How to Build a Swim Bench

Pressure treated wood works best for swim benches.

Swim teams use benches for players to sit on between swimming events. Even indoor pool areas require pressure treated wood to avoid warping of the bench. Basic bench designs come in a variety of lengths suitable for both indoor and outdoor swimming pool areas. Many competitive swimmers also use mechanical swim benches to practice their strokes and tehniques out of the pool, but these complex machines would be hard to build at home.

Things You'll Need

• 10 feet 2-by-12 pressure treated wood
• 12 feet 2-by-4 pressure treated wood
• 12-16 rust resistant 3-inch screws
• 1 quart exterior stain
• Paintbrush
• Hand saw or power saw
• Power drill with screwdriver bit

Instructions

1. Cut the wood for the top and sides of the bench with a hand saw or a power saw such as a circular saw or miter saw. To make a 6-foot-long bench, cut one 6-foot length of 2-by-12 and two 2-foot pieces for the legs.

2. Cut two lengths of 2-by-4 to brace the bottom of the bench. This wood will sit between the two leg pieces, so each piece needs to be 69 inches long, instead of a full 6 feet.

3. Screw the two leg pieces into the top bench piece using at least two screws for each leg. Screw straight down from the top of the bench into each of the legs. The legs should be positioned at the ends of the seat, so that when you are finished you have a long, squat "n" shape.

4. Attach the 2-by-4 bracing to the legs of the bench. Measure 6 inches up from the floor and attach the 2-by-4 using at least two screws on each side. Screw in from the outside of the legs and attach one bracing piece to each side of the bench, perpendicular to the floor.

5. Apply stain to entire bench using a clean paintbrush. Let stain dry for at least four hours and apply a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a basic design. Add another set of 2-by-4 board directly under the seating area for extra support.

• For smooth edges, sand the ends of the 2-by-12 on the top of the bench.

• For extra support in the center of the bench, use another 2-by-12 leg in the center of the bench.

References

• Wayne of the Woods: Bench
• Handyman Wire: Bench Plans