If you have a patio and want to build a nice but cheap wooden bench, then see our simple tutorial below. This DIY wooden patio bench will cost you around $40 dollars in wood and $6 dollars for the box of wood screws to put it together. We did not stain our bench as we like the look of it the way it is. If you plan to use wood stain on your wood bench then add in a few more dollars. This woodworking project took us nearly 3 hours to fully complete. From cutting the wood pieces to attaching the wood pieces together. So if you have $40 bucks and want a fun and simple DIY wood project, see below for our step by step build through pictures.
The wood and materials needed for this DIY patio bench project:
Quantity of 4 – 4 x 4 x 16 = Bench legs
Quantity of 5 – 2 x 4 x 11 = End pieces and sitting surface base
Quantity of 4 – 2 x 4 x 48 = Top (sitting surface)
Quantity of 2 – 2 x 4 x 44 = Horizontal pieces (from leg to leg)
Quantity of 4 – 2 x 4 x 14 = End of top surface sides (2 on each side)
Quantity of 1 – Box of 3 1/2″ Long wood screws
Quantity of 1 – Bottle of wood glue
Optional Material Needed = Can of wood stain, Can of wood sealer, Paint Brush
Here is all of our wood cut and ready to be made into our DIY bench.
The wood pictured in the above image are the following sizes and quantities:
4 – 4 x 4 x 16
5 – 2 x 4 x 11
4 – 2 x 4 x 48
2 – 2 x 4 x 44
4 – 2 x 4 x 14
Here are the 4 X 4 pieces of wood that will become our patio bench legs.
The first thing we did was to attach the top sitting frame assembly together.
The 5 – 2x4x11″ and the 2 – 2x4x44″ pieces.
Next, we screwed the 4×4 legs into the top sitting assembly structure.
Secure these with 4 of the wood screws on each leg.
Using some wood glue here is also helpful to secure the pieces together.
Our patio bench is coming together as the legs and the sitting assembly have been securely attached.
Here is another view of our bench before the top sitting area is attached.
The next step is to get the 4 – 2x4x48″ pieces of wood and attach them to the top of the bench.
This will be where people will be sitting so make sure the wood is free of splinters and rough areas.
The end of our bench now needs the 4 – 2x4x14″ pieces to be attached.
(The next picture shows the location of the other piece of wood of this size)
Once these 4 pieces of wood are attached to the sides of your bench, it is complete.
Note the splintering wood, it is recommended to use a fine grit sandpaper and sand the bench smooth.
Here is the finished product. The easy to build DIY wooden patio bench is as sturdy as a rock!
If desired, you can either paint the bench or stain it with a wood stain that matches your patio.
Also, it is best to use a wood sealer compound to keep it shielded from the elements.
Do you also have the step by step plans without pictures like a blueprint for the novice wood worker? This is the bench I want to make.
Your instructions are easy to follow. If I wanted to shorten the length and make another bench connected to this one to make into a 2 seat corner bench, how would I do that?
Thank you for this posting. I’ve looked at so many bench ideas today and was about to log off. For some reason I clicked on your post….and am I glad. Your instructions are simple…to the point…precise. And the finished bench is just exactly what I wanted to construct for myself. I’ve printed your posting and will go to Home Depot today.
Thanks so much for the instructions for making this awesome bench!!! My wife and friends are amazed at how beautiful and solid it is. I used douglas fir wood and stained using “mission oak satin” stain/poly mix. I have been requested to build several more, which I will be selling for a small profit.
Elle,
Yes it would be a good idea. If you are using a thicker piece of wood for the bench seating area it may not be necessary, but to be sure, a third support is a good idea.
-RR
If I were to make this a 6 foot bench, would there need to be additional support in the center? Thank you. This is great.
Hi Aaron,
We would recommend attaching the bench to the side railing of your deck. Attaching it to your deck from the bottom may not stay secure over time. If you are unable to attach the bench to the side railing, we suggest using large anchor screws with washers and screwing them up through the bottom of the deck and into the legs.
-RR
What would i need to do if i want to attach this to my deck? what are some ways to secure the bottom legs to my deck??
Amazing modern DIY bench. Perfect for my back yard basketball area. I’m going to build 2 of these. Thank you so much for posting. Awesome tutorial and photos.