How to Build a Handmade Garden Bench

Cut two 32-inch posts. Using a carpenter's square, draw lines all the way around the posts, 16 inches from the end, perpendicular to the long axis of the post. Cut four pieces of 2- by 4-inch lumber, 14 inches long. Cut four pieces of 2- by 4-inch lumber, 60 inches long.

Dig two holes with a posthole digger, 48 inches apart, on center. The holes should be 20 inches deep and about 10 inches in diameter. Fill each hole with about 4 inches of gravel to improve drainage and inhibit rotting of the posts. Place the posts in the holes. Turn the posts so their faces are in alignment. An easy way to do this is to rest a straight piece of lumber across the tops of both posts, with the edge of the plank aligned to the edge of one post. Rotate the second post until its face is aligned with the edge of the plank. Backfill the hole, while checking to make sure the post stays plumb.

Rest a plank across the tops of the posts, and, using a level, find out which post top is higher. Mark the centers of the inside and outside faces of the posts. Mark the centers of the 14-inch two-by-fours. Align the center of a 14-inch board to the center of the outer face of the tallest post. The top of the 14-inch board should be level and flush with the top of the post. Attach the 14-inch board to the outside of the post with 3-inch galvanized wood screws. Use four screws, in a rectangular pattern, at least 2 1/2 inches apart.

Rest a straight 2- by 4-inch board between the top of the attached 14-inch board and the opposite post. Place a level on top of the board. Align the center of a 14-inch board to the center of the outer face of the shorter post. Raise the 14-inch board, pushing up on the board resting between the posts, until it is level. Attach the 14-inch board to the post with screws, as on the other post. Remove the carpenter's level, but leave the level board in place.

Center and attach the inside 14-inch boards, with their tops flush with the bottom of the level plank. Remove the plank. Lay the four 60-inch planks across the tops of the 14-inch boards. These planks will form the seat of the bench. Measure to ensure equal spacing between the planks, and that overhang on the ends of the bench is symmetrical. The front and back of the seat should extend 1 inch past the edge of the 14-inch boards. Screw the seat planks into the 14-inch boards with two screws at each intersection. Sand the seat to remove rough areas.