After a few cold winter months, it’s about time we spent some time outdoors enjoying the nice spring breeze and fresh vegetation and know just the project that can give you a boost in the right direction: a DIY outdoor bench which you can place in the backyard, the garden, on the patio or next to a fire pit.
An outdoor bench is actually a great piece of furniture to have around all year round but we thought we’d take advantage of the season changes to give you a bit of extra inspiration.
Simple and Fun Ideas to Create an Outdoor Bench for Your Garden
1. Colorful Garden Bench with Reclaimed Pallet Boards
Before we get into details, we want to mention that pretty much all the projects on this list are inexpensive and easy to make and can be done using reclaimed materials. We’ll start with this colorful garden bench which was built using reclaimed pallet boards. First things first: you have to take apart the pallet and to line up the boards, after which you cut them all to size. For the frame, you can use leftover wood from other projects or just go ahead and visit the lumber store. The most fun part begins only after you’ve put together the bench: that’s when you actually get to paint the boards.
2. Build a Cinder Block Bench
If you want to build an outdoor bench but you’d rather not use wood, a cool alternative can be to build a cinder block bench like the one featured on jenniferperkins. To get to a comfortable height you’ll probably have to stack the cinderblocks unless of course, you want it to be low and kid-friendly. You can add one more layer at the ends to create armrests. Attach the cinderblocks with industrial glue so they stay in place and your bench lasts longer.
3. An Outdoor Sofa
Want to take your DIY outdoor bench project one step further? How about an outdoor sofa then? You can build the frame out of wood, more or less the same way you would build a bench but careful to add backrest and armrest panels. Check out grillo-designs for instructions on how to do that. Once the frame is done, you can make your new outdoor sofa nice and comfy by adding cushions, pillows, and other accessories.
4. Rustic Log Reclaimed Wood Garden Bench
If what you have in mind for your DIY outdoor bench is a super simple design inspired by nature, perhaps you’d like to use logs instead of legs. Maybe this way you can repurpose an old fallen tree and give it a second chance. Leave the bark on for more character. The idea comes from thediymommy and that’s where you can also find more details about this inspiring project.
5. DIY Plant Bench
Since this is an outdoor bench, we thought you’d like to feel close to nature when sitting down so we found this awesome project on monsterscircus which shows you how to build a bench and planter combo. The idea is to use two big and sturdy planters as a base for the bench and use pallet wood to build a seat that fits over them but which lets the plants or trees grow comfortably between the slats.
6. West Elm Knock-Off Bench
Obviously, there are some great-looking outdoor benches you can check out in furniture catalogs although the price is usually too high to make it worth the investment. That, however, shouldn’t stop you from finding inspiration in these designs. Check out this elegant knock-off bench featured on homemadebycarmona. It looks just like the real deal but at a fraction of the cost.
7. Modern DIY Outdoor Concrete Bench
If you want your DIY outdoor bench to be strong and sturdy as well as good-looking, we suggest checking out this tutorial shared on instructables. It shows how to build a bench with a concrete base and a wooden seat from scratch. It involves building mold boxes, mixing the concrete, and following precise measurements so the pieces fit together perfectly in the end.
8. Outdoor Bench and Planter Combo
Here’s another beautiful outdoor bench and planter combo, this time achieved using garden timbers. They basically look like mini logs and this gives the bench a rustic appearance which actually suits it quite well. To build a garden bench similar to the one featured on instructables you’re going to need twelve 8 foot garden timbers, wood screws, stain, dowels, wood glue, a saw, a drill, sandpaper, a staple gun, and some weed barrier plastic.
9. A Minimalist and Modern DIY Outdoor Bench
If you’re more of a minimalist and modern DIY outdoor bench kind of person we suggest checking out the tutorial on diycandy. To build such a bench you need some 2 x 4 boards, wood glue, bar clamps, stain and sealant, a saw, and a sander. If you’re placing the bench on uneven ground, you might want to also give it adjustable feet.
