Why build a DIY patio bench?
The DIY patio bench is simple, inviting, and is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, the fresh breeze, the garden, and greenery. You can better enjoy your backyard space all year round and be inspired by the changes of the seasons.
The minimalistic and simple wood bench design is built from inexpensive 2×4’s but looks like a million bucks! The DIY patio bench is great for creating a space for entertaining. You can create a more perfect space that offers comfortable seating for parties, barbecues, and get togethers at home.
This DIY outdoor bench is inexpensive to make and is an ideal project for those who don’t have a lot of tools or experience with woodworking. The step-by-step instructions offered in this post will ensure that you get the result you want without making mistakes or wasting material. This entire build is from 2×4’s lumber that can be purchased from most hardware stores.
Specs of the DIY patio bench.
The seating features a back rest and arm rest that are on the same level. This means that you can add a sectional and have a continues sectional sofa. You can mix and match pieces from our other DIY plans on this site.
The arm rests of the DIY patio bench are reinforced by additional 2×4 lumber pieces to prevent pillows and cushions from falling through.
The sturdy frame is jointed with simple screws and reinforced with glue. This not only makes the build easy and beginner friendly, but it also makes the bench able to support multiple people sitting on it at one time.
Once the outdoor sofa is done, you can make it comfy and cozy by adding cushions, pillows, and blankets. Cushions can be purchased at stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Ikea, Target, etc. You can also have cushions custom made for the DIY patio bench. The seating platform of the bench is made to accommodate 24 in x 24 in base cushions and variable height (minimal 12 inches tall) back rest cushions. Cushions that are a little different then 24 in x 24 in typically work just fine.
Time to build
3 hours
Total cost of build
$110 (cushions, pillows, tools, not included in cost estimate)
Skill level required
beginner-intermediate
Download the PDF plans
Outdoor wood bench plans PDF
What is included in the PDF download?
Easy to read step by step instructions
Material list
Cut list
Tools needed
3D illustrations
Recommend tools for this project
- Saw (miter saw recommended for precision cuts)
- Drill
- Impact driver with bit for screws
- GRIP Clamps
- Sander
- wood countersink drill bit
- Pipe clamp grip, tie downs, or straps.
Cut list and material list
Available with purchase of PDF plans.
Step 1 (DIY patio bench frame assembly)
Take two 96 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and four 22.5 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown bellow.
Join the pieces by predrilling holes, add glue, and add 2.5 inch long screws.
It is recommended to predrill the wood prior to putting in a screw to prevent the wood from splitting. What works for me is to us a wood countersink drill bit.
Step 2 (DIY patio bench armrest assembly)
Next, take two 27-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and two 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown below. Add glue, predrill holes, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 3 (DIY patio bench armrest assembly)
Next, add a 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces to the arm rest. It needs to be indented by 1.5 inches. I use a spacer from 2×4 lumber scrap wood for this step since the 2×4 is 1.5 inches thick.
As before, add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Next, make a second arm rest identical to the one you just made for a total of two arm rests.
Step 4 (DIY patio bench armrest assembly)
Next, add 27 inch long 2×4 lumber pieces to both of the arm rests.
BE CAREFUL! Make sure that the 27 inch long 2×4 pieces are places in a mirrored fashion to each other. This is indicated by the red arrows in the diagram.
Once you ensure the proper placement of the 27 inch 2×4 lumber pieces then as before, add glue, predrill, and add screws.
Step 5 (Attaching armrests to the frame of bench)
Next, set the frame up right on top of one of the armrests.
In this step make sure that glue is applied to the areas that will make contact. Get help to balance the frame. Secure the frame with clamps for stability and a more solid joint.
As before, predrill and add screws.
Add both vertical and diagonal screws as shown below for a secure joint.
Repeat this for the other arm rest as well.
Get help to hold up the frame for safety reasons.
Step 6 (Attaching back rest)
Next, add a 96-in piece across the back. This needs to be glues on the ends and have screws put in diagonally.
Two options exists for installing the 96 inch lumber piece. you can either use a pipe clamp or ratchet straps. (both options shown below).
Pipe clamp: The pipe clamp is the easiest way to keep everything in place and tight as you add the back rest.
Ratchet strap: Using a strap, or several linked together, is another way to add the back rest piece. This is usually less expensive and most households have straps on hand. Link several together is needed to bring the two armrests together and clamp into place the 96 inch 2×4 lumber piece as shown below.
Step 7 (Attaching back rest)
Next, add a 96-in piece on top of the back, glue it (apply across the entire length of the 96-in piece added in the previous step). Add screws and secure it into place.
Step 8 (Adding decking pieces)
Next, add the 96-inch decking pieces. Space them apart evenly. The space is about 7/8 inches.
I like to attach the two opposite end pieces first so that I have more control on setting up the middle pieces.
Predrill all the holes and secure with screws.
Step 9 (finishing touches)
Next, sand down the whole bench. This can be time consuming. I use an orbital sander to speed up the process
I use a rough 80 grit paper first and then finish it with a 220 grit paper.
Filling in the holes is optional.
At this point it is ready to be stained or painted!
