2×4 Garden Bench Plans

This step by step diy project is about 2×4 garden bench plans. This garden bench is built entirely from 2x4s, so it’s very simple to get the job done even for a beginner. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. You can easily adjust the width of the bench to suit your needs. 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

Simple 2x4 Bench

  

2×4 Garden Bench Plans

Building-a-2×4-bench

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 14 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 20 3/8″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 42 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber -45 1/2″ long SEAT
• D – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 42 1/2″ long BACKREST SUPPORT
• E – 13 pieces – 19 1/2″ long BACKREST

• 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ pocket screws
• 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• 2″ brad nails
• wood glue, stain/paint
• wood filler

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Double chair bench plans
• 2×4 bench plans

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Building a 2×4 wooden bench

Building-the-front-legs

The first step is to build the front legs for the garden bench. Cut one end of the 2×4 slats at 85 degrees using a miter saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper for a professional result.

Building the back legs

Next, build the back legs for the 2×4 outdoor bench. Cut one end of the slats at 87 degrees and the other end at 67 degrees. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Cutting the topo of the back legs

You need to make an extra cut to the top of the back legs, as shown in the diagram. Mark the cut lines on the legs and get the job done with a saw.

fitting-the-side-supports

Fit the 2×4 supports to the legs of the chair, so you can build the sides. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. Leave no gaps between the components for a professional result. In addition, add waterproof glue to the joints to enhance the rigidity of the frame.

Side supports – Detail

See in this diagram more information for fitting the support properly. Align the edges with attention before inserting the screws.

Fitting the front support

Fit the 2×4 support to the front of the wooden bench. Align the support at both ends, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure it into place tightly. Add waterproof glue to the joints for a durable bond.

Fitting-the-seat-slats

Use 2×4 slats for the seat of the bench. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the slats into place. Countersink the head of the screws for a neat result.

As you can easily notice in the plans, you need to rip one slat to 1 3/4″ so it can fit into place.

Fitting the backrest support

Continue the project by fitting the 2×4 support to the back of the bench. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the support and secure it to the top of the back legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Align the edges with attention and add glue to the joints for a durable bond.

Building the backrest

Build the backrest for the bench from 2×4 lumber. Drill pocket holes as shown in the diagram and clamp the slats together, after aligning the edges with attention. Insert 2 1/2″ pocket screws to lock all the slats together tightly. Add waterproof glue between the slats for a professional result.

Fitting the backrest

Fit the backrest into place, making sure you align the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes through the backrest support and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the slats.

Wooden bench plans

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. For a professional result, you need to fill the holes and the dents with wood putty. Smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper for a professional result.

The back of the garden bench

Make sure you smooth the edges with sandpaper and apply a few coats of stain or paint to protect the components from the elements. Seal everything with a few coats of spar varnish.

Outdoor bench plans

This wooden bench would look best on a deck or backyard patio. It is sturdy and very inexpensive to build and all you need are a few tools and 2x4s. If you build these, I would love to see your project.

This woodworking project was about free 2×4 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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