How to Build a Long Bench

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a long bench. If you want to build a bench with an unique design for your garden, by using 2×4 slats, we recommend you to check out the instructions described in this article. Adjust the size and the design of the bench to suit you needs and tastes. As a general rule, we recommend you to invest in durable lumber, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as they also have a nice natural finish.

There are so many designs and materials to choose from, that we really recommend you to spend some time researching the most suitable plans for your needs. If you still haven’t found what you are looking for, we strongly recommend you to pay attention to these instructions and to check out the related projects, if you want to get more ideas and potential projects for your home and garden. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Building a long bench

Building a long bench

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 36″ long, 3 pieces – 16 1/4″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 33 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 72″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 33 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 72″ long SUPPORTS
• D – 7 piece of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long SEAT

• 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 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

Related

• Bench plans
• Garden bench plans

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Building a long bench

Building the back leg

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the back legs of the long bench. As you can easily notice in the plans, we recommend you to mark the cut lines on the 2×4 slats, by using a pencil.

Afterwards, get the job done by using a circular saw and piece of sandpaper. Repeat the process for the rest of the back legs. Make sure all the legs have the same size and shape.

Building the sides of the bench

The next step of the outdoor project is to build the sides of the bench. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal supports and to secure them to the legs. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints.

Building the frame of the bench

Continue the project by assembling the frame of the bench, as described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the short back supports, fit them between the sides and secure them into place by using 2 1/2″ screws.  

Make sure the corners are right-angled and add glue to the joints, in order to create a rigid structure. Work with attention and place a spirit level on top of the supports, in order to make sure they are horizontal.

Fitting the seat slats

Attaching the seat slats to the frame of the wooden bench is a straight-forward process. In order to get the job done with attention, we recommend you to align everything and to pre-drill the components before inserting the 2 1/2″ galvanized screws into place. Round the exposed edges with a router or use sandpaper.

Fitting the back slats

Attach the 2×4 slats to the back of the bench, as described in the diagram. Cut the components at the right size and align them to the back supports before inserting the 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Leave about 1/2″ between the slats and pre-drill holes in the slats before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

How to build a long 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: In order to protect the lumber from water damage, we recommend you to cover the components with several coats of paint. Place the wood bench in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a long 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.

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