How to Build Built-In Deck Benches

Sand all the components of the deck bench, which include: six planks 2-by-6 lumber, 14 inches long for the legs; six planks 1-by-2 lumber, 12½ inches long for the top supports of the legs; six planks 1-by-2 lumber, 15 inches long for the bottom supports of the legs; and two planks 1-by-8 lumber, 60 inches long for the bench top.

Lay two leg pieces flat on a work table, with a ½-inch gap between their 14-inch edges. Place a top support flush with one end, and a bottom support flush with the other end. The bottom support should be centered, which means there is a rough 1½ inches over each side of the legs.

Clamp the top and bottom supports in place, then drill two pilot holes through each support plank into each leg. Secure the support planks in place with 1½-inch screws through the pilot holes. Turn the legs over and attach another top and bottom support plank to the other side, then repeat with the remaining legs and support pieces so you have three complete leg units.

Stand the leg units upright, resting on the bottom supports and spaced 20 inches apart. Place the two bench top planks over the top of the leg pieces, with a ½-inch gap between them, and roughly 10 inches overhang past the two outer sets of legs.

Drill two pilot holes through each bench top slat into each top support plank, which will be 12 holes per bench slat. Secure the bench top planks to the legs with 1½-inch screws through the pilot holes.

Touch up the sanding where needed around the screw holes, then varnish the bench if desired and leave to dry for the time recommended by the varnish manufacturer.

Move the bench into position on the deck, then drill two pilot holes through each bottom support plank on the legs into the deck, and secure the bench to the deck with 3-inch screws through the pilot holes.