A deck is a beautiful and functional part of any home. If you have an empty deck that you want to use, you should start by adding some benches. A few benches will transform your deck into a functional outdoor dining area where you could entertain and build memories with your family.
Here’s a simple outdoor bench that you can make for your deck.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
• Protective gears (safety goggles and gloves)
• Miter saw
• Drill machine and drill bits
• Measuring tools (tape measure, chalk line, carpentry pencil, spirit level)
• ¼” round bit router
• 2 ½” decking screws
• 2×6 boards (legs)
• 2×4 slats (seating)
• 2×2 boards (seating frame)
• 2×4 boards (seating frame)
• Two 4×4 posts
• 2×4 brackets
• 4” carriage bolts
Building the Deck Bench
1. First, build the frame of the bench. Use the 2×4 slats and 2×2 boards to create the seating frame. The measurements will depend on how wide and long you want your bench.
2. After building the frame, use 2×4 slats to create the bench seating. The length and amount of slats will base on the frame’s dimensions.
3. Next, attach the two 4×4 posts under the bench seating for the legs. You’ll also need to install wooden brackets for support.
You can already use this on your outdoor deck. But, it’s advisable to attach the benches to the deck. If you want to attach the benches, proceed to the next part.
Attaching the Bench to Your Deck
There are different ways to attach your bench to the deck. It will depend on the size and height of your deck.
Anchored to the deck’s framing
First, you can build the bench supported to the deck’s framing. This requires less work and materials.
1. Instead of building the bench first, you should start with attaching the 4×4 posts to the deck joists.
2. Next, attach 2×6 crosspieces for each post.
3. Lastly, attach the 2×4 slats to the crosspieces to create the bench’s seating. Leave a two-inch overhang on each side of your bench.
Bench with back support
For a bench with back support, it’ll take a lot more time and materials.
1. Use 2×6 boards as legs for your bench. The legs must be positioned at a 15-degree angle. Two of the legs would extend longer upward. This is where you’ll attach boards for your back support.
2. Before creating the bench, attach the legs to the framing of the deck. Use lag screws to make sure the bench is sturdy.
3. Next, attach 2×4 crosspieces to the legs.
4. Lastly, attach the 2×4 slats for the seating and back support. You can cover the back support fully with slats or just attach two slats above.
Anchored to the deck’s rim joist
For small and low-ground decks, this is the ideal way to build a bench. You’ll need to attach the bench to the deck’s rim joist.
1. Use a 2×10 lumber board with a 15-degree slope for the back support.
2. Attach two 2×4 crosspieces for each side of the bench. Attach the 2×6 front legs. The legs should be in between the crosspieces.
3. Attach the hind legs of the bench to rear braces.
4. Connect the rear braces to the rim joist of your deck.
5. Proceed with installing the 2×4 slats for the seating and back support.
Finishing the Bench
After completing the bench and installing it to your deck, you can now finish your bench.
• Sand the bench first to make the primer adhere to the wood better.
• Next, apply a primer.
• Then, use an exterior oil-based or latex paint. This will block out UV rays prolonging your bench’s lifespan.
• Seal the bench. Make sure to get into every crack you see. This will prevent water and moisture from rotting your bench.
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