How To Build A 4 X 4 Garden Bench

This step by step diy project is about 4 ft outdoor bench plans. I have designed this garden bench so you can enjoy a nice book or a cold drink in the hot summer days. You can get the job done in one day using just 2x4s. Take a look over the rest of mywoodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won't have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.

Projects made from these plans

2×4 Garden Bench Plans

Building-the-garden-bench

Materials
Tools
Time
Related Plans

A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 23″ long, 2 pieces – 24 3/4″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 3 pieces – 18″ long SEAT FRAME
C – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long SEAT
D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 22 1/4″ long ARMRESTS
E – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long BACKREST SUPPORTS
F – 5 piece of 2×4 lumber – 45″ long BACKREST

10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
2 1/2″ screws
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

One day

How to build a 4 ft garden bench

Assembling-the-seat-frame---garden-bench

Assembling-the-seat-frame—garden-bench

The first step of the project is to build the seat frame of the garden bench. Cut the components at the dimensions shown in the diagram and drill pocket holes at both ends of the 18″ supports. Align the edges with attention, add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.

Building-the-legs-for-the-bench

Cut both ends of the back legs at 75 degrees. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper for a neat result.

Building the sides for the bench

Fit the armrest supports to the top of the legs. Cut one end at 75 degrees. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.

Assembling the bench frame

After assembling the sides and the seat frame, you need to assemble the frame of the bench. Align everything with attention, drill pilot holes through the bottom frame and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. Make sure the corners are square and plumb the legs with a spirit level.

Building the backrest support

Build the backrest supports from 2×4 lumber. Round the exposed corner with a jigsaw and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the seat supports

Fit the backrest supports to the seat frame, drill pilot holes and secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure you leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the seat slats

Fit 2×4 slats to the seat frame of the garden bench. Align the slats with attention at both ends. Place a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the slats into place tightly.

Fitting the backrest slatsFitting the backrest slats

Fitting the backrest slats

Attach 2×4 slats to the backrest supports. Place a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes through the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.

Fitting-the-armrests

Build the armrests from 2×4 lumber. Cut one end of the armrests with a jigsaw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. Fit the armrests for the supports, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

4 ft bench plans

This is a simple project you should be able to build in a few hours without much effort. Remember that you need to adjust the size of the components so they suit your own needs. Don't forget to check out the rest of my outdoor furniture projects, as I have designed lots of plans.

This woodworking project was about 4 ft garden bench plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.