as the base material since it is cheap and easy to source almost anywhere.
Have fun and be safe as you build one or more of these projects.
