This is a guide for building a simple bench for indoor use.
Final Product
The completed bench will measure 1040mm long, 496mm high, and 456mm deep. It can support considerable weight when loaded from the top, but has limited resistance to lateral (shear) forces. This means you can sit on it comfortably, but avoid rocking or shifting your weight sideways.
Materials
- 19x 2000mm x 48mm x 24mm wooden slats:
- 10 slats cut into: 1x 1040mm piece + 2x 448mm pieces each
- 9 slats cut into: 4x 496mm pieces each
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Wood stain (optional)
Tools
- Clamps to hold wood pieces together while glue sets
- Drill for making pilot holes for screws
- Sander (optional)
Assembly Steps
We will use butt joints to connect the pieces.
- Sand all wood pieces smooth
- Apply stain to the pieces that will form the seat surface (this will be more difficult to do after assembly)
- Apply glue and assemble the pieces. Use clamps to hold them together firmly. Use a square to ensure all angles are 90° and that the sides are flush. I also used screws to reinforce the glue joints for added strength.
- Apply stain to the remaining surfaces of the bench
See also
Many other builders have completed similar projects:
- A simple, inexpensive, outdoor bench on Reddit, 2020. They used 2x4x8 lumber (50mm x 100mm x 2440mm) and water-resistant wood glue since it was designed for outdoor use.
- Deirdre Mundorf: 15 Outdoor Bench Plans, 2023.
- Holzbank selber bauen: moderne DIY Sitzbank aus Holzlatten, 2023.