Relax and Have a Seat

Skill Level: Beginner

Enjoy your garden this summer with a homemade timber bench.

Simple in its construction and easily customised with paint, stain, or decoration, this easy, homemade bench is the perfect way to style your garden. It holds its own as a standalone piece, or you can tailor it to match your existing outdoor decor.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Cutting the Pieces

After measuring and marking your wood, use your circular saw to cut the following pieces:

- 4 legs from the 244cm 102x102mm, each 457cm long
- 2 long framing pieces from the 25x102mm, each 122cm long
- 2 frame ends and 2 frame centre struts from 25x102mm, each 116cm long

Step 2. Construct the Bench Frame

Constructing a simple rectangle frame helps to distribute weight applied to the legs and seat of the bench and makes it easy to attach the post legs.

Line up two 116cm pieces flush with the ends of the 122cm pieces to create a long rectangle. Secure the pieces together with eight wood screws – four screws per end piece, one in each corner. Space the remaining 116cm pieces evenly in the centre of the frame and secure with four wood screws, two on each side.

Step 3. Attach the Seat

Place the 122cm seating plank on the finished frame and ensuring all edges are flush, secure with wood screws around the edge of the frame and along the centre struts.

Step 4. Secure the Legs

Place the post legs in each interior corner of the frame. Use your drill to secure the legs by driving four wood screws into each post through the frame’s exterior and seat of the bench.

Step 5. Stain and Finish

Fill any screw borings with wood filler and sand the entire surface thoroughly with medium-grit sandpaper, then repeat with a fine-grit sandpaper.

Brush off sawdust with a cloth before applying your choice of wood stain or paint. After your finish has dried, protect your bench from the elements by applying a waterproofing sealer. Be sure to cover the bottom of each leg in this process – the feet get the most exposure to standing water, so waterproofing them is key. You could also add brass corners or brackets to your bench with screws for an elevated look.