Build guides · Seating
4' Bench (no back)
A backless 4-foot bench with a slatted seat, built from 2x4 lumber on a simple open-leg frame.
- Size
- 4' L × 1'-6.5" W × 1'-5" H
What you need
Before you begin
- These are DIY recommendations only — tailor the material, assembly and construction to your own project and site.
- Building this assumes some working knowledge of hand and power tools, hardware, fasteners, lumber and basic assembly technique.
- Before using any power equipment, review and follow the manufacturer's safety requirements, and don't let anyone use power tools who hasn't done the same.
- You (the owner) are responsible for any building and safety codes, permits and regulatory approvals this needs.
- Clear the site of trash, hazards and unwanted structures first, and identify any utilities that could interfere before you dig.
- Everyone helping build should sign a volunteer waiver.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | Stock | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 | 5 | 2x4 | 48" | Bench top |
| B-2 | 1 | 2x4 | 45" | Bench bottom |
| B-3 | 2 | 2x4 | 18.5" | Bench side |
| B-4 | 4 | 2x4 | 15.5" | Bench side |
| B-5 | 4 | 2x4 | 11.5" | Bench side |
| B-6 | 8 | 2x4 | 8.5" | Bench side |
Steps
Mark, label and cut the lumber
Mark, label and cut lumber in order of B-1 to B-7 into the lengths in the cut list.
Check each piece of lumber for imperfections such as cracks, warping or uneven milling, and discard those portions of lumber.
- Label each piece of lumber as you measure and cut it.
- Keep a separate pile of lumber for each part, B-1 to B-7.
- Lightly sanding the cut edges removes splinters and helps with assembly.
- Building more than one bench? A stop block on your miter saw keeps every piece the same length.
Build the two end frames
Place two B-5 pieces on a flat surface. Place two B-4 pieces on either side of the B-5 pieces, aligning the edges as shown. Repeat to build a second, matching frame.
- Use a carpenter's square to check each corner forms a right angle — if it's far off, re-check your board lengths.
- Building a 90-degree jig can help with assembly of this and the next step.
Add the seat slats to each end frame
Place one B-3 piece and four B-6 pieces on top of the frame, as shown, leaving a 1.5" gap between the two B-6 pieces (use a spare 2x4 on end as a spacer).
Use the pre-drilling guide at the end of the packet to pre-drill your screw holes, then secure the lumber into the B-5 and B-4 pieces with an impact driver and 30 2.5" self-driving exterior wood screws.
Repeat on the other leg.
Connect the two end frames
Place one B-2 piece in the slot at the base of the two frames created in step 3.
Secure the B-2 lumber on both the left and right sides into the B-5 pieces with an impact driver and 4 2.5" self-driving exterior wood screws.
- Check the side stays at 90 degrees using a carpenter's square.
Add the seat top
Place two B-1 pieces on top of the frame created in step 4, aligning all edges.
Pre-drill holes for screws, and secure the B-1 lumber with an impact driver and 12 2.5" self-driving exterior wood screws.
- Keeping the side at 90 degrees and all edges aligned will help keep the bench square.
Finish the seat top and sand
Align three more B-1 middle pieces with equal gaps between the two end boards just installed.
Pre-drill holes for screws, and secure the B-1 lumber with an impact driver and 12 2.5" self-driving exterior wood screws.
Lightly sand the rough edges of the 4' bench.
Pre-drilling hole guide (template)
Cut out the pre-drilling hole guide along the dotted lines. When drilling, align the edge of the template with the outside edge of the lumber before pre-drilling.
Not all holes are used — not all patterns use the template. Use the assembly steps above for your hole guide. Keep all holes about a thumb's width from the edge (about 1"), even holes that don't use this template.
Finishing
Exterior wood treatment can prolong the life of your park elements, but it isn't necessary — these pieces are built to be low-cost, durable and easy to build by design, so it may be more practical to just let the next generation rebuild them when the time comes. If you do want to stain, paint or seal the wood, see the finish resources below.
Supplier & resource links
Source: 4_BENCH_w_o_BACK assembly instructions, pp. 1–10 (cover; before you begin; common lumber selections; steps 1–6; pre-drilling hole guide)