Top 15 DIY Outdoor Bench Ideas [Easy To Make]

Creating an outdoor bench can be an exciting and rewarding project. Not only does it allow you to customize the design to fit your garden or patio, but it also provides a sense of accomplishment once completed.

With a range of styles and materials to choose from, DIY outdoor benches can be made to suit any space and taste.

In this guide, we will explore several creative and practical ideas to help you build the perfect bench for your outdoor area.

DIY Outdoor Bench

An outdoor bench is a versatile piece of furniture that adds both functionality and charm to open spaces.

Designed to withstand various weather conditions, these benches are typically constructed from durable materials like wood, metal, or plastic.

Perfect for gardens, parks, or patios, an outdoor bench provides a comfortable spot to relax, read, or enjoy nature.

It can serve as a focal point in landscape design, offering both seating and aesthetic appeal. Choose one with a sturdy build and easy maintenance for long-lasting use.

1. Rustic Wooden Bench

To create a stunning, handcrafted bench, you will need reclaimed wood planks, sandpaper, wood screws, wood glue, wood stain or paint, a paintbrush, and a drill.

Begin by sanding the wood planks to smooth the surfaces, ensuring a flawless finish. Then, cut the wood into the required pieces: two long planks for the seat and two shorter ones for the legs.

Secure the legs to the seat using a combination of wood screws and wood glue, enhancing the bench’s stability.

Sand the entire bench again to eliminate any rough edges, preparing it for the finishing touches.

Apply your chosen wood stain or paint meticulously, achieving the desired aesthetic, and allow it to dry completely before use.

2. Concrete Block and Wood Bench

To construct a durable and comfortable outdoor bench, gather concrete blocks, wooden beams, sandpaper, paint or stain for wood, a paintbrush, and optionally, cushions.

Begin by arranging the concrete blocks on the ground in a stable configuration to create the bench’s base.

Sand the wooden beams and place them horizontally atop the concrete blocks, forming the seating area.

Proceed to paint or stain the wooden beams to your liking and allow them to dry thoroughly. For added comfort, consider placing cushions on the bench once it is fully assembled.

3. Cinder Block Bench

To create a stylish and functional bench, begin by arranging the cinder blocks in two stacks to form the sides of the bench.

Then, place the wooden beams across the cinder block stacks to construct the seat.

Once the structure is in place, paint or stain the wooden beams to your liking and allow them to dry thoroughly.

For an optional touch, add cushions to enhance the bench’s comfort and aesthetic appeal.

4. Pallet Bench

To create a sturdy and attractive wooden bench, gather wooden pallets, screws, glue, paint, a paintbrush, and cushions for added comfort.

Start by disassembling one pallet to use its boards for reinforcement. Stack two pallets on top of each other to form the seat.

Secure the boards from the disassembled pallet to the sides and back for additional support with wood screws and wood glue.

Thoroughly sand the entire bench to smooth out any rough edges, ensuring a polished finish. Now, paint or stain the bench and allow it to dry completely.

For an extra touch of comfort and style, consider adding cushions. This will guarantee a durable and aesthetically pleasing bench that is perfect for any outdoor setting.

5. Tree Trunk Bench

Begin the procedure by using the chainsaw to cut the tree trunk into a suitable length for a bench.

Now, slice the trunk in half lengthwise to form a flat seating surface. Follow this by sanding the flat surface until it is smooth to the touch.

Once the surface is prepared, apply wood stain or sealant with a paintbrush to protect the wood from the elements, ensuring the bench’s longevity.

Allow the stain or sealant to dry completely before using the bench. This method guarantees a bench that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

6. Metal and Wood Bench

To begin, gather a metal frame, which can either be purchased or welded and wooden planks. You’ll also need sandpaper, screws, stain, and a paintbrush.

Start by meticulously sanding the wooden planks to ensure a smooth surface. Then, securely attach the sanded planks to the metal frame using wood screws, making sure they are tightly fastened.

Once assembled, sand the entire bench thoroughly to eliminate any rough edges.

Now, apply the wood stain or paint of your choice evenly across the bench using a paintbrush, and allow it to dry completely.

