Introduction: DIY Outdoor Sitting Bench

By youtube.com/@DIYPERSPECTIVE
About: For anyone wondering I fully transitioned to producing 3D printing content only on YouTube. Old videos are no longer available but all full detailed Instructables are still here if you want to make any of my p…

In this instructable/video I will show you step by step guide how you can make pretty neat looking outdoor sitting bench. It requires only basic woodworking experience and basic tools.
Few weeks ago, my parents showed me the bench with design like this and I said that it would be pretty cool if I could make one. So I did. Really happy with the results and total cost of it (~$50). Good luck with the project, if you decide to create one for yourself!

You can download the cut list here: http://bit.ly/2KHAVaD

Provided Amazon links are affiliates


Main Tools You'll Need:

Main Materials You'll Need:

  • 28x70mm wood boards cut to 160cm length ~24m in total (local wood shop)
  • Wood preserver from mold, rotting, etc. (local shop)
  • Any color water based outdoor wood paint (local shop)

Other Things You'll Need:

  • Wood screws

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Step 1: Preview

Preview of the build.

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Step 2: Boards

For this build you'll need around 24m in total of 28x70mm wood boards. All boards were cut to 160cm at a local wood shop. You should always cut boards longer, leaving some space for the final clean cuts. I left 10cm, as the bench will be 150cm wide.

Step 3: Cutting Boards

First we need to start with cutting all boards to the final size. In different corners of the world you probably won't find exact same thickness and width boards, so you'll need to adjust the final dimensions accordingly. But I still provide my final cut list of the parts, maybe it will give better perspective of scaling.

  • 6x 150cm for the top
  • 2x 130cm for the front and back
  • 2x 47cm for the top of the legs
  • 8x 40cm for the legs
  • 2x 37cm for the bottom of the legs

Step 4: Sanding and Protecting the Wood

We should slightly sand the boards and edges where cut were made. Make sure all corners are nice and smooth to touch.

When I done sanding, I cleaned all boards from the dust and applied one coat of clear protective sealant (wood preserver). It will be absorbed by the wood and it will protect the wood from mold and rotting, especially in areas where wood touch one another - where paint won't reach it.

This is my take on the finish, but be free to apply any finish you like.

Step 5: Making One Leg

Place the pieces on the workbench. Make sure all angles are square and clamp the pieces. Then add and align final parts to already square pieces.

Step 6: Securing the Leg

Drill two holes in each intersection, countersink them and secure all pieces with wood screws like in the pictures.

You should use long screws that they reach at least half of the last board. In my case, I used 5x75mm (total three boards thickness 84mm).

Step 7: Making Second Leg

Making second leg is pretty easy as you can use already made leg as a template.

Step 8: Placing Two Legs

With both legs done, we should place them on two leftover boards. Clamp one board to the table and legs to that board 100cm away one from another.

Step 9: Connecting Two Legs

Make sure legs are square to the clamped board and to the 130cm front/back board. Add something heavier (but not too heavy that it will bend the board) to hold it in place and secure it with wood screws like before. Same thing with other side.

Step 10: Finishing the Build

At this point the frame is pretty sturdy and doesn't flex. So now we can place the boards that will be directly above the legs and then space and secure other top boards.

Finally, we need to apply few coats of paint and the build is complete.

Step 11: END

I hope this instructable / video was useful and informative.
If you liked it, you can support me by liking this Instructable / YouTube video and subscribing for more future content. Feel free to leave any questions about this build. Thank you, for reading / watching! Till next time! :)

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