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DIY 2×4 Bench

It’s once again time for the Power Tool Challenge Team to share project made with power tools.  Last month our theme was “Repurposed / Upcycled” and I shared a tennis racket table.  This month the theme is “Patios and Porches” and for it I’m sharing how to make a DIY 2×4 bench.

DIY 2×4 Bench

Mr. SP found an awesome plan by Jay’s Custom Creations and we followed it to make this bench.Bench made from 2x4's

I’ve never before used a woodworking plan to make a project and I couldn’t be more pleased with how this bench turned out.  My pictures were taken in our yard but this bench will find a new home on our front porch at the lake this weekend.

Bench made from 2x4 lumber

The bench is constructed from pressure treated lumber so we decided not to stain it.  This bench is very comfortable.  In fact, I am thinking about building a second one for our dock.

Bench made using 2x4 lumber

The watering can came from my grandmother’s house.  The Catmint in it is from my yard and if you are looking for a deer-proof plant, this is one of them.Catmint in a Vintage Watering Can

How to Make a DIY 2×4 Bench

Prior to making this DIY 2×4 bench, the part of woodworking plans that confused me were the cutting diagrams.  Now that I have followed these plans and had Mr. SP explain the cutting diagram, I am ready to find a plan and build something else.  Bench made from 2x4 pressure treated lumber.

Supplies

Steps to Make a DIY 2×4 Bench

Cut the Pieces

Following the cutting diagram on Jay’s Custom Creations, cut the pieces using the miter saw.  The instructions provided on this website are outstanding.  These pieces will form the sides and back support for the bench.  The angles are all either 15 or 90 degrees.

Angle Cuts for DIY 2x4 Bench

Four boards were cut in half to form the seat pieces.

Seat Pieces for DIY 2x4 Bench

Hint:  Cut two boards at a time to be efficient.

Cutting Bench Seat Pieces for DIY 2x4 Bench

I am not normally clad in camo.   It was freezing cold on Sunday when I made this bench and I found this jacket stuffed in the corner of the workshop and put it on for warmth, not fashion.  🙂

Assemble the Legs

Glue and screw the leg pieces together.

How to Make Legs for 2x4 Bench

Hint:  Use a scrap piece of 2×4 to determine the distance between the two horizontal members.

How to Make Legs for a 2x4 Bench

After completing the first leg use it as a template for making the second. 

Line up the pieces for the second on top of the first to make sure that they will be identical.

How to make legs for a DIY 2x4 bench

Now the legs are complete.

Completed legs for DIY 2x4 bench

Add Back Support Side Pieces

Attach a back support to each leg. 

Be careful that both sides have the same angles when the boards are screwed together.

Attach Back Supports of a DIY 2x4 Bench

Construct the Bench Seat

Attach the 40’’ seat stretcher piece.

Partially Completed DIY 2x4 Bench

Determine which boards will be used for the seat.

Seat Boards are in place while building a DIY 2x4 bench

Place the boards on a workbench lining up the ends.   

To center the boards on the seat rails, the distance between the rails was measured (center-center) and was subtracted from the total length of the seat board length.  The remainder is the amount of total overhang. 

Half of the total overhang is the line in which you will place the screws.  Use the carpenter’s square to draw a line where the screws will go – then determine the screw spacing and mark with pencil (I used 1” from each edge of each board). 

Drill and counter bore the intended screw holes so that the deck screws are flush with the seat surface.

Attach the seat boards for a DIY 2x4 bench

Sand the boards (top and edges) with the orbital sander – making sure to slightly round the edges.  Screw boards into place leaving 1/4” between each board.

Bench Seat Construction of a DIY 2x4 bench

Construct the Bench Back

Mark and drill the seat back similarly as you did the horizontal seat boards – noting that the distance between the back support rails is shorter than that of the seat support rails. 

Sand each board as before. 

Attach the top seat back board first making sure that both the back support rails are vertical and parallel (as viewed from the front).

How to Make the Back of the DIY 2x4 Bench

The remaining back boards were clamped, then screwed, into place from top to bottom in sequence. 

As with the seat boards, there is approximately 1/4” spacing between the back boards.

Completed DIY 2x4 Bench

Enjoy the DIY 2×4 Bench

Dang, this thing is solid and heavy!  I think it will be enjoyed for many years at the lake.

 DIY 2x4 bench
DIY 2x4 bench

Pin It!

If you like this project, I’d love for you to pin it for others to discover.Learn how to make an easy and comfortable DIY 2x4 bench

More 2x4 Projects

More Patio and Porch Power Tool Projects to Enjoy

I am looking forward to seeing what my friends made for this month’s “Patios and Porches” challenge.  Click on the links below to visit each project.

Patio and Porch Power Tool Projects

1. Long Porch Planters by My Love To Create

2. DIY Flower Pot Plant Stand by Her Tool Belt

3. DIY Easy Swinging Bed by Domestically Speaking

4. PVC Pipe Vertical Garden by Kim Six

5. How to Build An Outdoor Serving Table by Create and Babble

6. Repurposed Window Garden Shelf by Refresh Restyle

7. Trimming Out Porch Posts by My Repurposed Life

8. Stenciled Concrete Topped Table by Designs By Studio C

9. 2 X 4 DIY Bench by Virginia Sweet Pea

10. DIY Outdoor Sofa Table Tutorial by H2OBungalow

11. Repurposed Electrical Spool Holder Table by Designed Decor

12. DIY Outside Standing Plant Hanger by Confessions of A Serial DIYer

DIY 2x4 Bench

41 Comments

    1. Thanks, Keri! We took the bench to the lake last weekend and are really pleased with it. It’s great to have a spot to drop packages or to sit when we need to put on our shoes.

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  3. I noticed you did not use pocket screws – is that correct, and just used deck screws that were countersunk?

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  5. I was wondering about how long it took you to cut and assemble the bench? Also, I noticed that your bench has 4 boards on the back instead of 5. Was that on purpose? What was your reasoning for that? I do like the 4 back boards better. 🙂

    1. Hi, Laura! We made the bench in an afternoon, I’d say in three hours, tops. I followed the directions on the link in my blog post for making it. I made it a while back, so I’m not sure about the 4 or 5 boards on the back.

      Paula

      1. Thanks! I made 2 of these benches last year shortly after my comment, so around the end of July ’18. It’s now June ’19. It’s been about a year. Like you, I used treated wood and left it unfinished. They turned out great. Thanks for the tutorial!
        However, the benches (one more than the other) warped some being left outside all year. So I wanted to mention that it may be best to at least clear coat the benches to protect them from water to prevent the warping.

        Image of my bench new…
        https://www.screencast.com/t/ScCBAOLcCGj

  6. Is t it so fun to build something like this and then look back and admire your work? You did an awesome job on this bench! A simple yet very functional piece that you will cherish forever…or until it falls apart…lol JK
    I am well beyond this point of building but had to give it up for quite some time. I think now I might be able to do this bench but I still have to be careful. Working on rebuilding my muscle so I have to take it slow. Great job on this!

    1. Thank you so much, Shirley! Take care of yourself and work hard to rebuild your muscle strength.

  7. What an awesome bench you have there. I think Jay has some great plans for this bench, and I really love the look of it!

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