Are you looking for a new weekend project that allows you to work outside and enhance your backyard? Building DIY garden benches is a rewarding way to get into outdoor woodworking. With the right plans and techniques, you can create a beautiful, lasting garden bench for your deck, patio or yard.
This guide will take you through the entire process of crafting your own wooden bench, from essential tools and planning to construction and finishing. Follow along to gain beginner skills and have a stylish new furnishing to enjoy for years.
| Section | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Essential Tools for Building Garden Benches |
|
| Planning Your Garden Bench Design |
|
| Building the Garden Bench Frame |
|
| Applying Waterproof Finish |
|
| Installing and Maintaining Benches |
|
| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
| Further Resources |
|
Essential Tools for Building Garden Benches
These basic woodworking tools will help tackle garden bench building tasks efficiently and safely:
Saws
A circular saw neatly cuts planks and boards to size while a jig saw zooms through curved cuts for decorative bench backs and arms.
Drill/Driver
An electric drill/driver makes quick work of driving long screws and drilling pilot holes. A cordless version allows mobility.
Sanders
Orbital and belt sanders smooth and shape wood bench pieces during construction and finishing.
Measuring/Marking Tools
Use a retractable tape measure to calculate dimensions precisely. Mark plank cutting lines with a sharp carpenter’s pencil.
Safety Gear
Protect eyes with safety goggles, ears with earmuffs or plugs and wear heavy work gloves when handling rough cedar boards.
Take time to familiarize yourself with the proper handling and use of each tool before launching your woodworking project. Mastering best practices will lead to quality results.
Planning Your Garden Bench Design
Become inspired by browsing garden bench images online and in books. Note style elements that appeal to your tastes – modern, rustic, traditional, etc. Then translate favorite features into DIY bench plans tailored to your space. Consider:
Size/Dimensions
Measure the footprint where your bench will live. Benches are commonly 4-6 ft. long but adapt plans for perfect placement.
Seating Capacity
Will it serve as intimate seating for 2 or social seating for 4-5? Size the seat width and length proportionately.
Wood Type
Rot-resistant cedar and redwood are ideal outdoor bench building materials. Pine is more affordable but requires thorough sealing.
Hardware
galvanized or stainless steel screws, bolts and corner braces stand up to weather exposure better than standard steel.
Draw Plans
Sketch bench designs with exact measurements for each component. This helps estimate materials needed and creates a handy cutting diagram.
Leveling
Plan for bench legs or base to rest evenly on the installation surface for maximum stability.
Building the Garden Bench Frame
With detailed plans in hand, begin bench construction by creating the overall frame:
Cut Wood Pieces
Use plans to measure, mark and cut wood boards to required lengths with your circular saw.
Assemble Legs/Supports
Attach legs or end supports to the seat plank with exterior wood screws and waterproof wood glue at joints.
Install Corner Braces
Secure corner braces with galvanized screws to link inner supports and ensure the entire frame is super sturdy when attached back rests and arms.
Create Decorative Elements
Use a jigsaw to cut curved profiles into back rests or arm panels if desired. Sand smooth.
Check for Level
Place bench frame in installation area and check level end-to-end and front-to-back. Adjust leg height if needed.
Taking time to construct a solid frame forms a base for building upon through the rest of the project.
Allow Proper Drying Times
Let wood glue dry fully between assembly steps for strongest adhesion results.
Applying Waterproof Finish
Now the bench frame construction is complete. Next, add a protective finish that stands up to outdoor exposure:
Prep Surfaces
Sand all wood components lightly with 80 grit paper to roughen the surface and remove mill glaze for good finish adhesion.
Brush/Wipe Away Dust
Use a shop brush and clean rag to remove every speck of wood dust kicked up from sanding.
First Finish Coat
Apply preferred exterior sealer whether clear wood sealant, tinted stain or paint using a brush or wiping cloth. Allow full drying time before adding another coat.
Second Coat
For best protection, add a second finish coat. Two thin applications ward off moisture better than one thick coat.
Consider Maintenance
Regular renewal of exterior wood finish helps benches retain their beauty for many years.
Installing and Maintaining Garden Benches
You built it – now put your bench in place to enjoy! Just a couple final steps:
Secure Bench
If installing a freestanding bench on a patio or deck, anchor the legs to the floor surface with concrete anchors to prevent tipping or theft.
Check Level
For last minute tweaks, double check the bench orientation with a small level tool and adjust stabilizer feet if needed.
Protect Corners
Apply corner guard pads with construction adhesive to help fragile bench corners withstand inevitable bumps and knocks over time.
Annual Maintenance
Reapply exterior wood finish yearly before winter or as needed to clean up minor scuffs and refresh water protection on your cherished garden bench.
Get handy friends involved and build matching benches for even more backyard beauty! Once finished, please come share photos of your wood craftsmanship in the community forum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wood is best for outdoor benches?
Cedar and redwood have natural resistance to rot, decay and insects. Their attractive grains also look lovely unfinished or stained.
How deep should bench seats be?
For ample comfort, a seat depth around 18-20 inches suits most people well. Brace bench frames to support heavier individuals without sagging.
What if my DIY bench isn’t perfectly level?
Install sturdy feet or glides on the bench legs to compensate for minor surface unevenness and keep the seat level.
How can I make a garden bench more comfortable?
Add seat cushions made of dense foam covered in weather-resistant fabric after the bench is finished for extra comfort.
Is pressure-treated wood OK for outdoor projects?
Yes, pressure treatment forces preservatives deep into the wood fibers to resist insect damage and rot over approximately 15 years.
How do I anchor my bench permanently?
Screw bench legs into a wooden deck or concrete patio with 3-4″ concrete anchor bolts to secure the bench permanently.
What’s the best paint for outdoor benches?
Exterior latex paint bonds tightly to wood and forms a flexible mildew-resistant coating that stands up to sun, rain and snow season after season.
Further Resources
See these links for more tips on planning and constructing your own garden bench woodworking project: