DIY Bench Seats

Sand all the lumber with 150-grit sandpaper. Four planks of 2-by-8-by-20-inch lumber will be the bench legs, four planks of 2-by-4-by-18-inch lumber will be the leg braces and three planks of 2-by-6-by-48-inch lumber will be for the top of the bench.

Lay two of the leg pieces flat on a work surface lengthwise with 18 inches between their outer edges. Place one of the brace pieces over the ends of the legs, ensuring the top of the brace is totally flush with the ends of the legs, and the ends of the brace are flush with the side of the legs.

Drill two countersunk pilot holes sized to fit the deck screws through the side of the brace into each leg, then secure with deck screws. Turn the legs over and place a second brace piece on the other side of the legs, parallel with the first, and secure it in place as you did the first brace piece.

Repeat with the remaining two leg and brace pieces, so that you have two sets of legs, secured at the top with braces. Stand the legs upright, with the braces at the top, 40 inches apart.

Center the 48-inch top planks over the top of the legs, with an inch gap between each board.

Drill four countersunk pilot holes sized to fit 3-inch lag bolts through the end of each top plank into the leg braces underneath; two holes per brace. Secure the top pieces to the braces and legs, placing the bolt washers over the pilot holes, then bolting the planks down.

Stain, varnish or paint the bench as desired, following the instructions from the manufacturer. Allow to cure for at least three days, or as stipulated by the finish manufacturer, before placing the bench outdoors.