Garden Bench
Thursday, June 1st, 2006Here is a very simple garden bench that can be built in a day. In fact, it uses dimensional lumber throughout. Download the SketchUp model here.
Materials
- (4) 1×6 x 8 ft. cedar boards
- (3) 1×6 x 10ft cedar boards
- (5) 8 ft. cedar 2×4s
- (1) 8 ft. cedar 2×6
Hardware
- #8 X 2″ stainless-steel deck screws
- #8 X 2-1/2″ stainless-steel deck screws
- #8 X 3″ stainless-steel deck screws
Cutting List
| Part | Description | Qty. | Material | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Leg | 4 | Cedar 2×4 | 23-1/8″ long |
| B | Arm support | 2 | Cedar 2×4 | 23″ long |
| C | Arm | 2 | Cedar 1×6 | 24-1/2″ long |
| D | Seat frame front/back | 2 | Cedar 2×4 | 52″ long |
| E | Seat frame end/stretcher | 4 | Cedar 2×4 | 20″ long |
| F | Seat slat | 3 | Cedar 1×6 | 52″ long |
| G | Back support | 3 | Cedar 2×6 | 21-3/8″ long |
| H | Back slat | 3 | Cedar 1×6 | 49″ long |
Crosscut all the lumber to length according to the Cutting List dimensions above. Then cut the two arms (C) and the three back supports (G) according to the layout dimensions.
Arm Layout
Back Support Layout
Seat Assembly
Assemble the seat front/back (D) and ends (E) as shown in the illustration above using 3″ stainless-steel deck screws. Install the two seat stretchers (E) so that they are centered on the width of the frame and 1-1/2″ apart using 3″ stainless-steel deck screws. Next, fasten the seat slats (F) to the frame using 2″ stainless-steel deck screws. Position the first slat 7″ from the rear of the frame as illustrated below. Be sure to leave 1/4″ spacing between the slats.
Seat Back Assembly
Install two seat back supports (G) on the inside of the seat frame ends and the third back support inbetween the two seat frame stretchers as show above using 2-1/2″ stainless-steel deck screws. Attach the seat back slats (H) to the back supports as shown below using 2″ stainless-steel deck screws. Once again, be sure to leave 1/4″ spacing between the slats.
Leg and Arm Assembly
Assemble the legs (A) and arm support (B) as illustrated to the left using 2-1/2″ stainless-steel deck screws. Attach this assembly to the seat using 3″ stainless-steel deck screws as illustrated below. Finally, using 2″ stainless-steel deck screws, attach the arms (C) to the tops of the arm supports as shown.
