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An octagonal bench built as eight identical leg-and-deck sections, assembled around a tree trunk — with a hexagon variant noted for a smaller or more angular tree.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leg set legs | 16 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 16 1/2" | 4x4, 12 ft | ☐ |
| Leg set tops | 8 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 19" | 2x4, 10 ft | ☐ |
| Leg set sides One end cut at 22.5° bevel off square, long point measurement. | 16 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 18" | 2x4, 10 ft | ☐ |
| Leg set blocking | 8 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | 2x4, 10 ft | ☐ |
| Deck boards, outer Long point measurement, both ends cut at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 26 1/4" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Deck boards, inner Short point measurement, both ends cut at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 11 7/8" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Deck boards, middle Long point measurement, both ends cut at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 21 3/8" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Deck trim Long point measurement, both ends beveled at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 26 1/4" | 1x4, 10 ft | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 4x4, 12 ft | 2 each | ☐ |
| 2x6, 8 ft | 5 each | ☐ |
| 2x4, 10 ft | 3 each | ☐ |
| 1x4, 10 ft | 2 each | ☐ |
| Self-tapping star bit exterior screws, 2-3/4" | 200 each | ☐ |
| Exterior penetrating wood stain | 1 set | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Materials: Exterior penetrating wood stain
Prestain every board before assembly — the octagon's inside faces are much harder to finish once the bench is built.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 4x4, 12 ft, 2x4, 10 ft, Self-tapping star bit exterior screws, 2-3/4"
Attach the leg set top to the tops of the legs with screws and glue, three screws per joint. Build eight leg sets (six for the hexagon variant).
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw. Materials: 2x4, 10 ft, Self-tapping star bit exterior screws, 2-3/4"
Attach the beveled side pieces to both sides of each leg set — one on each side, mirrored. For the hexagon variant, cut the side pieces at 30° instead of 22.5°.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x4, 10 ft, Self-tapping star bit exterior screws, 2-3/4"
Add blocking inside each leg set to tie it all together.
Tools: Level, Miter Saw. Materials: 2x6, 8 ft
On a flat, level surface, lay out the bench with the deck boards and confirm everything fits before final assembly around the tree. For the hexagon variant, cut deck board ends at 30°.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Self-tapping star bit exterior screws, 2-3/4"
Build the bench in sections, then attach the sections together around the tree on final assembly.
Tools: Drill / Driver.
Add the remaining deck trim pieces as a finishing edge.