How To Make Your Own Bench

Making this 36-by-18-inch wooden bench for your patio or garden is a craft project you can complete in an afternoon. You can make your bench longer or shorter as your space allows. Make your outdoor bench from cedar, teak or other wood that's been treated to help it withstand the elements.

Things You'll Need

• Three 6-inch wide by-4-inch thick by-36-inch long cedarwood boards
• Three 4-inch wide by-2-inch thick by-17-inch long cedarwood boards
• Four 6-inch wide by-4-inch thick by-18-inch long cedarwood boards
• Screwdriver and decking screws
• Four "L" brackets
• Wood sealer and brush or sprayer

Instructions

1. Make the seat for your bench by placing the three 6-by-4-by-36-inch boards side by side vertically so that the edges are flush and the sides are almost touching.

2. Center one of the 4-by-2-by-17-inch boards across all three boards used in step 1. Add the remaining two 4-by-2-by-17-inch boards centered between the ends of the bench seat and the center support. The supports should be running perpendicular to the bench seat boards.

3. Attach the supports to the bench seat with 3-inch decking screws placed every 2 inches along the length of all three supports.

4. Attach one "L" bracket on each corner on the bench seat with 1-inch decking screws. The brackets will attach the bench legs to the bench seat.

5. Line one of the 6-by-4-by-18-inch treated wood boards up against each "L" bracket. Attach the bracket to the board to make the legs for your bench.

6. Coat the bottom and the legs of your bench with wood sealer. Treated wood resists mildew and insects, but moisture can still be an issue.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your bench with water seal every year.

• Avoid splinters and handle wood with gloves.

References

• Building with Cedar

Resources

• Treated Wood Information