How to Build Wooden Benches

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Pick the type of wood to use (e.g.

   oak, birch, cedar, poplar, pine).
   
   Oak is a nice looking hardwood, and cedar withstands the weather well.
2. 2

   Step 2: Gather the tools for the job: Impact Wrench or Power Drill or hand drill Miter Saw or hand saw Tape Measure Pencil Drill Bits Screw bits or screwdrivers that fit the heads of the screws you have Ruler or other straight edge

   , Make sure the screws are no longer than an inch. 34 screws that are 2 inches long (a box of 2" drywall screws will work fine that way you have some extra screws). ,,,,,,,,,,, Measure 9-11/16" on one side and 17" on the other side (This is for the skinny side of the board).
   
   Connect the two spots.
   
   Cut the line. ,, If you desire only put one strap per board. ,,, If you desire, only put one strap per board on the bottom. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Collect hardware you will need: 40 pieces of 4 inch long metal straps (they can be found next the L-brackets at a hardware store)

4. 4

   Step 4: and screws to fit them if they don't already come with screws.

5. 5

   Step 5: Start cutting the wood to size: A) 3 - 2x6 @ 48 inches B) 2 - 2x4 @ 19 inches C) 4 - 2x4 @ 25 inches D) 2 - 2x4 @ 18 inches E) 9 - 1x4 @ 10 inches F) 2 - 1x4 @ 17-1/4 inches (the 1/4 inch is for a future step) G) 2 - 1x4 @ 48 inches

6. 6

   Step 6: You will need: B) 2 - 2x4 @ 19 inches C) 4 - 2x4 @ 25 inches D) 2 - 2x4 @ 18 inches

7. 7

   Step 7: Connect the end of (B) 19" 2x4 to the butt of a (C) 25" 2x4 with two 2" screws.

8. 8

   Step 8: Attach the other (C) 25" 2x4 an inch in from the other end of the (B) 19" 2x4.

9. 9

   Step 9: Attach a (D) 18" 2x4 so that the top of this piece is 16.5" inches from the bottom of the legs

10. 10

    Step 10: and so the ends are flush with the outside of the legs.

11. 11

    Step 11: Repeat steps above to make the second set of legs.

12. 12

    Step 12: Attach the end of a (A)2x6 piece on top of the cross piece (D) on one leg

13. 13

    Step 13: making sure that it is flush with the outside of the leg.

14. 14

    Step 14: Do the same with another (A) 2x6 piece

15. 15

    Step 15: but on the opposite end of the cross piece (D).

16. 16

    Step 16: Put the third (A) 2x6 piece in the middle of the two other 2x6 pieces (there will be about ¾ inch space between each board).

17. 17

    Step 17: Attach the other end of each board in the same manner to the other leg

18. 18

    Step 18: on part (D).

19. 19

    Step 19: To create a more comfortable backrest

20. 20

    Step 20: cut an angle at the end of both (F) 17" 1x4 pieces.

21. 21

    Step 21: Attach one (G) 48" 1x4 in between the two (F) 17" 1x4 pieces at the square end.

22. 22

    Step 22: Put the center of one of the (E) 10" 1x4 pieces in the middle of what you just built.

23. 23

    Step 23: Install another (E) 10" 1x4 piece 1-5/8" from the edge of the center piece.

24. 24

    Step 24: Follow this same spacing for the remainder of the (E) 10" 1x4 pieces.

25. 25

    Step 25: Attach the other (G) 48" 1x4 to the ends of the (E) 10" pieces.

26. 26

    Step 26: Attach the angled side of the backrest (F) to the back of the legs (C)

27. 27

    Step 27: using a minimum of two screws per side

28. 28

    Step 28: allowing the bottom (G) to rest on the seat (A).

Detailed Guide

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