It’s that time of year, time to start working on outdoor projects! Today I’m participating in a Great Outdoors Challenge, spruce up your outdoor space!
I’ve been wanting to add a cute little bench to my garden area for a while. This outdoor garden bench only cost me about $13 to build and only requires 1 board! Love when projects are super budget friendly.
How to Build an Outdoor Garden Bench
Materials
- 1 – 2″ x 12″ x 8′ board (actual 1 1/2″ x 11 1/4″)
- 2 1/2″ screws (I prefer self tapping, like Kreg screws or deck screws)
- wood glue
- paint/stain/top coat
Cut Diagram
Cut the 2×12 into the increments shown above: 1 x 48″, 2 x 13 1/2″, 4 x 4 1/2″ (two of the 4 1/2″ trim the length to 10 1/4″).
Download and print out the Leg Pattern. Make sure to print it at 100%, not fit to page. Line up, tape the pattern together and cut it out. Trace the pattern onto the 13 1/2″ pieces.
Flip the pattern and trace again.
Cut out the legs with a band saw (that’s what I used), scroll saw or jig saw. 
Attach the 4 1/2″ x 10 1/4″ pieces to the top of the legs with wood glue and 2 1/2″ screws. I found it easiest to center the boards, then clamp in place while I added the screws.
Repeat on the bottom with the 4 1/2″ x 11 1/4″ pieces.
On the bench seat, mark over 4″ from each end. Use wood glue and attach the legs to the bench with 2 1/2″ screws.
Sand the bench, rounding over and sharp edges.
I left the bench all-natural for a little while until I decided what color to stain it. What color will you make yours?
Paint or stain as desired. If the bench is going outside, add a few coats of polyurethane or any type of sealer that you like. I decided to try out Minwax color stain in Island Water.
Happy Building!
Check out more ideas for the #greatoutdoorschallenge
Her Tool Belt – you’re here
Do you have a Great Outdoor Project? Show it off, link up here:
linked to link parties, sss
Now this is something i could actually make! Love the blue!
Thank you, so glad to hear that!
Amy it’s so, so pretty! Those curves are just beautiful and totally doable for anybody. Well thought out and a great overall design – I’d call that a success!
Thanks Jaime!
Wow, Amy! I love those curves for the legs! What a gorgeous project and to build it with only one board is even better! I could see this being a great Mother’s Day gift idea, too!
Thanks Katie!
What?! Amy how are you so awesomely so creative?! Ok I know, because that is WHO you are! This is just so perfect in every way, perfect price, perfect curves, and perfectly simple… but oh so Beautiful!! Love, love it! 🙂
Thanks Mindi, you are way to nice!
You are the queen of scrolled legs! I totally wish I came up with this idea. It’s simple, yet perfectly elegant. I love it!
I am making this with my daughter and her friend. Mother’s Day gifts!!!
What a cute bench! I really need to learn how to do more woodworking. My husband does most of it and he’s not nearly as motivated as I am to make things.
Thank you
Hello, thank you for the wonderful plans provided in this blog. My husband made this and we love it !
Thanks, I’m so glad to hear it!
What kind of wood did you use as your board?
Douglar Fir (pine)