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Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or just looking for the right weekend project to get your feet wet, building a piece of furniture that you’ll be able to use long after the fact can be quite rewarding. While some furniture plans may be challenging to follow, others—such as potting benches, garden chairs, and porch swings—are often more suitable for beginners.
Building your own outdoor bench can take just a few hours of time and will provide you with a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy your exterior spaces. Read on for a list of handpicked outdoor bench plans that you can build yourself.
1. Aldo Leopold Bench
You’ll need only a few basic supplies to make this 48-inch by 29-inch wooden garden bench, which is named for famous American conservationist Aldo Leopold. The downloadable plans include detailed instructions, diagrams, images, and a list of everything you’ll need to purchase to make the bench. While you may find that a miter saw simplifies the task of making this garden bench, a drill is the only power tool that is necessary.
Get the Overall Makerworks Aldo Leopold Bench Plans on Etsy for $5.
2. Simple Bench
This DIY outdoor bench is sturdy, easy-to-make, and requires only basic lumber materials. The plans include a materials list, cut list, tool list, detailed images, and clear instructions to help you build the bench on your own. With the instant-download format, you can get started building this 70-inch by 18-inch bench almost immediately.
Get the WoodGears Simple Bench Plans on Etsy for $3.97.
3. Compact Tree Bench
If you’re searching for garden bench ideas to enhance a tree-filled yard, building a hexagonal bench around a tree can make the most of your space and add visual appeal. These compact tree bench plans, designed for beginners and veteran DIYers alike, will help you build a bench 70 inches in diameter and 36 inches in height. Download the plans to view the shopping list, cut list, and step-by-step construction directions with detailed images.
Get the Happy Little Bear Tree Bench Plans on Etsy for $3.15.
4. Indoor/Outdoor Bench
You’ll need only 2x4s to craft this traditional and attractive wooden bench. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the bench measures 48 inches long and 18 inches tall. Only a few tools, including a hammer, drill, miter saw, and pocket-hole jig, are required to DIY this basic bench. Once built, add your favorite stain or paint to personalize it, creating your own brown, red, blue, or black outdoor bench. The plans include printable PDF files with the necessary materials, tools, images, and detailed instructions needed for the project.
Get the Lovely Etc. Wooden Indoor/Outdoor Bench Plans on Etsy for $4.99.
5. Bench With Table
With its center table, this two-person bench offers the ideal spot to relax outside and read a good book, sip a favorite beverage, or have a conversation. The detailed 20-page plans—designed with an intermediate skill level in mind—include a tools list, materials list, detailed drawings and images, and clear directions to build this 66-inch by 35-inch bench.
Get the Happy Little Bear Double Chair Bench With Table Plans on Etsy for $2.79.
6. Benches With Planter
With one bench coming off of each side of a central triangular planter, this DIY bench will provide ample seating in your space while also serving as an outdoor statement piece. The overall dimensions of the piece are 98 ½ by 98 ½ by 16 ½ inches. Step-by-step instructions, detailed images, a three-dimensional visual guide, materials list, tools list, and cut list are all included in the downloadable PDF file.
Get the PlansDIYs Outdoor Bench With Planter on Etsy for $6.29.
7. 2×4 Bench Plans
Follow these plans to make a simple bench using 2x4s. The plans are designed to build a 48-inch by 17 ½-inch bench, but you can easily make modifications and adjust the width or height based on your needs and preferences. Pair this bench with an outdoor table or add it to your garden space to offer a comfortable resting spot. Clear directions, materials lists, and other essential information is included with the plans.
Get the OWGardenVintage 2×4 Bench Plans on Etsy for $5.
8. Garden Bench With Planter
Add this bench and planter combo to your deck, patio, or garden for a pleasant and attractive spot to relax and unwind. The small outdoor bench’s 79-inch width includes a side planter where you can grow some of your favorite flowers to enjoy while you sit outside. The 14 PDF files included in the downloadable plans include clear directions for the eight-step construction process, materials and cutting lists, diagrams, and more.
Get the ArcaDAStudio Garden Bench With Planter Plan on Etsy for $15.48.
9. Outdoor Patio Bench
Making DIY outdoor furniture can save money, but it’s also very satisfying to craft a piece that you’ll enjoy for years to come, like this spacious 79-inch-wide DIY patio bench. While you’re at it, build a second one for even more seating at your next outdoor gathering! Easy-to-follow instructions, three-dimensional illustrations, a tools list, materials list, and cut list are all included with the plans.
Get the GoodDIYplans Outdoor Patio Bench Plans on Etsy for $7.98.
10. Simple Outdoor Bench
Build this small garden bench using standard 2x6s and basic power tools. The finished bench measures 50 inches by 20 inches and can make for an ideal addition to a garden, patio, or deck. Download the plans to view the step-by-step instructions, drawings, materials list, tools list, and cut list so you can begin building the bench right away.
Get the PlansDIYs Simple Bench Plans on Etsy for $2.09.
11. Classic Garden Bench
Download the plans for this outdoor garden bench to add charm to your space. The traditional wooden bench features armrests and a slatted back for comfort. Clear directions with illustrations, a tools list, materials list, and cut list are included in the PDF file.
Get the WoodPlansPdf Garden Bench on Etsy for $2.48.
12. Hexagon Tree Bench
Follow these downloadable plans—which include detailed instructions, diagrams, a cut list, and shopping lists—to help you build a spacious hexagonal tree bench. Not only is this piece lovely to look at, but you’ll gain a shady seating area that takes advantage of space in your yard that would otherwise be wasted.
Get the Happy Little Bear Hexagon Tree Bench Plans on Etsy for $3.15.
13. Farmhouse-Style Bench
The plans for this farmhouse-style garden bench are designed to be accessible to beginner woodworkers. The 96-inch by 18-inch bench is roomy enough to accommodate several adults. The PDF file includes tools and materials lists, an optimized cut list, and step-by-step instructions for building the bench. The only tools required for this project are a drill, tape measure, clamps, and a miter or circular saw.
Get the FrugalDIYProjects Farmhouse-Style Bench Plans on Etsy for $4.12.
14. Star Bench
Repurpose old wood pallets to create this unique star-shaped bench. The downloadable plans are designed to be easy enough for beginners to follow. Once built, this bench is 40 inches wide, 50 inches tall, and 50 inches deep, and it can comfortably seat two.
Get the Horizon Design Studios Wood Star Bench Plans on Etsy for $6.25.
15. Stylish Planter Bench
With its inviting design, this planter bench can make a lovely addition to a garden, patio, or front porch. One side of the bench gently curves down to the ground, while the other side incorporates a planter for lush and colorful flowers and plants. Beginners should be able to build this bench using power tools without much trouble.
Get the Happy Little Bear Wood Planter Bench Plans on Etsy for $3.46.
The prices listed here are accurate as of February 27, 2023.