How to Build a Wall Bench in a Room

Slide the stud finder across the wall at the desired height for the wall bench. Mark the location of the wall studs within a 32-inch span onto the wall using a pencil.

Hold a reclaimed beam with one 4-by-32-inch side flat against the wall. Orient the beam horizontally and center it over the wall stud pencil markings.

Place a level across the top surface of the beam and adjust the beam’s positioning on the wall until it is level. Remove the level from the beam and hold it in place. Drive two evenly spaced 6-inch decorative-head wood screws through the beam into the wall at each stud marking using a screw gun.

Center a reclaimed barn board over the top surface of the mounting support beam so that the barn board is resting flat. This is the bench seat. The ends of the board should extend past the beam by 2 inches on each end. The back 1-by-36-inch edge should be flush against the wall.

Drive 2-inch decorative-head screws through the seat into the top of the mounting support beam with a screw gun to fasten the seat to the beam. Space the screws every 4 to 6 inches along the entire length of the board.

Sand the exposed surfaces of the beam and seat lightly with a fine-grit sanding pad in the same direction as the wood grain. Wipe off the dust with a tack cloth.

Brush two even coats of shellac onto the wall bench using a natural bristle paintbrush. Allow the shellac to dry 24 hours between coats. Allow the final coat to dry at least 48 hours before using the bench.