How to Build an Arbor Bench

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a simple arbor bench . This article features detailed instructions for building a basic arbor with bench. We have designed the plans to keep the expenditures under control and to involve the least amount of work possible. This is the easiest arbor bench plan you will find on internet.

When buying the lumber, you should select the beams with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the firewood shed won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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Arbor with bench

  

How to Build an Arbor Bench

Building an arbor bench

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 80″ long POSTS
• B – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16 1/2” long, 2 pieces – 48″ long SEAT FRAME
• C – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long SEAT
• D – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long BACKREST
• E – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 75″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• F – 4 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 26 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
• G – 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 24 1/2″ long SLATS

• 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 2×3 lumber – 10 ft
• 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• filler, stain
• glue

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

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Arbor bench plans

Building the seat frame

The first step of the project is to build the frame for the seat. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to use 2×4 lumber for the components. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the short components and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the long components. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are right-angled. Alternatively, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws.

Fitting the seat slats

Continue the woodworking project by attaching the seat slats. Cut the 1×4 or 2×4 lumber at 48″ and secure them to the frame using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure you pre-drill the slats before inserting the screws, to prevent it from splitting.

Attaching the legs

Next, you need to attach the 4×4 legs to the seat of the arbor bench. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 4 1/2″ screws into the seat frame. Make sure you leave no gaps between the components and check if the corners are square.

Attaching the shade elements

Build the shade elements out of 2×6 lumber. Cut both ends of the beams in a decorative manner and smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Attach the beams to the top of the posts and clamp them tightly. Drill pilot holes and insert 7″ carriage bolts.

Cutting the decorative ends

Use a jigsaw to make the decorative cuts to the rafters. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Fitting the support slats

Fit 2×3 supports on both sides of the arbor, in order to add extra-rigidity to the whole structure. Center the support to the sides, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the components together. Round the ends of the supports with a jigsaw.

Attaching the top slats

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to attach the 1×2 slats to the top of the arbor bench. Drill pilot holes through the slats and secure them to the beams using 1 1/4″ screws.

Attaching the backrest slats

Building a basic backrest for the arbor is optional, but it will most certainly enhance the look of the project. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 2×4 slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. Align the edges with attention, for a professional result.

How to build an arbor bench

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden garden arbor from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain.

This woodworking project was about how to build an arbor bench. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects and to hep us keep adding free woodworking plans for you.

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