How to Build an Arbor Bench

An arbor bench is a lovely addition to your garden or any outdoor space. It provides a place to sit and relax and gives extra seating for outdoor parties and cook-outs. You don't have to be a professional carpenter to make this arbor bench. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4-by-4s
• 2-by-4s
• 1-by-1s
• 2-by-6s
• One 4-by-8 lattice panel
• 3 1/2-inch wood screws
• 2-inch finish nails
• Joist hangers (6 total)
• 3-inch screws
• Sandpaper
• Clear wood sealer

Sides

1. Cut your 4-by-4s to your desired height to build an arbor bench. Divide your posts into pairs, laying them down side by side. Starting at the bottom, measure and mark points at 6 inches, 7 ½ inches, 70 ½ and 72 inches. Draw lines across your 4-by-4s end to end at your marked points. Use your circular saw to cut ¼-inch deep grooves between your lines.

2. Measure the lattice panel width. Add ½ inch and cut 2-by-4s as your crosspieces four times. Turn your post pairs with grooves inward. Connect your crosspieces in groove. Attach them with two 3 ½-inch screws.

3. Cut lattice panels to about 63 inches long (should fit between the crosspieces). Cut 1-by-1s the length between the crosspieces. Cut your other two 1-by-1s with a vertical measurement between your crosspieces. This will act as a picture frame. Nail flush to the outside.

4. Measure the desired height of your seat. Seat should be approximately 17 to 20 inches high. This will be determined by your preference.

Seat

5. Make the seat frame. Use three 2-by-4 crosspieces. Cut two 2-by-4s 5 feet in length. Secure with wood screws. Add joist hangers on your crosspieces.

6. Cut 2-by-4s in 5 feet lengths. Then, cut 2-by-6s in 5 feet lengths. Alternate 2-by-4s and 2-by-6s on seat frame. Secure them to the seat frame by using 3-inch screws.

7. Take your seat, slide it into the notches of the 4-by-4 posts that you have cut for the desired height to build an arbor bench. Secure with 3 1/2-inch wood screws.

Back

8. Build your back rest for your arbor bench. To do this, repeat the same steps you used to build the seat.

9. Turn your back rest up to about a 10-degree angle. Mark your back posts. Notch 1/4-inch deep with your skill saw.

10. Slide your back rest in the position of your notches. Secure with 3-inch screws. Make sure the back of the arbor bench you have built is level.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sandpaper to smooth your arbor bench and then seal with a clear wood sealer.