Build a Simple DIY Wooden Bench for Less

Updated: Mar. 17, 2023

Build this solid, durable, inexpensive bench in a couple of hours

simple wooden bench sits in a gardenFamily Handyman
Assemble this sturdy bench from two 10-foot 2x8s, glue and a handful of screws. A novice can complete it in a few hours.

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Time
A full day
Complexity
Beginner
Cost
$51–100

Wooden Bench Design: Bench materials and assembly

Photo 1: Cut the angles

Starting at one end of a 10-ft. board, make the same 22-1/2-degree cut five times to create the four legs.

Photo 2: Assemble the legs

Clamp the seat and back to the workbench as a stop, then predrill, glue and screw the rear legs to the front legs.

Need outdoor seating in a hurry? This simple bench, based on author and ecologist Aldo Leopold’s classic design, can be constructed in a couple of hours. All it takes is two boards and 18 screws, for a cost of less than $25.

Cut the legs from a 2×8 x 10-ft. piece of rot-resistant wood (Photo 1). Cut the seat and backrest from an 8-ft. 2×8.

Lay out and assemble the sides as mirror images, using the seat and back pieces for alignment (Photo 2). Join the legs with three 2-1/2-in. deck screws and construction adhesive. Predrill all the screw holes with a countersink bit to avoid splitting the wood. Finally, set the sides up parallel to each other and glue and screw the seat and back into place. Finish the bench with a coat of exterior oil or stain.

A Cutting List is available in Additional Information below.

Wooden Bench Design Additional Information

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • Circular saw
  • Countersink drill bit
  • Drill/driver - cordless
  • Speed square

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • 2-1/2-in. deck screws
  • 2x8s
  • Construction adhesive
  • Exterior finish