Look at this scrumptious perfectly weathered BLUE deck wood.
How to construct a simple bench out of reclaimed 2x4 lumber
This is the simple construction of these little benches. I made a box as long as the longest board. The end pieces were made so that the simple bench would be about 14 inches wide.If you're looking for really easy 2x4 stools, check out this tutorial for 2x4 benches and stools
The little scrap piece at the end is a guide. I made the simple bench so that it would have an overhang the width of a 2x4 thickness. While I had my box laid out, I put a 2x4 on each of the 4 sides to measure to see if everything was going to fit correctly.
Dry fit 2x4 slats
The seat slats are 11 inches long. You can see here that it is resting on the scrap piece, allowing the overhang I wanted.
Don't be discouraged if you don't have lots of workbench space. It's more difficult to work on the ground, but in a pinch it works!
The box was constructed with screws and wood glue. I also used glue and screws on the inside brace pieces. A countersink bit was not needed because typically 2x4’s are soft enough to sink the screws. However I did make pilot holes for EVERY screw. The wood was brittle and I didn’t want to take any chances of splitting it. That is why you see 2 drills. One was manned with a drill bit, the other with a screw bit. That makes things go so much faster. If you only have one drill, I suggest investing in a second one. Pawn shops are great places to shop for small power tools.
Add 2x4 slats using a nail gun and screws
All the slats were attached first. I screwed the end one on, then used glue and my nail gun to attach the rest of the slats. When I got to the last one (the other end) I used screws again. Nail guns are great for a temporary hold until you can secure the wood permanently with screws.
How to join two boards with a 45° angle
After attaching all the slats, I worked on the side pieces to box in the slats of the simple 2x4 bench.
Add legs to simple 2x4 bench
After I added both side boards, I attached the legs. Because there is an overhang, the legs fit perfectly under the side boards. I used screws on the legs. These benches are VERY heavy. I can move one by myself, but to carry one from the very back of the yard to the deck was nearly impossible to do by myself!Make a matching table for your simple benches
I am not a math whiz! I came up with the simplest way to make this table! Jamie wanted it to be a square, the same size as the bench. I cut enough boards to make it that size. Then imagine laying all of those boards down on a table (upside down), laying those small scraps on each of the four sides. That is what I did, then I measured the inside dimensions to figure out what size box I needed to make. Remember, I needed the overhang to allow the legs to fit perfectly on each side.
Distress wood with orbital sander
If the slats are 11 inches and the lenghwise 2x4's are 3-1/2 inches wide then we're already up to 17 inches. Add in the thickness of the legs which appear to be set back from the edge and you're up to 20 inches. Rather than sending me to a nut farm, could you please explain.
Steven,
I'm sorry you're confused. I'm not sure what you don't understand. The bench is as deep as the table sitting next to it. It is made up of 5 2x4's which is approximately 17.5 inches.
Adding the thickness of the legs? They are underneath the outer 2x4, not adding to the overall size.
I hope this helps!
gail
What an awesome way to recycle the old wood! And you can enjoy them on your new deck! The color is beautiful and I love how it's distressed!
They turned out great love that color
Simple carpentry projects that even I can do. This is what I like. Keep 'em coming.
Wow, first the benches are awesome! It's really something how you're able to repurpose pretty much everything! Second, I saw the dates of the original comments and realize how many...many project you have under your belt! You have so much talent!
Thanks Wendi! Back in the day....I posted several projects every week. 🙂 I LOVE what I do. I just wish I could do more, definitely looking forward to cooler weather.
gail
Excelent idea thank you for sharing , If you add a small chamfer in the bottom of the legs it will help to prevent tear out
Wow Gail - way to make those scraps into great. I love the benches!
Wow Gail! Way to clean up the wood pile 🙂
Very thorough tutorial! Can't wait to try this...like Donna...got some pallet wood ready to go!
looks so nice!!!! great how to's!
Love these and thanks for the great tutorial! Quick question--What size and type screws did you use?
Kelly,
I almost always use drywall screws, which wouldn't be the best choice for these outdoor benches. So I would go with deck screws, 2.5 inches, countersinking the screws slightly to get more bite into the second board.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
gail
Just a thought about not having two drills....you can also buy a drill/bit to do the job of two drills. They are so easy to use, I use them all the time and it saves a bunch of time.
I love this bench, it looks like its a very solid one. I may have to try making one this summer. WONDERFUL
Came across your blog when looking for picture ideas for 2 x 4 furniture. This is awesome! You have definitely inspired me! I will have to check back often.
That is SO awesome!! 😀 I just made myself a bench for the pool area, and I love it, but I think I could DEF find a use for another bench like that one! 😀
Amazing job on the benches! I just love the color! Congrats on all your features this week, this project was certainly worthy. Wonderful project.
these came out so beautifully! what an amazing job. i love how aged they look.
Hey, I found you over at Someday Crafts...I love your little benches! I laughed as I started to read your post because I have a HUGE pile of wood just like that in MY backyard. SO FUN! I can't wait to try something like this. Thanks for the idea.
Jennie @ Cinnaberry Suite
This is awesome! I love the color! I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com