Legacy Project
Made at 173
One nursery visit, a tape measure, and a pile of leftover lumber became a bench that's still going strong years later.
Inspiration in an Unexpected Place
Today, it's a garden bench. Several years ago we re-did the fence. As with all projects, there was leftover material, and we're all about using stuff up! One day we were at a nursery looking for some perennials and maybe a tree when we saw a gorgeous, simple garden bench. After asking the manager of the nursery permission (so as not to look like a lunatic) I pulled out pen, paper and a tape measure and started making a diagram. Using nothing but leftover lumber, this is what came about:
One of my favorite things about this bench is that I never set out to build a "showpiece." It was simply a way to use materials we already owned instead of sending them to the scrap pile. Looking back all these years later, that's probably why I like it so much. Some of the most satisfying projects at 173 weren't the expensive ones—they were the ones born from a little imagination and whatever happened to be leaning against the workshop wall.
Building the Bench from Leftover Lumber
Okay, I know the finials may be a little kitchy, but they were left over too, so....!
As you can see from the pictures, it was done with very simple joinery using nothing more than my circular saw and a chisel and hammer to clean out the joints.
I've probably walked past this bench in earlier posts without giving it much thought. After reading this, I stopped and appreciated it for what it is, a piece of the property's history. The fact that it started as leftover fence boards somehow makes it even better.I smiled at the image of you standing in a nursery with a tape measure and notepad while everyone else was shopping for flowers. That's exactly the kind of story longtime House 173 readers expect, and it's part of what makes the blog feel authentic.The detail that impressed me most wasn't the construction, it was that the bench has been outside for more than ten years, needed only one replacement board, and is still comfortable to sit on. That's a pretty convincing endorsement of simple design done well. Sometimes the projects that cost the least end up earning their place the most. - Anonymous Reviewer
Ten Years Later
After 10 years, it's holding up really well. I had to replace one of the seat boards a few years ago, but other than that - it's all original. The angle on the back board is perfect, making it a very comfortable bench!
I thought about doing some step-by-step directions for building one, but that seemed like an awful lot of work if nobody was interested. BUT, if anyone IS interested in building this garden bench, leave a note in the comments and I'd be more than happy to write it out!
Hey, thanks for stopping by... see ya' next time!
One of the reasons I keep coming back to House 173 is that you never make DIY feel intimidating. Sometimes the project is a hundred-year-old tool restoration, and sometimes it's a garden bench made from leftover lumber. Either way, it feels like I'm listening to a neighbor tell the story over the fence.
This post reminded me that not every project has to be perfect to be worth building. Sometimes you just need a free afternoon, a few boards you forgot you had, and a reason to spend a little more time outside. - A House 173 Regular
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use leftover pressure-treated fence lumber for outdoor furniture?
Pressure-treated lumber is often a practical choice for garden furniture because it's designed to resist decay and insect damage. If the lumber has fully dried after treatment, it can provide decades of service with proper finishing and occasional maintenance.
What type of joinery works best for a simple outdoor bench?
Basic half-lap or housed joints, reinforced with exterior screws or bolts, provide excellent strength while requiring only common shop tools. For outdoor furniture, strong mechanical joints are often more important than elaborate woodworking techniques.
How should outdoor benches be finished for maximum longevity?
Exterior-grade penetrating stains generally weather more gracefully than film-forming finishes like polyurethane. Regardless of the finish, keeping the bench elevated off wet soil and periodically tightening fasteners will significantly extend its life.
How do you determine the most comfortable backrest angle for a garden bench?
Most comfortable benches use a backrest angle between 100° and 110° relative to the seat. Small changes of only a few degrees can noticeably affect comfort, especially during longer periods of sitting.
Is it better to build outdoor furniture from leftover lumber or buy new materials?
If the leftover lumber is straight, structurally sound, and appropriate for outdoor use, repurposing it is often an excellent choice. It reduces waste, lowers project costs, and frequently produces furniture with more character than brand-new materials.
What maintenance helps an outdoor wooden bench last for many years?
Inspect fasteners annually, replace damaged boards before they affect the surrounding structure, keep leaves and soil from trapping moisture against the wood, and reapply an exterior finish as needed to protect against UV exposure and water intrusion.
Keywords
garden bench DIY, garden bench plans, leftover lumber projects, scrap wood projects, outdoor bench, DIY outdoor furniture, pressure-treated lumber bench, woodworking project, House 173, simple woodworking