10. A Hybrid Bench Made From Wood and Cinderblocks
You’ve seen how you can build a DIY outdoor bench out of wood and out of cinderblocks so how about we combine the two and create a hybrid bench? You can use cinderblocks to build two side panels, sort of like a minimalist frame that will hold the wooden seat boards which you can simply insert through the blocks with no need for adhesive. Of course, you can secure the pieces in place if you want to. Also, you can customize the design with your favorite colors by painting the cinderblocks and/or the boards. Check out lenasekine for more details.
11. Repurposed Headboard Bench
Well isn’t this outdoor bench fancy? You might think building something like this must difficult or would require skills that you don’t have but in fact, this is actually a fairly simple project. That’s because it’s made out of a repurposed headboard and footboard panels. This means you can customize your own bench in all sorts of ways, based on the style, design, or material you choose for these two elements. In this particular case, the bench also has some built-in storage which is always useful. You can find details about the project on ruggydiy.
12. DIY Farmhouse Bench
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Speaking outdoor benches with built-in storage, there’s also a cool DIY project on lifestorage which we’d like to share with you today. This time the bench a sort of A-frame base separated into three sections, each big enough to hold a storage crate under the seat. Of course, you can leave the shelves empty if you want to. In any case, the storage space beneath the seat is useful for keeping extra cushions, pillows, blankets, and other such things.
13. DIY Corner Bench with Built-In Table
Having an outdoor bench sure is useful but so is having a small table to go with it, especially if you’re setting up a comfortable outdoor seating area/ lounge space. That being said, why not combine these two elements into a single piece of furniture, one which you can build yourself from scratch? A corner bench would be just right in this case. You can find out what it takes to build one by following the tutorial offered on pinspiredtodiy.
14. A Strong and Sturdy Outdoor Bench
An outdoor bench should be sturdy and strong so it can withstand strong winds and other things nature might throw at it. Looking at this bench featured on cherishedbliss I’d say this as sturdy as it gets. Feel free to pick any type of wood you prefer and to stain it so it matches your front door or your patio. What’s really nice is that you can make the bench a bit taller than usual and also use it as a table.
15. A Simple Wood and Stone Bench
Since the bench is meant to sit outdoors, perhaps even to be exposed to the elements, a cool idea can be to use stones or bricks or some concrete blocks, in any case, something durable and timeless that you can use to build the base. You can then simply place a piece of wood on top and call it a day. If you enjoy this sort of simplicity, you can find a few more details about this particular project on linapalandet. Feel free to customize the project and make it your own.
16. A Wooden Outdoor Bench with Planters
We liked the idea of an outdoor bench with planters built right into it very much so we looked for other similar projects that you too might enjoy. One was featured on brittanystager and shows how to build a wooden bench with two planters out of wood from scratch. The fact that the design seems to have layers is pretty cool because with a little bit of extra work you could turn this into a modular bench with adjustable height.
17. Build a Pallet Sofa
A nice thing about furniture built out of reclaimed materials is that it has personality. Take this outdoor bench for example. It was built out of pallet wood and it has a lot of character, especially the backrest which features those different-length boards with different finishes and colors. It’s a lovely design that’s as charming as it is simple. Find out more about it on funkyjunkinteriors.
18. Build a Curved Fire Pit Bench
If you’re building an outdoor bench which you plan on keeping by the fire pit, you might as well make it curved or at least give it a geometric shape that complements the fit whatever its design or structure may be. You can find the plans and instructions for this particular DIY bench on abeautifulmess along with a list of necessary tools and supplies.
19. A Colorful Bench with X-Shaped Legs
If it’s a patio bench you have in mind, a long and linear one might suit the space well. There’s a tutorial on pinkwhen which shows you how to build such a bench from scratch. The bench needs proper support, hence the four x-shaped legs evenly distributed under the seat. The bench is simple and low-profile which means it easily blends into the decor. At the same time, the fact that you can paint it in any color means you can make it stand out if you want to.
