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.

If you are interested in more about park benches, contact us for free.