Sturdy 2×4 Bench

By The Creative Mom
garden-bench
garden-bench-plans-2
sturdy-bench
sturdy-garden-bench
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

A darling bench perfect for a garden, fire pit, or sitting on a patio or porch. This bench is made from 2x4 framing studs, and is very sturdy. It is fit for 2 or 3 people.

Difficulty moderate

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Impact Driver
    Impact Driver
  • Sander
    Sander

Materials

Wood Products

  • 16 Board , 2x4 , 96"
  • 1 Board , 4x4 , 96"

Hardware & Supplies

  • 25 2 1/2" Pocket Hole Screws
  • 25 2 1/2" Self Tapping Deck Screws
  • 6 5/16" x 4" Lag Screws
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 2 Backrest Supports , 16"x2"x4" (one side cut at 15 degrees- measure on long side of angle)
  • 2 Backrest Frame , 19"x2"x4" (one side cut at 15 degrees- measure on long side of angle)
  • 2 Backrest Frame , 56"x2"x4"
  • 6 Seat Planks & Seat Frame , 59"x2"x4"
  • 8 Seat Planks , 66"x2"x4"
  • 2 Arm Rests , 27 1/2"x2"x4"
  • 2 Seat Frame , 19"x2"x4"
  • 3 Seat Frame , 23"x2"x4"
  • 4 Corner Posts , 23 1/2"x4"x4"
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Build Bench Seat Frame

    Drill 1 1/2'' pocket holes and attach 2x4's to 4x4 posts using 2 1/2'' pocket hole screws.

    Step 1

  • Add Planks to the Seat

    Using deck screws, attach the seat planks to the frame. Start with the front and back planks (59"), then work inward (66"), leaving 1/4" space between each board.

    Step 2

  • Build Bench Back Frame

    Cut your 2x4's (19" & 16") at 15 degrees (measuring on the long side of the angle). Drill 1 1/2'' pocket holes and attach with 2 1/2'' pocket hole screws to build a frame for the back rest.

    Step 3

  • Add Planks to the Backrest

    Using deck screws, attach the backrest planks to the frame. Start with the bottom and top planks (59" and 66"), then work inward, leaving 1/4" space between each board.

    Step 4

  • Attach Backrest to the Seat

    Using lag bolts, attach the backrest to the bench seat. Screw the bottom 2x4 of the frame to the bench seat.

    Step 5

  • Finish Bench

    Fill holes, sand, and paint or stain the bench. Finishing off with polyurethane.

    Step 6

  • Secure Backrest

    Using 4 inch lag screws, attach the backrest to the bench seat. Lag screws should be spaced about 10 inches apart. Screw the bottom 2x4 of the frame to the bench seat.

    Step 7

  • Build Seat Frame

    Build the seat frame using pocket hole screws.

    Step 8