When you’re relaxing on your patio, enjoying the good weather, you want to be comfortable. This patio set allows you to do just that. The bench is made from 2x4x8 common studs, which makes it sturdy and durable. It can also be stained or painted to suit your taste. The set fits standard 24in x 24 in base cushions with 24in x 18in back rest cushions, but the cushion size can vary and still fit the set. So whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment by yourself or entertaining guests, this patio set will make your time outdoors more enjoyable.
Time to build
5 hours (per bench)
Total cost of build
About $75 (cushions and pillows not included in cost estimate)
Skill level required
beginner-Intermediate
Download the PDF plans
Outdoor wood patio bench 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 and materials
- 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.
- 5lbs of 2.5-inch-long screws (highly recommend T25 Star Drive screws)
- Wood glue
- Sand paper
- Pencil
Lumber purchase list and Cut list
Available with purchase of PDF plans.
Step 1 (DIY patio bench frame assembly)
Gather two of the 72-in pieces and four of the 22.5-in pieces. Lay them out as shown in the diagram. Space out the pieces as shown below. 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.
Apply wood glue to all surfaces that will be joined together. Too much dry glue can be difficult to sand off and does not stain well.
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 continued)
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 continued)
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 eachother. 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 arm rests to main 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.
Step 6 (Adding backrest to DIY patio bench)
Next, add a 72 inch 2×4 lumber pieces across the back of the bench for the back rest.
Secure the lumber piece with either a tie-down/ratchet strap, or a pipe clamp (Both options displayed below)
As before, add glue, predrill, and add the diagonal screws to secure the joint.
Step 7 (Adding backrest to DIY patio bench continued)
Next, add a 72-inch 2×4 lumber pieces to the back rest ad shown below. Add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 8 (Adding decking pieces to DIY patio bench)
Next, add six 72 inch 2×4 lumber pieces to make the seating platform of the bench.
Space them out about 7/8 inches apart.
As before, add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch 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!
