How to build a deck bench

This step by step article is about how to build a deck bench. If you want to enhance the look of your deck and to transform it in a great place to relax or to have endless discussions with your friends, you should consider a deck bench. Generally speaking, you could choose from many designs and shapes, making your decision a real challenge. Nevertheless, this project is a about a straight forward bench without a back support, that can be built by any amateur handyman. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, you have to know the basic woodworking techniques and buy quality materials. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

In order to build a deck bench, you need the following:

Materials

4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 25″ POSTS
2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16″ BRACES
2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 58″ SIDES
11 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 19″, 2 pieces – 59 1/2″ TRIMS & SLATS
4” carriage bolts – BOLTS
2-3” screws – DECK SCREWS

1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 3 ft
1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10 ft
4” carriage bolts
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jig saw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits
Router and 1/4 bit

Tips

Smooth the edges of the wooden boards, with a router
Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Countersink the head of the screws
Don’t use lumber that is likely to crack or shrink
Don’t over-tighten the screws to prevent the wood from splitting

Time

One day

Deck plans

How to build deck benches

Installing teh bench post

First of all, you have to build the 4×4 posts, that will support the deck bench. Plumb the post with a spirit level and lock it with several C-clamps, before driving in the screws.

installing the bench supports

Afterwards, build the 2×6 braces and install them into place, as in the image. In order to build a deck seat with a neat look, we recommend you to cut V-shaped braces. Level the top of the braces with a spirit level, before lock it into place with 3” galvanized screws.

Installing the support beams

Continue the woodworking project by installing the 2×4 sides of the bench. Align the ends of the boards accurately and lock it into place with 3” screws. As you can see in the image, you have to drill pilot holes in the lumber, otherwise the wood might split.

Work with great care, if you want to obtain a professional result. Countersink the head of the screws, before inserting them in the holes.

Installing the seat slats

Next, you have to install the 2×6 seat slats, in order to get the job done. Cut the boards at the right size and install them into place with screws. Pre-drill both ends of the slats and lock them into position with galvanized screws.

How to build a deck bench

Afterwards, you should fill the gaps with wood putty and let the compound dry out properly. Sand the surface with medium grit sandpaper and clean the surface with a dry cloth.

If you want to get an unique design, you have to round the exposed edges with a router and 1/4” bit. Apply several coats of wood stain, along the wood grain, in order to protect the lumber from wood decay.

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

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