How to Make an Outdoor Deck Bench Seat

Build a simple bench seat to accessorize your deck.

A simple slatted bench seat on the deck adds visual appeal and increases the functionality of the deck with a casual seating area. The basic bench design can make a single bench, or be extended to make benches that go around the deck. It can also be movable or built in, depending on your needs. A bench seat can be accessorized with a long box pillow when entertaining.

Things You'll Need

• 6 planks 2-by-6 lumber, 18 inches
• 12 planks 1-by-2 lumber, 15 inches
• Drill
• 1 1/2-inch wood screw
• 4 planks 1-by-3 lumber, 72 inches
• Wood finish
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Lay two pieces of 18-inch 2-by-6 lumber flat on a work surface with 3 inches between them. There should be 15 inches between the outer sides of the two planks.

2. Sit two pieces of 15-inch 1-by-2 lumber across each end of the 18-inch planks, so that the ends of the 1-by-2 lumber pieces of flush with the outer edges of the 18-inch planks.

3. Drill two pilot holes sized for 1 1/2-inch screws through each end of the 1-by-2 plank into the 18-inch inch planks underneath, then secure in place with 1 1/2-inch screws.

4. Turn the 18-inch planks over and attach another two pieces of 1-by-2 on the other side. This is one leg unit for the deck bench seat. Repeat twice more, so you have three leg units.

5. Stand the leg units upright, so that the 18-inch planks are vertical and spaced 30 inches apart.

6. Center four planks of 72-inch 1-by-3 lumber across the tops of all three leg units. Space these planks an inch apart. The ends of these bench seat planks will have about 6 inches overhang on the last two leg units.

7. Secure the bench seat slats in place with two 1 1/2-inch screws through the bench slats into each of the upper 1-by-2 planks on the leg units.

8. Finish the deck bench seat with a wood finish of your choice. A UV protecting stain is a good option, as it will help protect the bench from sun damage.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to secure the bench seat to the deck, use 3-inch screws through the lower 1-by-2 planks into the deck.