Garden Bench

Build an outdoor project that you'll enjoy for many seasons to come.

General Instructions

Cut all parts as you assemble the project, using the Cut List as a guide and adjusting as needed for fit. Attach all parts using glue and 2 1/2-inch screws unless otherwise specified.

Step-by-Step

Make the back supports.
- Lay out the first back support on a flat work surface (see Figure 1 for dimensions). A good way to lay out the curve is by bending a flexible metal ruler or a thin strip of wood into a gentle curve, and then tracing it with a pencil.
- Cut the shape of the first back support with a jigsaw, and use it as a template to lay out the other three; cut these to shape.
Build the leg assemblies (refer to Figure 2).
- Place a framing square on a flat work surface to keep the assemblies square as you proceed. Butt one end of a leg against the framing square.
- Butt the bottom end of a back support against the framing square so that it is parallel to the leg with a 9 1/8-inch space between the two pieces. Angle the curve on the back support away from the leg.
- Place a seat brace on top of the leg and back support so that the brace is flush with the top edges of the leg and 17 inches up from the bottom of the back support. Attach with glue and screws.
- Using glue and screws, attach a cross brace 4 inches up from the bottom of the leg and back support; inset 3/4 inch from the front edge of the leg and the back edge of the back support.
- Build two more leg assemblies in the same manner; build a fourth leg assembly as a mirror image of the first three (see Figure 2).
Attach the seat and back slats.
- With the aid of a helper, place the two mirror-image leg assemblies 66 inches apart from the inside face of one leg to the inside face of the other leg (see Figure 4).
- Place a seat slat on top of the leg assemblies so that it's flush with the front of the assemblies and overhanging on both ends by 3/4 inch. Use a drill/driver and countersink bit to predrill holes for screws. Attach the slat using glue and screws.
- Add the remaining two seat slats with their ends even with the first seat slat, spacing them 1/2 inch apart (see Figure 3).
- Attach the four back slats, starting at the top, in the same manner. Space the back slats 3/4 inch apart (see Figure 3).
- Insert the remaining leg assemblies with a 21-inch space from the inside face of one leg to the inside face of the next leg (see Figure 4). Attach the back and seat slats to the two assemblies using glue and screws.
- With glue and screws, attach the front slat so that its top edge is flush with the top and ends of the first seat slat (see Figure 3).
Apply a finish.
- Wearing a dust mask, sand the bench, and ease any sharp corners with sandpaper.
- To reduce the likelihood of mold growing on the bench, fill a hand-pump garden sprayer with a 50/50 mix of water and household bleach. Place the completed garden bench outdoors on a drop cloth or tarp, and spray the project with this mixture.
- Because pressure-treated wood tends to be moist, let the project dry outdoors in a covered area for a few weeks.
- Apply an exterior paint or stain in the color of your choice.

Illustration

Cut List

Part	Material	Size (in inches)	Quantity
legs	2 x 4, TSYP	1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 17	4
seat braces	2 x 4, TSYP	1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 16	4
cross braces	2 x 4, TSYP	1 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 14 1/2	4
back supports	2 x 6, TSYP	1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 36	4
seat slats	2 x 4, TSYP	1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 72	3
back slats	2 x 4, TSYP	1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 72	4
front slat	1 x 4, TSYP	3/4 x 3 1/2 x 72	1
Finished Dimensions Height: 36 inches Depth: 18 7/8 inches Width: 72 inches