How to build a seat bench

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a seat bench. If you want to learn more about building a seat bench, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are many other designs and plans to choose from when building projects for your backyard, so make sure you take a close look over the related plans that are featured on our site.

There are many plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the bench plans featured on our website. Plan everything with attention and adjust the size and the shape of the bench to suit your needs. Plumb the legs and make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the galvanized screws into place. Drill pilot or pocket holes to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Building a bench seat

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 13″ long BRACES
C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 44 1/2″ long, 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 10″ long FRAME
E – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 14″ long SEAT

1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 8′
4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 8′
2 1/2″ screws
1 5/8″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
wood filler
wood glue
stain/paint

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Post hole digger, Concrete mixer

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

Building a seat bench

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the seat bench. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to build the legs out of 4×4 lumber.

Mark the cut lines on the lumber and make the cuts with a circular saw. Remove the excess material with a chisel and smooth the recess with sandpaper. Repeat the process for the rest of the legs.

Fitting the brace

Continue the project by fitting the 2×4 braces to the bottom of the legs. Cut the braces at the right size and attach them to the legs, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the braces and secure them to the legs with 2 1/2″ screws. Add waterproof glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Building the frame of the bench seat

Continue the project by fitting the frame to the wooden legs. In order to build the frame for the seat, we recommend you to use 2×4 lumber for the side components and 1×4 lumber for the short components.

Top Tip: Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 1×4 components and secure them to the perpendicular components by using 1 1/4″ galvanized screws. Make sure the corners are square and add waterproof glue to the joints.

Fitting the seat slats

Building the seat for the bench is a straight-forward process, but you need to tackle it with great care. Lay the 2×4 slats on a level surface after adjusting their size at the right dimension. Make sure you leave no gaps between the slats.

Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the slats. Add waterproof glue to the joints and clamp the components together for several hours.

Fitting the end slats

In order to enhance the look of the bench, we recommend you to attach the 2×4 slats to both ends of the seat. Drill pocket holes along one side edge of the slat and secure it to the seat with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Make sure you leave no gaps between the components.

How to build a bench seat

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 woodworking project and to protect the table from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the bench in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a seat 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.

How to build a seat bench

Projects made from these plans