How to Build a Park Bench？

Installing the crosspieces

First of all, you have to attach the crosspieces to the wooden legs, as you can see in the image. Leave 1 1/2” between the wooden posts, as to be able to install the 2×4 stretcher later on. In addition, you should work on a horizontal surface and you have to plumb the supports, before inserting the carriage screws.

Drill several pilot holes in the lumber, using a drill machinery, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Installing the stretcher

Continue the woodworking project by setting the stretcher into place. Cut the component from 2×4 lumber and lock into place with 3” screws. In order to get the job done as a professional, we recommend you to pre-drill the lumber and to insert the screws at angle.

Don’t forget that you have to plumb the legs of the park bench before locking the components together with nails / screws.

Installing the seat slats

Afterwards, you should place the 2×2 slats over the supports and to align them at both ends. Drill several pilot holes tough the boards and drive in galvanized decking screws.

In order to obtain a professional result, you should place the slats equally spaced, leaving about 1/4” between them. Sand the edges of the wooden boards before attaching them into place, by using a sander or a router.

Installing the trims

One of the last steps of the project is to install the trims, in order to hide the ends of the slats. You could use 2×3 or 1×4 lumber, therefore you should choose the option that best fits your needs and tastes.

How to build a park bench

Fill the gaps with wood putty and leave it to harden for several hours. Afterwards, sand the wooden surface with a sander along the wood grain and remove the dust and the residues with a clean cloth. Make sure you buy varnish resistant to water and ultraviolet rays, otherwise you would have to paint the bench every year.
 

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