This step by step project is about how to build a garden bench. Building a wooden bench for your garden is a project for your backyard and that requires a small investment. A bench with a back support is a wonderful addition to any garden, especially if you want to create an entertainment corner. Follow the detailed instructions and adjust the size and the design of the bench to your own needs and tastes.
There are many designs you could choose from, so we recommend you to look trough the options before starting the actual construction. In addition, we recommend you to invest in weather-resistant materials and to gather all the tools, before starting the actual project. Work with attention and with great care, if you want to get a professional result. Align the components at both ends and drill pilot holes, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 24” long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 35″ long LEGS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16″ long, 2 pieces – 45″ long FRAME
- C – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 16″, 1 piece – 45″ long SUPPORT
- D – 3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 16″, 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 45″ long SEAT
- E – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 45″ long, 1 piece – 45″ long BACKREST FRAME
- F – 23 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 12″ long BACKREST
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Post-hole digger
Time
One weekend
Related
Building a garden bench
Building a garden bench
Top Tip: Building a garden bench is a basic woodworking project that can be done in just an weekend, but you need to select professional plans and to invest in high quality materials.
How to build a garden bench
Building the back legs
The first step of the project is to build the back legs. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to cut them out of a piece of 2×4 lumber. In addition, don’t forget that you should adjust the angle of the back support to your needs.
Use a saw with a sharp blade to get the job done and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Make sure you choose quality wooden boards, preferably pine, cedar or redwood. If you want to keep the costs at a low level, use pressure-treated lumber.
Building the bench frame
The next step of the project is to assemble the frame of the garden bench, by using the information from the plans. Cut the frame components from 2×4 lumber and attach them to the legs with pocket holes.
Work on a sturdy surface and level the components before drilling pilot holes and before inserting the screws. Check if the corners of the frame are right-angled before continuing the project.
Attaching the bench support
Attach cleats between the frame and lock them into place with galvanized screws, after drilling pilot holes. If you are going to install 1×4 slats, leave 3/4″ from the top of the frame to the cleats, otherwise leave 1 1/2″.
Attach the wooden slats into place, making sure you place them equally spaced. Drill pilot holes, countersink them and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the cleats. Round the exposed edges of the slats, if necessary.
Building the backrest
In order to build the back support of the bench, you should attach the bottom and the top components to the back legs. Align the components at both ends and check if they are horizontal, before drilling pilot holes and inserting the screws.
Top Tip: The next step is to attach 1×2 slats between the components. Therefore, drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and insert screws into the frame. Place a piece of wood between the slats, if you want to get consistent gaps.
Attaching the bottom supports
One of the last steps of the project is to attach 2×2 supports to the bottom of the garden bench. As you can notice in the image, you need to cut the components at the right size and to lock them to the legs with pocket screws.
Drill pilot holes trough the side supports and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the stretcher. Use a carpentry square to make sure the corners are right-angled and a level to check if the components are horizontal.
Attaching the armrests
Build the armrests from 1×3 or 2×3 lumber and lock them into place with galvanized screws. Round the ends of the components and smooth the exposed edges, in order to get a nice appearance.
How to build a garden bench
Last but not least, you have to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes and the cracks with wood filler and let it dry out for several hours, before sanding the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: Protect the wooden components from rot by applying several coats of paint. Choose colors that match the design of the rest of your property, as to enhance the look of the garden bench.
This woodworking project was about how to build a garden bench. 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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