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Simple Outdoor Dining Bench

A basic 2x4-framed outdoor bench with 1x4 slats — the companion bench to a simple outdoor dining table, built from one shopping list per bench.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Frame ends	2	1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 12 7/8"	2x4	☐
Frame sides	2	1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 44 1/2"	2x4	☐
Legs	4	1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 17 1/4"	2x4	☐
Bench slats	12	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 15 7/8"	1x4	☐

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

1. Build the frame
Tools: Drill / Driver, Speed Square, Tape Measure. Materials: 2x4, 8 ft, Exterior screws, 2-1/2", star drive
Build the basic 2x4 frame with the frame ends and sides and the longer 2-1/2" screws. Check the frame for square by measuring both diagonals and adjusting until they match before moving on.
2. Attach the legs
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x4, 8 ft, Exterior screws, 2-1/2", star drive
Screw the four legs to the square frame with the longer screws.
3. Add the slats and finish
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1x4, 8 ft, Exterior screws, 1-1/2", star drive, Exterior stain or paint
Lay the slats out on top of the frame with a 1/2" gap between each one and screw down with the shorter screws. Sand and finish before use outdoors.