Building a wooden garden bench yourself costs €40 to €120 in materials. Ready-made wooden garden benches cost €80 to €400. Building your own saves 50–70% — and you end up with a bench that perfectly suits your garden in both style and dimensions. A garden bench is an excellent beginner woodworking project — you need very little material and can finish it in half a day. In this article you’ll find a complete step-by-step guide with measurements and a materials list.
Build your own vs. buy
| Build your own | Buy | |
|---|---|---|
| **2-seater garden bench** | €40 – €80 | €80 – €200 |
| **3-seater garden bench** | €60 – €120 | €120 – €350 |
| **With backrest and armrests** | €80 – €150 | €150 – €400 |
| **Saving** | 50–65% | — |
Dimensions for a comfortable garden bench
| Component | Standard measurement |
|---|---|
| Seat height | 43–48 cm |
| Seat depth | 40–45 cm |
| Backrest height | 40–50 cm (top edge to seat) |
| Backrest angle | 100–110 degrees (reclined) |
| Width 2-seater | 110–130 cm |
| Width 3-seater | 155–175 cm |
| Armrest height | 60–65 cm above floor |
Materials (2-seater with backrest, 120 cm)
| Material | Dimensions | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas fir planks 28×140 mm | Seat + backrest | 6 pieces each 120 cm | €25 – €40 |
| Timber 45×70 mm | Legs and cross bracing | 4 pieces each 45 cm + 2 each 40 cm | €15 – €20 |
| Timber 45×70 mm | Rear uprights + backrest | 2 pieces each 80 cm | €10 – €15 |
| Stainless steel screws 5×60 mm | 40 pieces | €8 – €12 | |
| Stainless steel bolts M8x100 mm + nut | For leg joints | 4 pieces | €5 – €8 |
| Wood stain / oil for outdoor use | 1 tin | €10 – €20 | |
| **Total** | **€73 – €115** |
Step-by-step guide: build a garden bench in 7 steps
Step 1: Choose your design
There are three popular basic designs:
A — Simple plank bench (no backrest)
The most basic option. Four legs, two cross rails, planks on top. Suitable as a terrace bench, alongside a table, or as a focal point in the garden. Build time: 2–3 hours.
B — Bench with backrest
The most comfortable design. Two angled rear legs that also support the backrest. This is the model described in this guide.
C — Garden bench with storage
Storage space beneath the seat (with lid). Ideal for garden cushions. Slightly more complex, but very practical.
Step 2: Cut to size
Cut the following components (2-seater, 120 cm wide):
| Component | Dimensions | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Seat planks | 120 cm | 4 |
| Backrest planks | 120 cm | 2 |
| Front legs | 43 cm | 2 |
| Rear legs / back uprights | 80 cm (top cut at angle) | 2 |
| Front cross rail | 36 cm | 1 |
| Rear cross rail | 36 cm | 1 |
Rear legs: the rear legs extend upwards as backrest supports. Cut the top of the rear legs at an angle of 10–15 degrees (angled backwards) — this gives the backrest its comfortable slope.
Step 3: Sand all components
Sand all components before assembly (grit 80 → 120). Round off all top edges of the seat planks — sharp edges are uncomfortable and splinter quickly.
Step 4: Build the leg frames
Connect the front and rear legs to the cross rails. Use stainless steel M8 bolts for the connections (drilled through leg and cross rail). This is stronger than screws for seating furniture.
Build two identical leg frames (left and right). Check with a spirit level that both frames are flat and square.
Step 5: Join the two frames
Connect the two side frames with the longitudinal rails (front and rear lengthwise connection at leg height). Secure with 2 screws per joint. Check that the bench is square by measuring the diagonals — they must be equal.
Step 6: Fit the seat planks
Place the four seat planks on the frames. Space them evenly with a 5 mm gap (for drainage). Screw each plank with 2 screws at each cross connection.
Tip: use a spacer (a small piece of 5 mm plywood) to keep the gaps consistent.
Step 7: Fit the backrest
Screw the two backrest planks to the rear legs. Bottom plank: 5 cm above the seat. Top plank: 35–45 cm above the seat. Make sure the planks are level and have equal overhang on both sides.
Optional: add armrests by attaching a plank (28x95x35 cm) to the top of the front and rear leg.
Outdoor treatment
Treat the garden bench before use:
| Timber type | Treatment | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas fir | Teak oil or wood oil | Every 2 years |
| Larch | Opaque stain or oil | Every 2 years |
| Pressure-treated pine | Water-based stain | Annually |
| Oak | Oil or minimal treatment | Every 3 years |
Variations
Garden bench from scaffold boards
Scaffold boards give a rustic, industrial look. Use the same construction but with 45×145 mm scaffold planks for the seat (slightly thicker than Douglas fir planks).
Treat scaffold boards with a scaffold board stain or grey-wash for a weathered look, or with transparent preservative for a natural result.
Corner benches (L-shape)
Arrange two benches in a corner configuration for a lounge corner. Use the same construction but make the bench width adjustable. Add a shared leg at the corner.
Common mistakes
- Seat too high. Above 50 cm a bench becomes uncomfortable — make sure your feet reach the ground.
- Backrest too upright. A straight (90°) backrest is tiring. Make sure there’s a 10–15 degree backwards slope.
- No stainless steel fixings. Ordinary screws rust and leave stains on the wood. Always use stainless steel outdoors.
- Planks without gaps. Planks fitted flush without spacing hold moisture and rot quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a garden bench be?
The ideal seat height is 43–48 cm — comparable to a standard chair. Below 40 cm it’s difficult to stand up; above 50 cm it’s uncomfortable for most people.
How much wood do I need for a garden bench?
For a 2-seater bench (120 cm wide): approximately 6–8 metres of planking and 4 metres of structural timber. Buy 10% extra for cutting waste.
Can I leave a garden bench outside all winter?
Yes, provided you treat the wood annually and the bench doesn’t stand in a puddle. Cover the bench in winter (breathable protective cover) for a longer lifespan.
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