Get the look of a custom bench without the price tag. These DIY outdoor bench plans walk you through the process, even if you're new to carpentry.
The snow has finally melted, and I’m way too excited to be outside again.
With the warmer weather calling, I’ve got a super simple DIY outdoor bench project to share.
It’s easy to build, doesn’t require a ton of tools, and let me tell you—this thing is sturdy.
Like, “don’t even try to move it without help,” kind of sturdy.
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $120
Tools Used
Materials
Cuts
- 8 - 4 in. x 4 in. x 14 ½ in.
- 4 - 4 in. x 4 in. x 36 in.
Instructions
Step 1: On all 8 of the 4 in. x 4 in. x 14 ½ in. pieces, make two pocket holes at the top using the Kreg Jig.
With 6 of the 4x4’s, make 3 pocket holes spaced evenly along the horizontal sides.
Join (4) 4x4’s to make one leg with 2 ½” Kreg screws and exterior wood glue.
Repeat for the second leg.
Step 2: On 3 of the 4 in. x 4 in. x 36 in. pieces, make 3 pocket holes along the horizontal edge, spaced evenly.
Join all 4 pieces together with pocket hole screws and exterior wood glue.
Step 3: Measure 6” from the edge and line up your legs.
Attach to the bottom side of your bench top using pocket hole screws and wood glue.
Step 4: Fill all pocket holes with either wood plugs or wood filler (let dry) and sand the entire bench, working your way up to 220 grit sandpaper.
Round the edges on the final sanding, if desired, to avoid sharp edges.
Step 5: Apply stain and exterior sealant according to the product's instructions.
Final Thoughts
This new bench sits right outside my front door, which seems to be the mailman's new favorite place to put all my boxes!
I really do love this bench. It provides a nice place to sit (or put packages), and it just looks so lovely on my front porch!
More Free Build Plans
Don't put those power tools away yet. There are more fun things to make!
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Kristen
This bench is seriously so cool! It looks indestructible!
Mindi
Simple yet elegant!
Linda@MixedKreations
This bench is awesome! So sturdy, would last forever. Thanks for the plans, I pinned them for later!
Sandi Allen
Love The bench! Thanks for sharing the plans"
Michelle Lepak @ Dandelion Patina
We have been researching ways to make a table in our 'in-progress' homework room. I love chunky so I was trying to figure out how to make the top. I love the top of your bench and I think we are going to try and incorporate this look into the design. I love how this turned out. Way to go!
Carol Stratford
Love it! The clean design could work with modern or rustic styles! Best of all, I could make this with my skill set!
Kristen
Love you blog and following your latest projects! Such great ideas. Just curious - where did you get the boxwood planter in this post? I've seen it on a few blogs now 🙂
Katie
Hi Kristen! Thanks so much! The boxwood planter is from Hobby Lobby in their spring section ; )
Lolly Jane
Gorgeous wood finish! Aaaah, love it! Nice job (: xoxo
Katie
Thanks ladies!!: ) xoxox
Ashley @ Simply Designing
Very cute!!
Katie
Thanks Ashley!! : )
Kelly
Awesome sauce, as usual!! xo
Katie
Thanks sweet friend!!: ) xoxox
shaunie
Signed up! Would love to get to work making a table but I love the bench as well.
Katie
Thanks so much Shaunie! Good luck! I am getting ready to make an outdoor table, I'm super excited about it, they are so expensive at stores!
Micah
Such a beautiful finish! Can you share the type/color of stain you used?
Katie
Hi Micah- thanks so much!! I used 1 coat Minwax's Special Walnut and finished it with a satin outdoor grade poly. : )
Logan Cantrell
I love this bench! It is absolutely perfect! I want something similar in a dining table for my house. Maybe I'm been watching too much Fixer Upper? haha
Katie
Haha, there can never be too much fixer upper! I thing a big bulky piece like this in a dining room would be awesome!! Thanks for stopping by!
Maria
What a beautiful bench! It has so much character and is so beautifully built! Love the stain on it. Beautiful!
Katie
Thanks Maria! We are loving it.... my kids especially love jumping off of it, of course they jump off everything, haha ; )
Debra Kirkley
I love, love just absolutely love this. You can either create a fancy table or a beautiful rustic look, gorgeous piece for any style home and it can be used all year long for each season. Just lovely.
Matt west
Love your Bench!! And the easy plans you added with it 🙂 Quick question, did you use Pressure Treated 4x4's or some other type? Because I am always looking for some good 4x4's but everything I can find around here is all pressure treated... Thanks!
terre tulsiak
Come to Tampa, then lurk around waiting for them to demo another house! They dump heart pine, cedar and oak all the time. People don't want it because it's too hard!
Tim
This bench is awesome! I just came across it. What type of wood is used here...there are a few to choose from. THANKS!
Carole West, Garden Up Green
I love to build too and I'm looking at this and thinking if you went taller and wider you could turn it into an island for the kitchen. I love the 4 x 4's used this way. It's a fantastic bench that will last for years and I bet it is heavy..
Liberty
Hi! I just saw your post on the Scoop. I wanted to show you my bench that I made using your directions!! : ) https://www.b4andafters.com/outdoor-bench-made-with-my-kreg-jig/
Thank you! I love my bench-- though I should take more time to actually sit on it.
Marie
Now that's a bench that is going to last a long time! Thanks for sharing it at the Talk Of The Town Party. Pinned 🙂
Ytsubsviewslikes
I showed this to my husband and he agreed to make one! So excited to put in our front yard. Thank you! Pinned.
Realtor
I definitely love to have that in my house.
Angie
Nice designs! great job Katie.
Dave
Ohh this is so cool! Thanks
https://www.applyrite.com/
Ohhh this is so incredible!
Mark
this is a great idea for a diy outside bench! love this.
Charlene
I want to have this!
Karim
Couldn't find your plans, think link appears to be down.
Anonymous
This is a very good idea for Outdoor Bench.
Cody
Wow these benches look fantastic! I would love one on my back porch!
Frisco Concrete Contractors
Gorgeous wood finish! I like it!
Mark
That sounds great! I'd love to see the free plans for the DIY outdoor bench. Thanks for sharing!
Aria
Oh, the struggle of DIY projects in winter! Excited for the warmer weather and this sturdy outdoor bench plan – calf exercise included!