Building an Easy Wooden Outdoor Bench

Ana
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 140 Posts

September 28, 2017

Outdoor Bench Made Easy - bench in garden near fence This outdoor bench makes for extra seating, not to mention a resting place when working in the garden! It is an easy, functional, and decorative addition to an outdoor space.

Total Time: 4 hours

Yield: 1

Supplies:

4 4x4 cedar posts cut to 16 1/2 lengths for legs
4 2x6s cut to 60" lengths for seat
2 2x4s cut into 58" lengths for front and back rails for frame
4 2x4s cut to 17 3/8" lengths, 2 for side rails, and 2 for the joists of the frame
scale drawing/plans for the bench

Outdoor Bench Made Easy - view of drawing of bench from the end with the top in place

Outdoor Bench Made Easy - drawing of the frame with legs

Steps:

Pre cut all pieces.

Outdoor Bench Made Easy - cutting the wood to length

Build frame; add joist to the center frame.

Outdoor Bench Made Easy - adding joists between the long side boards of the bench

Attach the pre cut legs to the inside of frame corners.

Outdoor Bench Made Easy - attaching the legs in the corners

After attaching legs to the and frame, the seat pieces are added, measuring all 4 sides for equal overhang.

Outdoor Bench Made Easy - attaching the top board for seat

All pieces were pre nailed with a nail gun (optional) then secured with exterior nails for stronger hold and weather resistance.
Lightly sand and stain.