Backless Bench 4 foot For centuries the bench was the only seating available to the common people. The simplest benches were constructed like stools. A long thick plank or split log formed the seat and four sturdy legs were sedged into holes bored into the ends. Since then, benches have evolved into an independent category of furniture implicit to shared seating, a place for conversation or a roomy single seat with additional space to function as a side table.