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January 1, 2017 · 4 Comments

How to Build an Outdoor Bench the Easy Way

Build· Re-purpose· Scrap Lumber Projects

AJ scrap wood bench reading

Growing up, we spent a lot of time on the front porch.  Neighbors walking by would stop to catch up on the latest gossip. Kids made a game of jumping up and down the steps. Without a doubt, our porch was a popular gathering place. My dad built that porch and all the seating that accommodated our family and friends. So, it was inevitable that I would build an outdoor bench for our porch. It’s in my genes!   

The porch is an extension of our home.

Our current home has a really small porch – nothing like the one from my childhood. The only seating is two chairs (see how we transformed our $7 chairs).  Although it’s small, we want this porch to be a functional and used part of our home so it needs to be a comfortable, attractive and inviting space.

One easy way to add more function to this space is to build an outdoor bench that can serve as a table or seating. This is a quick project you can build from scrap lumber. Also, it’s useful, multi-functional and budget friendly!

 

You Can Use the Materials You Have on Hand to Build an Outdoor Bench

This can be a “use what you have available” projects. Look around for items you no longer need or want but can be repurposed. Additionally, projects like this are a great way to whittle down your scrap lumber stockpile.   I used the sides of an IKEA planter I purchased several years ago but had never even taken from the box. See what I did with the other planter pieces here.  I also used two shelves from an old bookcase and a piece of trim molding left over from another project.

Even though I recycled materials, this bench could easily be completed from regular scrap wood.  Click here to download plans for a version of this bench using scrap wood. 

scrap wood bench materials

How to Fit All the Pieces Together

(This post contains affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure page.)

First, I trimmed the two IKEA planter ends so they were exactly the same size.

Next, I combined pieces from the two recycled book shelves to make the top of the bench. I glued the pieces together using wood glue  After the glue dried, I attached the top to the planter pieces (the legs of the bench) with 1 ½ inch screws.  Then, I countersunk the screws.

scrap wood bench recessed drill bit

recessed screw scrap wood bench

scrap wood bench wood putty

I cut the leftover trim into 19-inch pieces and used them as slats.  The planter pieces already had a small ledge so I screwed the slats into the ledge.

Trim slats on scrap wood bench

I cut the rest of the second shelf into two pieces. When attached to the back of the bench with 1 ½ screws, these serve as a brace and make the bench extra sturdy.
 
Next, I used my favorite wood filler, Durham’s Water Putty to fill in the countersunk screw holes and any cracks. (I use it anytime I build wooden projects that I plan to paint!  It dries quickly, sands well and when painted you can’t tell it’s there.)

scrap wood bench back brace

Painting and Sanding – The Finishing Touches

Painting and sanding are the two DIY things I like least.

But my Homeright Paint Sprayer and Homeright Small Paint Shelter make painting a breeze. In less than 10 minutes, I had finished. !

Clean up for the sprayer only took 3 minutes! I am in love!!!

I’ve had the large Homeright Spray Shelter for about a year and it’s great for larger paint projects. But when I have to paint something small, it feels like too much to set the big shelter up for one small project. I (or my husband!) usually end up painting it by hand. But with the small shelter, I pop it up inside the garage and spray my project…painless!

homeright small shelter and finish max sprayer

After I painted the outdoor bench, I used 150 grit sandpaper and my orbital sander to distress.  Done!  I love how this turned out.

Scrapwood small outdoor bench

It is an exciting transformation and I can’t wait until our front porch is done.  You can follow the progress of our porch with these posts:

  • Added a painted rug for under $20
  • Transformed $7 chairs into great seating
  • Built the easiest plant stand ever
  • Built an outdoor console table

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. [email protected] says

    September 28, 2016 at 9:57 am

    You guys are so creative! Love how the bench turned out; looks like the perfect size for your handsome little dude! 🙂

    Reply
    • We Speak DIY says

      September 28, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      Thanks Laura! We try…our son loves this bench.

      Reply
  2. debbie says

    February 27, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    This is a great project. It looks really professional too. Looking forward to seeing the full porch reveal.

    Reply
    • We Speak DIY says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:10 pm

      Thanks Debbie. I can’t wait until it’s done.

      Reply

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Hi. I'm Teresa and like most, I wear several hats. I'm a wife, mother, friend and daughter. I love my life and the people in my life. I'm glad I get to share one of the things I love to do with you - improving my home by fixing what's broken, building what's needed, beautifying my surroundings and having fun while I'm doing it (for the most part!) I speak DIY and I'd love to talk to you!

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When you take a wrong turn with your partner in cr When you take a wrong turn with your partner in crime @lolitafiles and end up at your new favorite diner! #popandsonsdiner  #besties #adventures #fam #weekend
When your bread pudding is actually a mountain! When your bread pudding is actually a mountain!
I love making pizzas with my family. Our pizza ma I love making pizzas with my family.  Our pizza making is a lot like our life.  A little messy, not always pretty but delicious and a lot of fun! .
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