How to Build a Park Bench

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a park bench. If you want to learn more about building an outdoor dining table, 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.

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Building a park bench

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 26″ long, 2 pieces – 36″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 3 pieces – 17 1/2″ long FRAME
C – 1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 48″ long, 1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 48″ long SEAT
D – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20″ long, 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 21 3/4″ long SUPPORTS
E – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 21″x48″ long BACKREST

3 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 8 ft
3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 4 ft
1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
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

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

Building a park bench

Building the sides of the bench

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides of the bench. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to build the components out of 1×12 lumber.

Mark the cut lines on the pieces of lumber and get the job done using a circular saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper. Drill pocket holes along the edges and secure them together with 1 1/4″ screws.

Building the seat frame

The next step of the woodworking project is to build the frame of the park bench. Cut the 2×4 components at the right size using a nice circular saw. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the short components and secure them to the perpendicular components using 2 1/2″ screws.

Make sure the corners are square and add waterproof glue to the edges. Remove the excess materials with a damp cloth. Insert 2″ screws through the frame into the sides.

Fitting the seat slats

Continue the woodworking project by fitting the slats to the seat frame. Therefore, cut one piece of 1×12 lumber and one piece of 1×10 lumber at 48″. Drill pilot holes through the slats and secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws.

Building the backrest supports

Building the supports for the backrest is a straight-forward process, as you need to make a diagonal cut to the a 2×4 slat. Mark the cut line on the slat and get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper before fitting them into place. Drill pocket holes through the bottom of the support.

Fitting the back supports

Fit the vertical supports into place and secure them to the seat using 2 1/2 galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints and remove the excess material using a damp cloth.

Top Tip: Next cut the horizontal supports out of 1×3 lumber and drill pocket holes at both ends. Fit the supports between the vertical supports and lock them into place using 1 1/4″ screws. Work with attention and with great care, if you want to get a professional result.

Fitting the backrest

Cut the backrest out of 3/4″ plywood and attach it into place. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the backrest. Add waterproof glue if you want to enhance the rigidity of the joints.

How to build a park 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 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 park 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 Park Bench

Projects made from these plans