Outdoor

Simple Outdoor Bench/Coffee Table

This simple modern styled bench/coffee table is easy to make, and takes only 15 minutes + a stain job.

Difficulty: Beginner
Time: 2.3–4.3 hours
Cost: $

About this build

This simple modern styled bench/coffee table is easy to make, and takes only 15 minutes + a stain job. It goes with the DIY Outdoor Sofa plan, and is designed to reflect the same style but with dual function of being a coffee table, or used as a bench for extra seating.

Tools

Essential

Drill / Driver
Pocket Hole Jig
Random Orbit Sander
Table Saw

Optional / nice to have

Tape Measure

Materials

Item	Qty
Board, 2x6 72"	2 board
Kreg Pocket Hole Screws	20 each

Overall cost: $. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L
Bench Top	2	2" × 6" × 36"
Bench Sides (Feet)	4	2" × 6" × 14"

What to buy

Buy 2 boards at 8 ft.

2" × 6"

2 boards

36"36"14"
14"14"14"

Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →

Start building →

Instructions

1Cuts & Tips
Use pressure treated lumber that can be left in the outdoors once stained and sealed. You only require two 2"x 6" x 72" boards cut to size to build this simple bench/coffee table. You can also choose 2" x 8" x 72" wood for a wider version.
2Start Bench Feet
Using a Kreg Jig, drill pocket holes into the side (not the end) of the 2" x 6" x 14" boards...one pocket hole about 3 inches from the top and another 3 inches from the bottom. In the second 14" piece place your pocket hole directly in the middle of the side.
3Add Pocket Holes To One End
Next add two pocket holes to only one end of the 2" x 6" x 14" board. Do the same (on the same end) for the other 14" board.
4Complete Bench Feet
Attach the two 14" feet together side by side using wood glue, and screw together using the pocket holes. Follow direction 2 & 3 again for the second bench foot.
5Make Bench Top
- Drill pocket holes along one side of the 2" x 6" x 36".
- Then along the side of the other...Be sure to stagger the holes so they don't line up to each other when the two boards are placed side by side.
- Attach the two bench faces with wood glue, and pocket hole screw.
6Attach Legs to Bench Top
- Place the legs atop the bench face, flush on the edge.
- Attach via pocket holes (also use wood glue). Be sure all pocket holes are facing in so they don't show.
7Sand, Stain & Seal
Sand until perfectly smooth. Stain and seal your bench, and enjoy it alongside it's outdoor sofa counterpart!