Garden Bench

Tools and materials

miter saw
band saw or saber saw
handsaw or coping saw
router
drill with assorted bits, including a countersinking bit and screwdriver bits
clamps
2 and 3-inch galvanized wood screws
tape measure
square
pressure-treated lumber
hardwood buttons
safety goggles

Steps

1. Cut the pieces for the bench, making sure the bench is wide enough to seat two adults comfortably.

2. The back legs of the bench will require some custom cutting. Measure and mark 16-inches from the bottom of a 34-inch 2x8 to create the straight portion of the leg.

4. If you have a band saw, you can cut the two legs at the same time by screwing them together. Otherwise, you can cut the legs individually with a saber saw (figure B).

5. Cut out the arms using 23-1/2 inch 1x4. Round off the fronts of the arms and taper the ends down to 2-5/8 inches. For a more polished look, as well as a more comfortable seat, round off the edges of the arms and seat slats with a router (figure C).

6. Create the top of the seat back using a 2x6. Contour the seat back to create raised backrests for two people.

7. Next assemble the seat and side supports. For strong joints, use wood glue and thin wooden wafers known as biscuits. You'll need a biscuit joiner to cut the slots for inserting biscuits. Wooden dowels are an acceptable alternative to biscuits.

8. Lay the supports in place and mark the locations for cutting the biscuit joints. Place the seat support 13-inches from the floor and the side support 5-inches from the floor.

10. Assemble the back of the bench. Lay the slats for the back of the bench into place and mark the locations for joint cuts (figure E).

11. After making the appropriate cuts, assemble the back using wood glue and biscuits (figure F). Make sure that the pieces are square and clamp them together. Leave the pieces clamped for at least five hours to allow the glue to dry completely.

12. After the glue has dried, trim off any exposed biscuits with a handsaw or coping saw (figure G).

13. Attach the arms and front seat support. Notch the back of each armrest so it will fit snugly against the back leg.

15. Drill and countersink pilot holes and attach the front seat support to the front legs with 3-inch screws.

16. Assemble the rest of the bench. Notch the ends of the back seat slat (figure I) and attach it to the seat support with 2-inch screws (figure J). This will help hold the frame square while you attach the back.

17. Position the back of the bench. Drill and countersink pilot holes through the back legs and secure the legs to the top and bottom side supports using 3-inch screws.

18. Position the remaining seat slats and secure them with 2-inch screws (figure K).

19. Attach the bottom seat support by toenailing it in place with 3-inch screws (figure L).

20. Glue hardwood buttons in place over each countersunk hole. After the bench is completely assembled, treat it with a clear water repellent.