Build This Charming Wooden Bench In Only Hours

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 3m piece of rot-resistant wood (Photo 1).

Cut the seat and backrest from an 2.4m 2×8.

Lay out and assemble the sides as mirror images, using the seat and back pieces for alignment (Step 2).

Join the legs with three 6.3cm deck screws and construction adhesive.

Pre-drill 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.

Step 1: Cut the angles

Starting at one end of a 3m board, make the same 22-1/2-degree cut five times to create the four legs.

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

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

Required materials for this project

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