Woodsmith Traditional Empire Bench Standard Plan & Premium Shop Drawings
Known for its tall, graceful arms with sweeping curves, the empire bench gained its name due to its popularity among European rulers in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. This version of the classic bench features many of the same notes as the traditional ones — elegant lines, gentle curves, and time-tested construction — but with a more down-to-earth design that’ll look great in your home, even if it’s not a palace. The bench has a stout, sturdy appearance due to the use of thick, quartersawn white oak throughout. And rock-solid mortise and tenon joinery ensures that the bench will stay together for the long haul. Of course, the first element that likely draws your eye are the end assemblies. With curved legs and slats and rounded crest rails at the top, they certainly lend a distinctive look to the bench.
You can purchase the Woodsmith Traditional Empire Bench standard plan or the supplemental premium shop drawings as a downloadable PDF or in a printed format that we ship to you. We highly recommend purchasing both the standard plan and the supplemental premium shop drawings for more in-depth instructions and greater detail.
Bring an elegant piece of European history into your own home with this classic, comfortable bench that’s fit for a king.
Step-by-step instructions, exploded views, materials list, and more—these plans have everything you need to build your own Traditional Empire Bench.
What you get (Downloadable PDFs):
Standard Plan:
- 8.5” x 11” PDF of 21 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
- 97 full-color photos, illustrations, and exploded views
- Cutting diagram and materials list
- Full-size pattern for the curved parts
- Retail sources for project supplies
Premium Shop Drawings:
- 11” x 17” printable PDF
- More detailed drawings of every part and every assembly that supplements the standard plan
- More exploded views for a better understanding of the project
What you get (Printed & Shipped):
Standard Plan:
- 21 pages of step-by-step instructions
- 97 full-color photos, illustrations, and exploded views
- Cutting diagram and materials list
- Full-size pattern for the curved parts
- Retail sources for project supplies
- 8.5” x 11” print shipped to you
Premium Shop Drawings:
- More detailed drawings of every part and every assembly
- More exploded views for a better understanding of the project
- A large, 24” wide print on premium paper shipped to you
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
|---|
WARNING: Wood Dust created by Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection.