Free outdoor bench plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about free outdoor bench plans. This articles features a basic bench with a beautiful design, that requires a small investment and basic tools.  Select the right plans for your needs before starting the project. Generally speaking, it is a better idea to build several of these benches, as you will most certainly need several when hanging out with the loved ones.

The free woodworking plans come with step by step 3D diagrams, instructions, a full cut and shopping list and it is print friendly. As well, the plans are PDF download, so you can take the printed plans with you in the workshop. See all my outdoor furniture plans on my blog.

Make sure you invest in high quality materials, such as pressure-treated lumber, cedar, pine or redwood. Take accurate measurements and use a professional saw to get the job done. Always align the components at both ends before drilling the pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting. Use waterproof glue to reinforce the joints. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Outdoor Wooden Benches from 2x4s

DIY Outdoor Bench

DIY Bench with Backrest

  

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Building an outdoor bench

Building an outdoor bench

Cut + Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 4 pieces – 18″ long FRAME
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long, 2 pieces – 34″ long LEGS
• C – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21″ long, 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long BACKREST
• D – 5 piece of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long SEAT
• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21″ long, 1 piece – 43″ long STRETCHER
• F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22 1/2″ long ARMRESTS

• 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 4′
• 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

• Garden bench plans
• Workbench Plans

Step 1: Outdoor bench frame plans

Building the bench frame

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frame of the outdoor bench. In order to get a professional manner, we recommend you to build the components out of 2×4 lumber.

Drill pilot holes at both ends of the short components and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Leave no gaps between the components and add glue to enhance the bond of the components.

Fitting the seat slats

Continue the project by attaching the 2×4 slats to the seat frame. Place the slats equally-spaced and drill pilot holes before securing them to the frame by using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and smooth the exposed edges.

Step 2: Fitting the legs

Attaching the legs

The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the 2×4 legs to the seat frame. Cut the components at the right size and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Afterwards, use a spirit level to make sure the seat is horizontal.

Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert galvanized screws into the seat frame. Check if the corners are square and leave no gaps between the legs and the frame of the bench. 

Step 3: Fitting the backrest

Fitting the back supports

Next, attach the 2×4 supports to the back of the bench, as shown in the diagram. Place the supports equally-spaced and secure them to the frame using 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes.

Top Tip: Plumb the supports with a spirit level and add glue to the joints.

Attaching the backrest

After that, attach the 2×4 slats to the back supports of the bench. Place the slats equally-spaced and drill pilot holes before securing them to the supports using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and attach a 1×4 trim to the top of the backrest. Leave no gaps between the components and smooth the exposed edges.

Step 4: Attaching the armrests

Fitting the armrests

Attach the 2×4 armrests to the wooden bench, as described in the diagram. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and fit them into place. Drill pilot holes at the top of the front legs and secure them to armrests. Add glue to the joints and check if the screws are square.

Step 5: Building the stretcher

Fitting the bottom braces

In order to add strength and support to the outdoor bench, we recommend you to fit 2×4 braces to the sides of the structure. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the braces and secure them to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the stretcher

One of the last steps of the outdoor project is to attach the 2×4 stretcher between the sides of the bench. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the stretcher and secure them to the side braces using 2 1/2″ screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints and remove the excess using a damp cloth. 

Step 6: Finishing touches

Free outdoor bench plans

After assembling the wooden bench we recommend you to check if the components are locked together properly. Insert the galvanized screws properly, making sure they are at the same level with the wooden surface.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to take a cover the components with paint, if you want to enhance the look of the bench and to make it stand out. Use glue to lock the components into place.

This woodworking project was about free outdoor bench plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.

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