This Bench is perfect for an outdoor setting. The bench is a little on the heavy side because of the uncut lumber but overall it is nice because it is sturdy and can take a beating if the right materials are used. The bench only took 5 hours to make and can take much less time if you have help from others.

Step 1: Design and Materials

As seen in the pictures you will need:

rough cut boards, wrist sized lumber preferably with smooth bark, scrap 2 x 4, 2" screws, 3" screws

None of the wood is treated sadly so the wood will rot eventually, but that is an easy fix. If you are willing to spend some extra money either putting on polyurethane or using treated wood than you bench could last for much longer.

I left the bark on there because I liked how it looks, but you can always strip off the bark and it is preferred that you have let the lumber dry for a couple of months.

Step 2: Preparing and Building the Back

Some of the lumber used on the back was just a little too big and would have made the back rest surface uneven, so a good remedy is to split them in half using a hand axe/maul like the one pictured. Having let the wood dry will make this process a lot easier, and as I was making the pieces I laid them down temporarily to get an idea of how many more I needed.

After preparing all the lumber needed I made a 2x4 frame to mount them to (dimensions pictured). Drill holes and use 3" screws to hold together the frame along with some water resistant wood glue. Mounting the lumber to the frame felt like the longest part of the process. Drill holes for the screw and if the screw can't reach deep enough you can carve out some wood around the hole.

Step 3: Preparing the Seat and Legs

Using 2x4s follow the dimensions given by the picture. 18" is the ideal height for benches, chairs, and stools (in my opinion). The legs should be angled outwards so they have a larger footprint and makes it harder to tip the bench over. The 45's (noted) make it so that the bench can't sway as easily. If there is a split in the rough cut boards clamp it tight before screwing it down so that it will be held in place.

Step 4: Putting the Back and Seat Together

The same angle was used for the back as for the legs. At least 4 screws should be used for connecting the back to the seat because people who lean back on the seat would prefer to not end up on the ground after it breaks. Follow the dimensions pictured. When mounting the frame remove whatever lumber is in the way and screw the frame on. Finish the piece by sanding so that no one gets splinters and round of all the edges as well.