How to build a picnic bench

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a picnic bench. If you want to learn more about building a simple bench for your backyard, we recommend you to read the instructions with attention and to check out the related projects, as there might be other plans for your needs. There are many outdoor woodworking projects featured on our website, so don’t be afraid to browse through them.

There are so many things that you should take into account before starting the actual construction of the picnic bench. In order to prevent mistakes and to keep the costs as low as possible, we recommend you to plan every step from the very beginning. In addition, it would be a great idea to ask a skilled friend to give you a hand when building the picnic bench, especially if you don’t have expertise in the field.

Invest in high quality materials if you want to use the picnic bench for many years in a row. Cedar, pine or redwood are excellent choices, as thy come with a great durability and have a beautiful finish. Always take accurate measurements. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a picnic bench

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 15″ long LEGS
B – 1 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16″ long STRETCHER
C – 1 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 25″ long SEAT

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

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

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 picnic bench

Building the legs of the bench

Building this basic picnic bench is a straight-forward project, but you need to work with attention and to take accurate measurements. Cut notches at the bottom of the legs, if you want to enhance the look of your garden bench. Use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts and smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Attaching the support to the legs

After building the legs of the picnic bench, we recommend you to lock them together by fitting the support, as shown in the plans. Cut the support at the right size, drill pocket holes at both ends and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws into the legs. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner.

Attaching the seat

One of the last steps of the backyard project is to attach the seat to the bench frame. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to cut the corners of the seat in a professional manner, by using a circular saw. Align the seat at both ends, drill pilot holes through the legs and supports and insert 2 1/2′ galvanized screws into the seat slat. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure.

How to build a picnic bench

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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