How to Build a Patio Bench

Seating on a patio can sometimes be difficult to arrange. Patios usually consists of a dining table along with a seating arrangement to accommodate the members of the family. This can pose a problem if you have invited guests for a barbecue or party-like gathering, but you can solve it by building a patio bench or two to place along the perimeter of your patio. A patio bench can be moved around easily for extra seating at the table, as well as for enjoying a conversation.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 2 8-foot cedar 2-by-4 inch boards
• 1 8-foot cedar 2-by-10 inch board
• 1 8-foot 4-by-4 inch cedar post
• 3-inch deck screws
• Miter saw
• Jigsaw
• Drill, small bit and screwdriver bit
• Latex exterior stain
• Paintbrush
• Measuring tape

1. Cut two pieces measuring 36 inches long from a 2-by-4. These 36-inch pieces will be the front and back seat braces.

2. Set the 36-inch 2-by-4's parallel to each other on their sides. Cut two pieces measuring 15 inches long from the 2-by-4s. These 15-inch pieces are the side seat braces. Place the side seat braces inside the ends of the front and back seat braces to form a rectangular frame.

3. Drill two pilot holes on the outside ends of the front seat brace and through the ends of the side seat braces. Insert the deck screws and attach. Repeat for the back seat brace.

4. Cut four pieces measuring 18 inches long from the 4-by-4 post. These pieces are the legs of the bench. Cut two pieces measuring 36 inches long from a 2-by-4 and one piece measuring 36 inches long from the 2-by-10 for the patio bench top.

5. Stain all sides, the end of the seat frame and the cut wood pieces using the latex exterior paint.

6. Place the patio bench seat frame on a flat surface. Set the ends of the 4-by-4 legs inside the corners of the frame. Drill two pilot holes on the outside of each corner on the seat frame and into the 4-by-4 legs. Insert the deck screws and attach. This will give you a total of four deck screws in each 4-by-4 leg.

7. Set the patio bench on its legs. Place one of the cut 2-by-4s on the seat frame, matching the board with the front and sides of the frame. Drill pilot holes through the 2-by-4 and into the seat frame. Insert deck screws and attach.

8. Place the other cut 2-by-4 on the seat frame matching the board with the back and sides of the frame. Drill pilot holes through the 2-by-4 and into the seat frame. Insert deck screws and attach.

9. Center the cut 2-by-10 between the 2-by-4s on the patio bench seat. Drill pilot holes through the 2-by-10 and into the seat frame. Insert deck screws and attach.

Tips & Warnings

• Drilling pilot holes before inserting the screws will prevent the wood from splitting. Staining the bench pieces before they are assembled will allow you to reach all areas. These project instructions are for building a patio bench 36 inches long. You can adjust the length for a longer bench, if desired. An extra brace under the seat in the middle of the bench may be needed for support. You can also adjust for a smaller bench that can double as a side table.