If you are looking for simple plans for a basic 2×4 garden bench, then you should take a look over this article. A bench built entirely out of 2×4 slats is a nice weekend project, as it requires basic woodworking skills and straight-forward tools. Don’t forget to adjust the size of the bench seat to suit your needs, before starting the actual construction of the bench. Work with attention and invest in high quality materials (cedar, pine, redwood).

There are many designs to choose from when building a wooden bench, so make sure you take a look over the related plans before starting the assembly. Mark the cut lines on the wooden components before adjusting their size with a circular saw. In addition, align the components at both ends before drilling pilot holes and inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Building 2×4 Bench

Building a 2×4 bench

Materials

• 1 – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 14″ LEGS
• 2 – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12″ FRAME
• 3 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 40″ FRAME
• 4 – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ SLATS

• 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One day

2×4 Bench Plans

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs of the bench. As you can notice in the plans, you have to cut one end of the legs in a decorative manner, in order to add value to the project and to enhance the look of the bench. Mark the cut lines with pencil before adjusting them with a circular saw.

Building the bench frame

Building the frame of the bench is easy, but you need to pay attention to the instructions described in the plans. Cut the 2×4 slats at the right size and align them at both ends before inserting the 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Check if the corners are right-angled and add waterproof glue to the joints, in order to create a rigid structure.

Attaching the legs

The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the 2×4 legs to the frame of the bench. Plumb the legs with a spirit level and secure them to the frame of the bench by using 2 1/2″ screws. Place a spirit level on top of the bench frame to check if it is horizontal. Make sure the corners are square.

Attaching the seat

If you want to get a professional result, we recommend you to fit the seat slats starting with the middle component. Align the slat at both ends, making sure it overhangs 4″ on both sides, before securing it into place with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Drill pocket holes through the frame of the bench, to prevent the wood from splitting and to hide the head of the screws. Use 2 1/2″ screws to assemble the bench.

Attaching the seat slats

Fit the rest of the slats to the bench frame, making sure you leave about 1/4″ between them. Smooth the visible edges of the slats with medium-grit sandpaper or by using a router, in order to get the job done in professional manner. Fit 1/4″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps.

2×4 bench plans

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Check if the components are secured into place properly and if the frame is rigid. Make sure there are no protruding screws or sharp edges that could injure you. See plans for a patio bench HERE.

PRO TIP: Fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper. Apply several coats of paint or stain over the components, in order to protect them from decay.

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