15+ Simple DIY Outdoor Bench Plans & Ideas For Your Garden

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford

Has it ever crossed your mind to have a DIY outdoor garden bench outside your house? It is a good idea, but have you stopped to think about the best ideas that will do what you want to see?

First, get a suitable spot to have your DIY outdoor bench idea and try the following 15 DIY outdoor garden bench ideas.

How to Build an Outdoor Bench

Building an outdoor bench can be a fantastic DIY project that enhances your backyard or garden’s aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re a professional home builder or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will take you through the step-by-step process of constructing your very own outdoor bench.

Why Build an Outdoor Bench?

Outdoor benches are more than just seating options; they add charm and functionality to your outdoor space. They are perfect for enjoying a quiet morning coffee, a good book, or simply soaking in the beauty of your garden. Plus, building your own bench adds a personal touch and can be a fun and rewarding project.

Choosing the Right Design

The first step in building an outdoor bench is choosing a design. There are numerous designs available, from simple backless benches to elaborate ones with armrests and back support. Your choice should depend on your comfort preferences, available space, and the overall style of your garden.

Gathering Your Materials

Next, gather all the necessary materials. Depending on the design of your bench, you might need different types of wood, screws, nails, and other hardware. You’ll also need tools like a saw, drill, and sandpaper.

Building Your Outdoor Bench

Once you have your design and materials ready, it’s time to start building. Here’s a simple process you can follow:

1. Cut the Wood: Cut your wood pieces according to your bench design. Make sure you measure twice before cutting to avoid mistakes.
   
2. Assemble the Frame: Start by assembling the frame of your bench. This usually involves connecting the legs to the seat support using screws or nails.
   
3. Attach the Seat: Once the frame is ready, attach the seat boards to the seat supports. Make sure they’re evenly spaced and securely attached.
   
4. Add the Backrest (if applicable): If your design includes a backrest, attach it to the frame. Ensure it’s at a comfortable angle and securely attached.
   
5. Sand and Finish: Sand the bench to make it smooth and then apply a finish to protect it from the elements.

1. Sturdy wood slab bench

When it is a bench, people always think that is something to do with a place to sit. The sturdy wood slab bench idea will change your mind, and you will realize what the garden bench can do apart from being something to sit on.

Check the DIY idea and locate a place where you can erect it.

Source: https://cherishedbliss.com/diy-outdoor-bench-a-huge-giveaway/

2. The farmhouse bench with a storage space

No one expects a storage space on a bench, but the farmhouse bench is beating the odds! It is a lovely bench that you will have storage spaces where you can have some accessories resting.

Think of that event where you will need to engage the visitors outdoors, and they may be carrying some luggage!

Source: https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/diy/farmhouse-bench-tutorial/

3. Repurposed bed bench

do you have any leftover bed materials? It is time to utilize the leftovers to make something cute that will offer you a rest area when you are not spending time on your porch.

The DIY idea is for people who have an excess of bedding tools. Get inspiration from the source below.

Source: https://mycreativedays.porch.com/diy-entryway-bench/

4. Cheap tree bench

What a beautiful idea that uses simple materials to make something that everyone will admire! It is a lovely DIY garden bench that uses old kitchen furniture.

It is only the white paintings that make it look nice again, which is true. Disposing of the old kitchen furniture is not an option.

Source: https://kaboom.org/resources/enhancement-projects/how-build-tree-bench

5. Baby crib bench

It doesn’t mean that you should dispose of the old baby crib benches as soon as your kid grows older. You can always invent an idea as creating a rustic bench using the old crib benches. Get inspiration from the source below.

Source: http://paintedtherapy.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-new-life-for-old-crib.html

6. DIY bed frame bench

You can construct an outdoor bench using an old bed frame. Take a look at the idea here and see if it is worth it. It is simple, and all the steps to do it are easy. 

Source: http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/turning-craigs-list-bed-frame-into/

7. Bathtub outdoor sofa

The bathtub-outdoor sofa is undoubtedly among the cutest outdoor garden ideas that will offer more comfort than the rest. It is the cutest type of sofa that will give more work to your old seats. Don’t dispose, but create something that is never expected to be outside.

Source: http://onekriegerchick.com/2014/04/28/cast-iron-bathtub-outdoor-sofa-part-1/

8. Garden bench with arbor

The garden bench with an arbor is among the cute ideas for those who like to see good things around their compound. The DIY project can be quite bulky, but it does marvelous when you know you need something that is rarely seen in other people’s compounds.

Source: http://www.ana-white.com/2014/06/plans/outdoor-bench-arbor

9. Pallet wood outdoor couch

It is a smart outdoor DIY project that you can do if you need a bench that you will be resting on during your leisure hours. You can always improve your comfort but using the couch to make things a little cozy.

Source: http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2011/08/pallet-wood-outdoor-sofa-reveal.html

10. Upcycled dining chairs and bench

The garden glove does have a cute bench idea that you can emulate at home. It uses simple dining benches. You only change the location from indoors to outdoors.

The colors also matter a lot, and you can always paint your bench with the color paint you like. Get inspiration about this DIY bench idea from the source attached.

Source: https://homemadebycarmona.com/outdoor-furniture-build-plans/

11. Day bed garden bench

The day bed garden bench as the name suggests could be a nice bench idea. It can offer you rest hours when you don’t need to be inside your house. It is a lovely DIY bench idea that has very few steps you will follow to have it done. Check out the source below for inspiration.

Source: https://rainonatinroof.com/diy-outdoor-daybed/

12. Easy outdoor bench

You can use a block of reclaimed wood to make this project outside your mansion. It is the best garden bench idea that you can locate close to the gate or just some distance away from your mansion. It will be a nice spot for you where you can do some meditation.

Source: http://overthebigmoon.com/diy-front-porch-bench/

13. DIY headboard bench

The DI headboard bench is among the best garden bench ideas with a reputation. The design is cute, and it will give the outdoor comfort that you will be seeking when you are spending some moments outside your mansion.

It also uses readily available materials, and you don’t need to get them anywhere.

Source: https://www.mylove2create.com/2017/08/how-to-make-kingsize-headboard-bench.html

14. Repurposed garden bench

The idea use old chairs from your old house to make something new in your garden. If you want to build a new bench, then pick the old chairs and follow the instructions from the source link attached here. It is among the cute DIY garden bench ideas available for you to choose from.

Source: http://www.myrepurposedlife.com/garden-bench-repurposed-chairs

15. Cinder block bench

Are you planning an outdoor event, and you don’t have enough time to make the arrangements for the seats? Never worry. The cinder block bench will do everything for you. It is the easiest DIY garden bench idea that will take only around 30 minutes to get done. Get inspiration from the source attached below.

Source: https://fabeveryday.com/2014/04/diy-cinder-block-benc.html