20. A Classic White Outdoor Bench
Speaking of x-shaped bench frames, there’s also this cool project from theidearoom which caught our eye. We love the worn look and the fact that it has this charming, classic appearance without necessarily being linked to a particular style or time period. You can easily get this look using nothing more than just paint and a little bit of sandpaper.
21. A Repurposed Bed Bench
While this repurposed bed bench from My Creative Days was designed for their entryway, we think it would look fantastic in a garden or on a patio. If you’ve got an old bed frame that is going to waste, why not put it to use as the base of your bench? Whether you decide to make a single bench or multiple benches, each one will have its own unique look and character based on the frame. You could opt for a bigger bed frame or look for something a little more dainty and ornate. If you don’t have an old bed frame floating around your home, pick one up at a yard sale for a low cost to get started on this inexpensive project.
22. Repurpose a Door to Create a Bench
Continuing on from the repurposing theme, this time we’ve found an excellent way to repurpose a door to create a bench. You may think there’s nothing you can do with an old, worn out door, but this project from Thistlewood Farms will prove you wrong. Better still, the entire bench takes only an hour to build, so it’s a great option for anyone who is short of time. To create this look for your garden, we recommend finding a door that is very worn and weathered. It will also be easiest to complete this project with a door with four panels, where two of the panels are longer than the other two.
23. A Garden Bench with an Arbor
Ana White shows us how to make this sophisticated garden bench project that would look lovely in any garden this summer. You can surround yourself with beautiful flowers which will grow around this covered bench. It’s the ideal option for anyone who enjoys relaxing or reading in their garden and will make a lovely centerpiece for your outdoor space. While it will certainly take a little more work than some of the other projects on our list today, we think it’s well worth the time and effort. A bench like this would cost a fortune from a store, so it is the ideal option for anyone who is an intermediate or experienced DIYer to try.
24. Transform a Bathtub Into A Bench
If you are looking to create a really unique addition to your garden this summer, take an old bathtub and transform it into a comfy bench. One Krieger Chick shares this fun DIY project that takes an old cast iron bathtub and transforms it into a beautiful garden decoration. Even if your bathtub has peeling paint all over it, you’ll find it can be refurbished into a stylish piece of furniture. The porcelain interior and the claw feet will make this a unique addition to a patio or garden this year.
25. A Stenciled Welcome Bench
While you may associate a bench with your back garden, a stenciled welcome bench is ideal for the front of your home. My Repurposed Life offers us this simple project, which begins with a twin headboard and foot board. The foot board is cut in half and is then used to create the sides of the bench. You don’t even need wood glue for this stage, as it’s such a tight fit. Of course, the final coat of paint and the message you stencil onto the bench can be adjusted to fit your home decor and personal taste.
Not A DIYer handy? Check out these 15 outdoor benches available on the market
Not all of us are keen DIYers, and that’s okay! Embrace this fact and choose one of these top outdoor benches from popular stores. Regardless of the material and design you are after, you’ll be able to find a charming bench in a store this year. Of course, you can always add little finishing touches to personalize the bench to your needs or even take the brave step to paint it a completely different color. All of these benches would look great in any garden or on a patio and will provide you with additional seating to rest and relax this summer.
1. A Standalone Wooden Bench
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Needless to say, there are also plenty of outdoor benches available for purchase which is a good option if you want to skip the whole crafting process and only worry about the design and placement. The Brisbane bench, for example, looks lovely as a standalone piece that you can place in your garden or on your porch but it can also be paired with various other pieces like small tables, chairs, and so on. It’s made of acacia wood and has a weather-resistant finish and you can lift up the seat to reveal a hidden storage space where you can keep blankets, pillows, and all sorts of other things.
