Trail Bench Plans

This step by step diy project is about trail bench plans. I have designed this simple A-frame bench so that you can seat comfortably in the nature while not having to spend a significant amount of money on the materials. If you know the basic woodworking skills and have some basic household tools, you can get the job done in a few hours. Invest in cedar or other weather resistant lumber for a professional result. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project 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.

Projects made from these plans

Trail Bench Plans

Building a trail bench

Cut and Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 34 1/8″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 30″ long, 3 pieces – 10″ long FRAME
• C – 2 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 30″ long SEAT

• 1 piece of 2×3 lumber – 8′
• 2 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 10′
• 2 1/2″ pocket screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• wood glue, wood filler

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

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Building a trail bench

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the trail bench. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to cut both ends of the 2×8 beams at 60 degrees. Smooth the edges with sandpaper for a professional result.

Making the notch to the legs

However, you are not done yet with the legs for the bench, as you need to make another cut to the top. Mark the cut lines on the legs and get the job done with a saw, after taking accurate measurements. Smooth the edges thoroughly with 120-220 grit sandpaper.

Assembling the sides

In order to build the sides for this trail bench, you would have to drill some pocket holes along one of the angled legs. Align the components, add glue to the joints and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them together tightly.

Building the seat frame

Next, you need to build the frame for the seat using 2×3 lumber. Cut the components at the right components. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 10″ long. Align the components making sure the corners are square and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly. Add waterproof glue to the joints for a professional result.

Fitting the seat frame

Fit the seat to the sides of the A-frames. Use a spirit level to make sure the seat frame is level and check if the corners are square. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the sides to lock the frame into place.

Attaching the seat slats

Attach the 2×8 slats to the frame of the seat, making sure you leave no gaps between them. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the slats into place tightly.

A frame bench plans

After assembling the small bench, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Frill the pocket holes with wood plugs and the rest of the dents to wood putty. Smooth the edges with 120-220 grit sandpaper and apply a few coats of stain to enhance the look of the bench. In addition, apply a few coats of spar varnish to protect the components from the elements.

Trail bench plans

If you need a portable bench that is also really sturdy, you should give this project a chance. Moreover, this outdoor bench is really simple and easy to build, while you can use it for many years in a row. If you build this, I would love to see your project.

This woodworking project was about free trail bench plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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