How to Build a Wood Patio Bench

You can make your own wood patio bench without too much trouble. A patio is the best relaxation spot in the home and a comfortable wood bench will help you breathe in fresh air and enjoy nature while relaxing in the patio. The material for the bench is readily available in "big box" and hardware stores -- and you can make the project stress free by having an employee cut the wood to your specifications.

Things You'll Need

• Wood fencing posts
• Cedar posts
• Saw
• Drill and bits
• Deck Screws
• Sandpaper
• Clear varnish or oil finish
• Goggles and gloves
• Measuring tape
• Wood plane

Instructions

Measurements

1. Take measurements for a rectangular cedar wood tray which will form the seat. Take measurements for another rectangular cedar wood tray to make the back. Measure the height of the cedar wood legs. Measure a cedar bar to be fixed at the center between the forelegs and hind legs of the bench for added strength. Measure the slats and the number of slats of fencing wood you will need to make the seat and back of the bench. Measure the height of the hands of the bench and the length of the side handle, both of which will be made of cedar. You can get your fence posts and cedar posts cut to order at the lumberyard or big box store. Or you can saw the wood to measure.

2. The Seat
   Make a rectangular tray by drilling four cedar posts and screwing them together with deck screws. Place fencing post slats to make the bench. Fix these slats between the inner sides along the length of the rectangular cedar tray. Sand the entire tray to get rid of rough edges and splinters.

3. The legs
   Place the tray upside down. Now drill and screw the four cedar legs. Drill and screw two posts between the hind legs and forelegs on each side of the bench. Screw these posts to the center of the legs for added strength. Then, turn the bench over.

4. The Back
   Make the back of the bench in the same way that you made the seat. The measurements will differ because the length of the back of the bench will be more that the seat. Attach the back to the seat using the drill and deck screws. Use a plane to make the handle posts smooth and to give them a smooth curved edge. Fix the vertical post of the handle to the front edges of the seat on both sides. Drill and screw the horizontal part of the handle to the edge of the vertical post in front and the back of the bench at the back.

5. The Finishing Touches
   Sand the entire bench. Check for loose slats or other posts and tighten or add screws. Paint the bench with clear varnish or an oil-based wood finish.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make a lattice with the slats for a variation in design.

• Wear goggles and gloves so that you won't hurt yourself while making the bench.