Deck Bench Plans Free

This diy article is about deck bench plans free. Building deck benches is a straight forward woodworking project, if you use the right plans for your needs and select the lumber properly. A well-built deck bench will enhance the look of your deck and add a dramatic effect to your garden. There are many design to choose from, according to the anchoring method and the materials you are going to use. Irrespective of your choice, you should try to use the same materials for the bench, that you have used for the deck.

Wooden deck benches come in many shapes, designs and sizes, as you can use lumber of different sizes. On one hand, you could use 4×4 posts to support a simple deck seating, while on the other hand you have to install a 2×10 beam to build the back support of a bench attached to decking. Nevertheless, you can combine these techniques and materials, in order to fit your needs, tastes and budget.

You should plans everything from the very beginning, if you want to obtain a professional result. Therefore, you should determine if you will anchor the deck bench to the framing joists, or you will attach it to the decking. Even though this aspect might look unimportant, it influences to a great extent the final design of your project. That is why, you should analyze all the techniques presented in this article and choose the one that suits your needs. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

 

Made from this plan

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Materials

 

Tools

 

Tips

  • Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
  • Smooth the edges of the components, with a router
  • Align the components before locking them into place

 

Time

  • One day

 

 

 Deck Seating Plans

Deck seat plans

Deck seat plans

 

First of all, if you want to build a simple deck seating and anchor it to the framing, you should follow the instruction of this tutorial. Therefore, you should install a 4×4 wooden post to the deck joists, by using two 6” carriage bolts (or use 5” lag screws) and a 2×6 crosspiece.

Smart Tip: Make sure you plumb the T-shaped support before attaching it to the deck joists. Moreover, we recommend you to pre-drill holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

 

Deck seat bench

Deck seat bench

 

After you have installed the two supports to the deck framing, attach the 2×4 (or 2×6) wooden boards with 3” decking screws.  As you can see in the image, the slats should overhang about 2”, on both sides of the bench. If you want to add a dramatic look to your bench, round the edges with a router and 1/4” bit.

Smart Tip: Drill pilot holes in the slats before driving in the 3” screws, otherwise the wood might split. Don’t forget that you have to leave a gap between the slats (from 1/2” up to 1/8”).

 

Deck Seat Plans free

Deck Seat Plans free

 

After you have built the deck seating, you should sand the whole surface with average-grit sandpaper and fill the holes with wood putty. As you should notice, in order to build this bench, you must have access to the framing, otherwise you have to choose a different model.

Smart Tip: You can adjust the dimensions of the deck seat, to fit your needs and tastes. If you want to build a comfortable bench, where you can relax, we recommend you to check out the deck benches with back plans.

 

How to build a deck bench

How to build a deck bench

 

On the other hand, you can choose a more neat design, if you are willing to spend more time on this project. As you can see in the image, you have to install two 4×4 posts and several wooden brackets. Moreover, you have to build a basic frame and install the 2×4 wooden boards into place.

Smart Tip: Install the posts to the deck structure with several lag screws, to lock them into place properly. We recommend you to cut the components with a miter saw, as to obtain an accurate result. In order to cut out the bottom of the posts, you should set the depth of the blade to 1 1/2” and make multiple parallel cuts. Afterwards, clean the recess with hammer and a chisel.

 

 

Deck Bench on Framing Plans

Deck Bench Plans

Deck Bench Plans

 

If you also want a back support, you should follow these free plans and attach the components to the deck joists. As you can see in the image, you have to lean the the back support, at an angle of 15 degrees. In addition, you have to cut the ends of the 2×6 leg at the same angle. Afterwards, drill several holes in the components and anchor them to the framing with lag screws.

Position the components into position, plumb them accurately and install the 2×4 crosspieces. Therefore, you have to drill several pilot holes and lock them into position with 4” carriage bolts. Don’t forget to use washers, when inserting the blots trough the wooden components.

 

Building deck bench

Building deck bench

 

Next, you have to install the 2×4 slats into position, making sure they are equally spaced (the gaps between the boards will improve the drainage of the water). Pre-drill holes in the slats before inserting the 3” screws, otherwise the wood might split. The slats should overhang about 2” on both hands, but you could adjust this aspect, according to your needs.

 

Deck bench plans free

Deck bench plans free

 

Next, you should get the job done by finishing the surface with average-grit sandpaper. In addition, you could round the exposed edges of the wooden components, by using a router and a 1/4” bit. On the the other hand, you should align the components properly before locking them into place, in order to obtain a professional result.

Smart Tip: If you want to obtain a symmetrical look, you should place a nail between the slats. In this manner, you will obtain consistent gaps between the wooden boards and a neat look.

 

 

How to build a bench on decking

Build a bench on decking

Build a bench on decking

 

Last but not least, there is third manner in which you can build a deck bench. This technique is ideal for low-ground decks and for completed decks, as you have to anchor it only to the rim joist. As you can see in the image, there are many components that you have to build in order to assemble the wooden bench, but you can get the job very quickly if you select the right materials.

Use a 2×10 piece of lumber to build the back support, as you need to cut it with 15 slope. In addition, you also need a 2×6 to build the front leg and four 2×4 crosspieces. Lock the front leg to the back support by driving in 3 1/2” carriage bolts, making sure you align these components accurately. Afterwards, anchor the rear brace to the joist and drive in screws trough it in the back support.

 

Bench on decking plans

Bench on decking plans

 

Smart Tip: Attach the 2×4 or 2×6 slats into place, by using 3” screws or galvanized nails. Work with great care and attention, ensuring all the components are aligned and locked properly. In order to complete the project in a professional manner, we recommend you to sand the wooden boards and apply several coats of varnish, to protect the deck bench against water damage and wood decay.

 

 

Thank you for reading our article about deck bench plans free and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our project with your friends, by using the social media widgets.




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