8 ft Bench Plans

This step by step diy project is about 8 ft outdoor bench plans. I have designed this long garden bench so you can hang out with your friends and family in your own garden. This bench features generous dimensions so you can have enough room in all directions. You can get the job done in one day using just 2x4s. 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

DIY Outdoor Table with Benches

DIY Long Bench

  

Building a Long Bench

Building-a-8-ft-bench

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• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 23″ long, 2 pieces – 24 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 14 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 11″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 5 pieces – 18″ long SEAT FRAME
• C – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long SEAT
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 22 1/4″ long ARMRESTS
• E – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long BACKREST SUPPORTS
• F – 5 piece of 2×4 lumber – 93″ long BACKREST

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

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 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

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 One day

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• Double chair bench plans
• Outdoor bench plans

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8 ft Bench Plans

Building-the-legs-for-the-bench

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the 8 ft outdoor bench. As you can see in the diagram, you need to cut both ends of the back legs at 75 degrees, using a miter saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper for a professional result.

Building the sides for the bench

Next, you need to assemble the sides for the outdoor bench by attaching the armrest support. Cut one end of the support at 75 degrees. Align everything with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything tightly. In addition, add waterproof glue to the joints to reinforce the strength of the joints.

Assembling-the-seat-frame

Assemble the seat frame from 2×4 lumber. Cut the components at the right dimensions and align everything with great care. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 18″ long supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the 96″ long components. Align the edges flush and make sure the corners are square. Add waterproof glue to the joints for a durable bond.

Seat support

As you can easily notice, you need to cut the back end of the middle seat supports at 75 degrees with a miter saw.

Assembling the frame for the 8 ft bench

Continue the project by assembling the outdoor bench. Drill pilot holes through the seat frame and insert at least two 2 1/2″ screws into each leg. Use a spirit level to make sure the legs are plumb and check if the corners are right angled, for a professional result.

Building the backrest support

Build the supports for the backrest from 2×4 lumber. Round the exposed corner with a jigsaw and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Attaching the backrest supports

Fit the backrest support to the seat of the bench. Align everything with attention, drill pilot holes through the bottom of the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the seat frame.

Fitting-the-seat-slats

Attach the 2×4 slats to the seat frame, making sure you place them equally spaced. You can place a piece of 1/2″ plywood to make sure the gaps are even.

Attaching the backrest slats

Continue the project by fitting the 2×4 slats to the backrest supports. Start the installation of the slats with the top and go to the bottom, placing a 1/2″ spacer between the slats. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the slats to the supports.

Fitting the armrests

Build the armrests from 2×4 lumber, as well. Round the front of the armrests using a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Assembling the middle leg

In order to add extra support to the 8 ft long bench, you should install a leg to the middle of the seat frame. Cut the components from 2×4 lumber and assemble the legs with 2 1/2″ screws and glue. Align the edges with attention and leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the middle leg

Fit the leg to the center of the seat frame, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the top of the middle legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square for a professional result.

8 ft bench plans

This is a simple project you should be able to build in a few hours without much effort. Remember that you need to adjust the size of the components so they suit your own needs. Don’t forget to check out the rest of my outdoor furniture projects, as I have designed lots of plans.

This woodworking project was about 8 ft outdoor bench plans free. 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.