Outdoor Wood Bench With Back

Adding an outdoor wood bench with back to your backyard or patio is a great way to add extra seating and style to your outdoor space. Wood benches are relatively easy to build, and they can be customized to fit your specific needs and décor. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to build an outdoor wood bench with back. We will also provide you with tips on choosing the right type of wood and hardware for your project.

Materials You Will Need:

2x6 pressure-treated lumber for the seat and back
2x4 pressure-treated lumber for the legs and arms
1x6 pressure-treated lumber for the back slats
Wood screws
Wood glue
Saw
Drill
Sander
Level
Measuring tape
Pencil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Cut the lumber to length. The following are the cut list for the bench:
- 2x6 lumber: 2 pieces at 60 inches long for the seat, 2 pieces at 24 inches long for the back
- 2x4 lumber: 4 pieces at 30 inches long for the legs, 2 pieces at 18 inches long for the arms
- 1x6 lumber: 5 pieces at 24 inches long for the back slats
Assemble the seat. Place the two 2x6 seat boards side-by-side and flush with each other. Apply wood glue to the edges of the boards and then screw them together using 2-inch wood screws. Countersink the screws slightly so that they are flush with the surface of the wood.
Attach the legs to the seat. Place the four 2x4 legs on the underside of the seat, evenly spaced along the length of the bench. Apply wood glue to the top of the legs and then screw them into the seat using 3-inch wood screws. Countersink the screws slightly so that they are flush with the surface of the wood.
Attach the arms to the seat. Place the two 2x4 arms on the front and back of the seat, flush with the outside edges of the legs. Apply wood glue to the top of the arms and then screw them into the seat using 3-inch wood screws. Countersink the screws slightly so that they are flush with the surface of the wood.
Attach the back to the arms. Place the two 2x6 back boards on the top of the arms, flush with the outside edges of the arms. Apply wood glue to the edges of the boards and then screw them together using 2-inch wood screws. Countersink the screws slightly so that they are flush with the surface of the wood.
Attach the back slats to the back. Place the five 1x6 back slats evenly spaced across the back of the bench. Apply wood glue to the top and bottom of the slats and then screw them into the back using 1-1/2 inch wood screws. Countersink the screws slightly so that they are flush with the surface of the wood.
Sand the bench. Once the bench is assembled, sand it smooth using a medium-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand all of the edges and corners of the bench.
Stain or paint the bench. If you want to stain or paint the bench, now is the time to do it. Be sure to apply a sealant to the bench after it has been stained or painted to protect it from the elements.
Enjoy your new bench! Once the bench is dry, you can place it in your backyard or patio and enjoy it for years to come.

Tips:

When choosing the type of wood for your bench, be sure to choose a wood that is resistant to rot and decay. Pressure-treated lumber is a good option for outdoor benches because it has been treated with chemicals that protect it from rot and decay.
Be sure to use galvanized or stainless steel screws when building your bench. These types of screws are resistant to rust and corrosion, which will help to extend the life of your bench.
If you are planning on staining or painting your bench, be sure to sand it smooth before applying the stain or paint. This will help to ensure that the stain or paint adheres properly to the wood.
Be sure to apply a sealant to your bench after it has been stained or painted. This will help to protect the bench from the elements and extend its life.