Outdoor Bench
The sleek, simple, and modern design of this backless bench adds architectural interest and a comfy seat to your outdoor living space.
Instructions:
General: Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List and Cutting Diagram as guides and adjusting for fit.
1 Build the side assemblies.
a. Glue up three pieces of 1 x 3 stock to create each (01) leg.
b. Rip each (01) leg to 2 inches wide x 2 inches thick.
c. Using glue and pocket hole screws, assemble two side assemblies with the (01) legs and (02) short rails as shown in Figure 1.
2 Assemble the body.
a. Using glue and pocket hole screws, assemble the bench body with the (03) long rails and side assemblies as shown in Figure 2.
b. Using glue and countersunk 1 5/8-inch screws, attach the (04) cross braces as shown in Figure 3. Note: Evenly space the cross braces, and use two screws for each end. Countersink the screws approximately 1/4 inch below the surface.
c. Evenly space and attach the (05) seat slats to the (04) cross braces, (01) legs, (02) short rails, and (03) long rails. The (05) seat slats should extend 1/2 inch over the two ends.
3 Add finishing touches.
a. To plug the screw holes, apply glue inside the countersink, and then insert the 3/8-inch dowel, rotating as you insert it.
b. After the glue has set, use a flush-cut handsaw to cut the dowels flush. Tip: To keep the saw teeth from scoring the project’s surface, drill a 3/8-inch-diameter hole into a couple of note cards, and slip these over the dowels before you saw; the cards will protect the wood as you saw off the excess dowel. Remove the cards, and sand the plugs flush.
c. Sand, apply stain, and allow to dry.
d. Apply a coat of polyurethane, and allow to dry. Sand lightly, and apply a second coat.
e. Predrill and attach nail-on furniture glides to the bottom of the legs.
Cut List
| PART NAME |
MATERIAL |
SIZE (in inches) |
QTY. |
| 01 legs |
3/4 x 2 x 15 1/4 |
1 x 3 x 6 |
12* |
| 02 short rails |
3/4 x 2 1/2 x 12 1/2 |
1 x 3 x 6 |
2 |
| 03 long rails |
3/4 x 2 1/2 x 42 |
1 x 3 x 8 |
2 |
| 04 cross braces |
3/4 x 2 1/2 x 15 |
1 x 3 x 6 |
3 |
| 05 seat slats |
3/4 x 2 1/2 x 47 |
1 x 3 x 8 |
6 |
*Glue three pieces together to create each leg.
Finished Dimensions
Height: 16 inches
Depth: 16 1/2 inches
Width: 47 inches