How to Build a Simple Bench

This step by step diy project is about how to build a simple bench. If you want to build beautiful bench with backrest, you need to pay attention to the instructions described in this article. This project features detailed plans for building a simple bench using common materials and basic tools. Don’t forget to take a look over the related plans and to adjust the size and the design of the stool, before starting the actual construction of the furniture.

It is essential to choose the right materials before starting the construction and the assembly of the patio table. As you will see in the project, you need to choose durable lumber with a nice appearance, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Make sure the components are in a good visual condition and choose professional tools when adjusting their size. Take accurate measurements and join the components with glue and screws. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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Outdoor Bench

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How to Build a Simple Bench

Building a simple bench

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 18 1/4″ long, 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 18 1/4″ long SIDES
• B – 4 piece of 1×3 lumber – 11″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 4 piece of 1×3 lumber – 46 3/4″ long SUPPORTS
• D – 2 piece of 1×3 lumber – 35″ long BACKREST SUPPORTS
• E – 2 piece of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long, 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 48″ long SEAT
• F – 2 piece of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long BACKREST

• 3 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 1/2″ nails
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Bar stool plans
• Lounge chair plans

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Building a simple bench with backrest

Building the sides

The first step of the project is to build the sides of the simple bench. As we can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to use two 1×4 slats and one 1×6 slat. Mark the cut lines on the slats and make the notches using a circular saw.

Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a cleaner. Lay the slats on a level surface before attaching the supports.

Fitting the supports to the sides

Lock the slats together using 1×3 supports, as described in the diagram. Cut the supports at the right size and drill pilot holes before inserting the 1 1/4″ screws into the side slats. Align everything with attention and make sure the edges are flush.

Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth. Make sure you leave no gaps between the slats, in order to get a professional result. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the supports to the bench

Next, secure the two sides of the bench together by fitting the 1×3 supports into place. Use a spirit level to plumb the sides, before fitting the supports into place.

Drill pilot holes through the front and back supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the perpendicular supports. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are right-angled. It is essential to create a rigid structure.

Fitting the seat slats

Lay the two 1×4 slats and the 1×6 middle slat on a level surface and leave no gaps between them. Align the components with great attention and center the frame of the bench over them.

Drill pocket holes through the bench supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the seat. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components. The seat slats should overhang 1″ on each side of the bench.

Building the backrest supports

Build the supports for the backrest using 1×3 lumber. Cut both ends of the supports at 8 degrees and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Cut the top of the supports in a decorative manner and repeat the process for the opposite side of the bench.

Fitting the backrest supports

After building the supports, we recommend you to secure them to the structure of the bench. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to align everything with attention and leave no gaps between the components. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the sides of the bench.

Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth. Repeat the process for the opposite side of the bench, in order to get a professional result.

Attaching the back supports

In order to get the project done in a professional manner, we recommend you to attach the 1×4 slats to the back supports. Cut the ends of the slats and smooth them with fine-grit sandpaper, before attaching them to the supports.

Pre-drill the slats before inserting the galvanized screws to prevent the wood from splitting. Leave 1/2″ between the slats in order to get a professional result.

How to build a simple 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 wooden bench in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a simple 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 to be the first that gets our latest plans. Send us pictures with your plans.

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