Build a Cedar Garden Bench in 4 Steps

A bench.
  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 25-50
What You'll Need
4 2x6-inch cedar boards, 12 feet long
1 2x4-inch cedar board, 10 feet long
6 "L"-shape brackets
Stainless steel wood screws
Screwdriver
Saw
Drill
Small drill bits
Tape measure
Saw horse
Pencil
What You'll Need
4 2x6-inch cedar boards, 12 feet long
1 2x4-inch cedar board, 10 feet long
6 "L"-shape brackets
Stainless steel wood screws
Screwdriver
Saw
Drill
Small drill bits
Tape measure
Saw horse
Pencil

You can build your own cedar garden bench to turn your flower garden into an outdoor living space. The following steps will show you how to build a cedar bench.

Step 1 - Cut the Wood

Place one of the 2x6 boards on the saw horse. Measure out three sections that each measure 4 feet in length, and then cut the wood. Repeat measuring and cutting with each of the remaining 2x6 boards. When you are done, you will have 12 boards that are each 4 feet long. These boards will be the seat of the cedar bench.

Place the 2x4-inch board on the horse. Measure and mark off two sections that are 3 feet long and two sections that are 2 feet long. Cut along the lines. These pieces will be for the seat support, back and legs.

If you do not have experience or the materials to cut wood, you can have the wood cut to order where you purchased it.

Step 2 - Assemble the Bench Seat

Gather the wood you cut for the seat. Place them on your work surface so that they are close together, but not touching. Make sure they are even with each other.

Measure 6 inches from the top of the boards, then another 6-inches from there. Place two of the 2-foot long 2x4-inch planks across these lines. Mark each support board section that crosses a seat board section in the center of the board.

Create pilot holes through the support boards to the seat boards with the drill. Continue until each section of the support board that rests on a seat board has a pilot hole.

Insert screws into each pilot hole and connect the boards together.

Step 3 - Assemble the Seat Back and Back Legs

Put the seat aside for a moment and gather the boards you cut for the supports and legs.

You will be repeating Step 2 with several differences. Arrange two of the 2x4-inch 3-foot boards side by side, but not touching.

Have one of the 4-foot boards flush along the edge of the 4x6 boards. Mark the board and drill pilot holes, then screw together.

Step 4 - Add Front Legs and Finish

You will be starting at the end of Step 3 by measuring 18 inches from the opposite end of each of the 4-foot long cedar boards. Place an "L"-shape bracket on each board.

Now, place "L"-shape brackets in the center of each of 2 of the 4x6 boards. Attach the remaining 4x6-inch boards to the "L"-shape brackets. Screw the remaining "L"-shape brackets on the top of each front leg.

Screw the seat section onto the front legs and to the back.