Budget-Friendly Outdoor Bench

Need a little something to cheer up your garden or porch? This simple bench is easy enough for beginners, but looks like a it was done by a pro. And using only 2x4s makes this a budget-friendly project as well!

Start by cutting your 2x4s and sanding them down for painting.

Drill ¾” holes in each 2×4 exactly 6” in from the ends.

PRO TIP: dowel rods can vary greatly in size. Take a small board with a test hole to the hardware store, so that you can check each dowel for fit before you purchase it.

Paint the top and sides of the seat boards.

Thread dowel rods through holes in the 2x4s one at a time.

Use a spacer to space the boards evenly, secure with screws, and cut off the ends of the dowel roads flush with the side of the boards.

Screw on the end boards to finish the bench seat.

Drill pocket holes in the legs and braces.

Paint the underside of the bench and all the leg/brace pieces before attaching the legs.

Assemble the braces and legs from the middle out.

Screw legs securely from both sides.

Now it’s time for a second coat of paint on top of the bench – lightly sand the first coat before painting again.

Enjoy your bench!!

Plans:

• Outdoor Bench pdf
• Outdoor Bench sketchup