How to Build a 2x4 Garden Bench

A garden is a serene space that you can enjoy even more if you have a place to sit. You can build a rustic garden bench using pressure-treated two-by-four lumber and a few basic materials and tools.

Things You'll Need

• 5 pressure-treated boards, 2 inches by 4 inches, 8 feet long
• Tape measure
• Box of 3-inch wood screws
• Clamps (optional)
• Square
• Power or hand sander
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Drill
• Miter saw or handsaw with miter box
• Wood filler
• Putty knife
• Stain
• Lacquer or exterior urethane

Instructions

1. Measure and cut the 2-by-4-inch boards with your saw. Cut four pieces that are 15 1/2 inches long, four pieces 16 inches long, six pieces 40 inches long, and four pieces 8 inches long.

2. Assemble the legs. Lay two of the 15 1/2-inch-long pieces on their long edges (the 1 1/2-inch-wide sides), spaced 16 inches apart. Place a 16-inch piece on its long edge between the ends of the 15 1/2-inch boards. Make sure the pieces are flush. Hold the pieces together with clamps if desired. Drive two of the 3-inch wood screws through one of the 15 1/2-inch boards and into the 16-inch board. Repeat for the other side. Measure 10 inches down from the bottom of the 16-inch board. Place a second 16-inch piece in this location, between the two 15 1/2-inch boards. Join the boards with screws as you did before. This makes the legs for one side of the bench. Repeat the process for the second set of legs.

3. Lay out your six 40-inch pieces to make the top of the bench. Place the first piece across the top of both leg sections. Make sure the end edges are flush, but allow a 1-inch overhang at the front of the seat. Drive two wood screws from the top piece down into the legs on each end. Place another 40-inch piece next to the first, then lay the remaining four pieces next to each other to complete the bench top. Make sure the ends are flush with the legs and leave a 1-inch overhang on the last piece at the back of the bench. Screw the pieces in place with wood screws as you did with the first piece.

4. Cut a 45-degree angle at each end of the four 8-inch pieces, using your miter saw. Flip the bench upside down. Position a mitered piece in the corner between each leg and the underside of the bench top, making sure the pieces are touching and flush with the other wood members. Hold the pieces together with clamps if desired. Drive two wood screws through one of the mitered ends and into the leg. Repeat for the remaining three corners.

5. Flip the bench over. Attach the other end of each mitered piece to the bench top by driving screws down through the top and into the mitered board.

6. Fill all visible screw holes with wood filler, applied with a putty knife. Let the filler dry according to the label directions.

7. Sand all surfaces with a power or hand sander loaded with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe off the sanding dust with a rag. Apply stain to the surfaces, following the label directions.

8. Apply at least two coats of clear lacquer or exterior urethane. Let the first coat dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations, then sand gently with fine-grit sandpaper before applying the second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Pressure-treated wood doesn't accept stain as well as untreated wood does, so you might have to apply a few coats.

• Make sure to set your bench on a flat area for stability.

• Don't paint or stain without proper ventilation.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Build and Arbor With Built-in Benches