How to Build a Wood Bench Seat Out of Treated Wood

Legs

• 1

  Cut an 8-foot-long, 4-by-4-inch post in half. This will create two 48-inch-long posts. These are the legs for the bench.

• 2

  Dig a 2 1/2-foot-deep hole, about 5 inches in diameter, using a post-hole digger. Dig an identical hole, 47 inches away from the first. These are the holes for the legs of the bench.

• 3

  Mix some quick-drying concrete, following package instructions. Set one of the legs in a hole. Hold the leg so it's perfectly vertical; pour the concrete around the leg. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Seat Frame

• 4

  Cut two lengths of 2-by-4-inch lumber to measure 45 inches long. These are the long supports. Cut two more lengths of 2-by-4-inch lumber for the short supports. These supports should measure 16 1/2 inches.

• 5

  Arrange the four supports to form a rectangle. Ensure all the ends of the boards are flush, then nail the structure together.

• 6

  Cut three 2-by-4-inch by 13 1/2-inch center supports. Place the first support inside the rectangle, parallel to the short supports. Position it so it's 4 inches from the short side support on that side, then nail in place. Attach the second center support in the same way on the opposite side. Place the third support in the center of the rectangle with nails.

• 7

  Place the entire seat frame over the bench legs. Center the frame on the legs and adjust until the top of the legs is flush with the top of the seat frame. Attach the frame to the legs with three lag bolts on each side.

• 8

  Cut two boards from 2-by-4-inch lumber to measure 16 1/2 inches long. Cut both ends of each board on a 45-degree angle. These are the seat-frame supports. Position one of the seat-frame supports in between one leg and the inside of the seat frame. Nail in place and repeat on the opposite side.

Finishing

• 9

  Cut three 2-by-6-inch boards to measure 45 inches long. These are the seat boards.

• 10

  Place the seat boards across the seat frame. Adjust the boards until there is an even overhang on both sides. Nail the boards in place. Nail through all three center supports.

• 11

  Use a sander to smooth any rough surfaces. Allow the concrete to set for several days before using the bench.