How to build a bench seat

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a bench seat. If you want to learn more about building a diy bench, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are so many bench plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the related woodworking projects that are featured on our website.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the bench to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

If you don’t have a rich expertise in woodworking field, you should ask a friend to give you a hand with the project. There are many things that you could go wrong, so make sure you plan everything and invest in quality materials. Select the lumber with attention, making sure the components are perfectly straight and in a very good condition. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a bench seat

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 17 1/2″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 8 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 13 3/4″ long BRACES
C – 1 piece of 2×12 lumber – 60″ long SEAT
D – 1 piece of 2×3 lumber – 49″ long STRETCHER

1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 6 ft
1 piece of 2×12 lumber -6 ft
1 piece of 2×3 lumber – 8 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building a garden bench

Building the legs

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the legs for the bench seat. In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to cut both ends of the legs at 15 degrees.

Attaching the braces

Cut the braces out of 2×3 lumber, making sure the ends are cut at 15 degrees. Drill pilot holes through the braces and secure them to the legs after taking accurate measurements. Insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws and countersink their heads.

Fitting the legs

Align the sides of the bench to the seat in a professional manner and secure them into place tightly by inserting 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. Make sure the legs are perfectly plumb and the joints are rigid. Add glue to enhance the bond of the components. Use 2×12 for the seat.

Fitting the stretcher

Fit a 2×3 stretcher to the frame of the bench. Drill pilot holes through the braces and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws into the stretcher. Add waterproof glue to the joints in order to enhance the bond of the components. Make sure the corners are right-angled for a professional result.

How to build a bench seat

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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