7. Garden Storage Bench

Constructing a storage bench requires a wooden board, hinges, wood screws, wood glue, sandpaper, paint or stain, a paintbrush, and optionally, storage bins.

To begin the project start building the frame of the bench using the wooden boards and wood screws, then proceed to attach additional wooden boards to create the seat and backrest.

Add a hinged lid to the seat to allow for convenient storage access. Sand the entire bench thoroughly to eliminate any rough edges, ensuring a smooth finish.

Then, apply paint or stain to the bench as desired, and allow it to dry completely. For added utility, you may choose to place storage bins inside the bench to organize items neatly.

8. Rope-Wrapped Bench

To create a sturdy and visually appealing bench, gather a wooden bench, thick rope, wood glue, and a pair of scissors.

Begin by sanding the wooden bench thoroughly to smooth out any rough edges. Then, take the thick rope and wrap it around the legs and arms of the bench, making sure to secure it with wood glue along the way.

Apply the glue evenly to ensure the rope stays in place. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the bench to ensure maximum durability and a professional finish.

9. Curved Wooden Bench

To construct a beautifully curved wooden bench, begin by cutting the wooden planks into curved shapes for the seat and backrest.

Then, sand these pieces to smooth any rough edges. Assemble the bench by securely attaching the curved pieces with wood screws and wood glue.

Once the structure is complete, sand the entire bench to ensure all surfaces are even and smooth.

Now, apply your chosen wood stain or paint evenly with a paintbrush, allowing it to fully dry for a stunning finish.

10. Rock and Wood Bench

Begin by arranging the flat stones on the ground to establish a solid base. Place the wooden beams across these stones to form the seating area.

Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges on the wooden beams, ensuring a comfortable surface.

Now, apply your chosen wood stain or paint to the beams using a paintbrush, and allow it to dry completely before use.

11. Brick and Wood Bench

Begin the procedure by building two brick columns to serve as the sides of the bench. Position the wooden planks across the brick columns to form the seat.

Use sandpaper to smooth the surface of the planks, ensuring comfort and preparation for finishing.

Securely attach the planks to the brick columns using wood screws, providing stability and durability.

Lastly, apply wood stain or paint according to your desired finish, and allow it to dry thoroughly, resulting in a beautifully crafted bench.

12. Live Edge Wood Bench

Begin by securing a live edge wood slab and metal hairpin legs, integral to the table’s robust construction and aesthetic appeal.

Equip yourself with sandpaper, wood screws, wood stain or sealant, and a paintbrush for the finishing touches.

Start the process by sanding the live edge wood slab to smooth out any rough edges, ensuring a flawless surface.

Then, attach the metal hairpin legs to the slab firmly using wood screws for stability and durability.

To protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty, apply a generous coat of wood stain or sealant using a paintbrush.

Now, allow the stained or sealed wood to dry completely, leaving you with a table that combines form and function.

13. Bench with Planter Boxes

To construct a stunning and sturdy bench, begin by assembling the frame using high-quality wooden boards secured with durable wood screws.

Then, securely attach planter boxes to each end of the bench frame, ensuring they are level and properly aligned.

Once assembled, meticulously sand the entire bench to eliminate any rough edges, creating a smooth, splinter-free surface.

Now, enhance the bench’s aesthetic appeal by painting or staining it in your preferred color and finish, then allow it to dry completely before use.

14. Industrial Pipe Bench

To start building the bench, first, assemble the industrial pipes and fittings to create a sturdy base.

Once the base is ready, sand the wooden planks thoroughly to ensure a smooth surface, free of splinters and rough patches.

Then, securely attach the sanded planks to the pipe base using wood screws, ensuring they are evenly spaced and firmly fixed.

Now, apply your chosen wood stain or paint to the planks, adding a protective and aesthetically pleasing finish, and allow it to dry completely before use.

15. Folding Picnic Bench

To construct a foldable bench, begin by cutting the wooden boards to the proper dimensions for the seat, backrest, and legs.

Then, carefully attach the boards together using wood screws and wood glue, ensuring to incorporate hinges that allow the bench to fold.

After assembly, sand the entire bench to eliminate any rough edges, providing a smooth finish.

Finally, apply your preferred paint or stain and allow it to dry completely before use.