2. A Lighter Wooden Bench With a Classic Design
If you prefer a lighter look and you could do without the storage compartment, the Indaka bench could be a nice option. It has a simple and classic design and it’s made of acacia wood with a natural finish. The slatted back and seat add a traditional touch to the design and are comfortable as they are but you can always add cushions and pillows if you want to improve the seating experience.
3. A Polywood Lumber Bench
You also have other options in terms of material, in case you’d rather have a bench made of something other than wood. This one for example is made of Polywood lumber which is a blend of plastics made from recycled milk jugs and other containers. It’s very low-maintenance and doesn’t require any painting, staining, waterproofing, or anything which makes it great for open outdoor spaces exposed to the elements. It’s solid and durable and it comes in a variety of different colors.
4. A Charming Metal Bench
Metal benches are also very charming. They have the advantage of looking very sleek and slender and they’re also very durable and resilient. The Robbin bench is a great example. It has a sturdy steel frame and a cast iron back in a beautiful matte black powder coated finish. It also features an elegantly decorated backrest and curved armrests. You can add this to your patio, garden, deck, and any other outdoor space.
5. An Outdoor Bench with Planters
If you’re looking for something a bit different, check out this cool-looking piece. It’s a combination between an outdoor bench and a planter with a clean and simple design. The Arianna planter bench is crafted from solid hardwood and is weather-resistant so you can leave it outside all year round. It consists of a bench attached to two planters, one on each side. You can fill these with any type of greenery you prefer.
6. A Picnic Table Bench
Picnic tables are really great too because they’re space-efficient, very versatile, and practical too. The Yager bench has a nice and simple design with clean and modern lines. Its seat is made of acacia wood and the legs are made of iron which gives it a balanced look that appeals to both contemporary and rustic settings. It’s great as a standalone piece if you want to add extra seating to your patio or deck and it can also be paired with tables.
7. A Wagon Wheel Garden Bench
An outdoor bench can also be a great accent piece in which case a more intricate or unusual design would suit it well. This right here is Keyshawn wagon wheel garden bench. It’s a bit more on the rustic and traditional side in terms of design and it’s definitely a conversation piece. The two wagon wheels act as a base and double as armrests which are quite convenient and simplifies the design.
8. A Decorative Outdoor Bench
The design of the Ossu bench is unlike any of the ones we’ve seen so far. This is a very sculptural-looking bench that can easily double as a decoration for the outdoors, whether you decide to pair it with a table or to have it placed against a wall or in the middle of the garden. It’s made of solid wood and has a clean and modern design with just a hint of industrial flair.
9. A Reclaimed Wood and Iron Outdoor Bench
Reclaimed wood and outdoor furniture go hand in hand, especially if you like to highlight all the imperfections and to embrace the natural beauty of this material. This beautiful garden bench does exactly that. It’s made of wood and iron and has a really simple and cool design that allows both materials to stand out and to showcase their uniqueness.
10. A Modern Picnic Table
The Boganville picnic table is a bit odd in the sense that it doesn’t really have a backrest in the proper sense of the term but it doesn’t completely lack one either. Although it’s very low, this little backrest does provide additional support and increases comfort and at the same time, it gives the bench a front and a back that is clearly defined.
11. A Bench to Fit Around the Trunk of a Tree
This is a solid wood and it has two seats connected by an integrated tabletop. If you pair two of them together you can create a full circle.
12. A Butterfly Bench
If you are looking to add a really unique bench to your garden, check out this beautiful butterfly bench. This will become the centerpiece of any outdoor space, and it’s made from steel using a state-of-the-art fiber laser process. It’s powder coated to prevent rust and is handmade in the USA. The bench comes in three different sizes, so you could also choose one that’s small enough for a child to enjoy sitting in. The curved shape of the butterfly wings makes it really comfortable to sit in, and you’ll enjoy adding this bold, blue butterfly to your garden this summer.
13. A Mermaid Bench
Transport yourself to the beach at any time in the year with this beautiful mermaid bench. It’s a unique bench that has a curvy seat that mimics waves. The unique texture and coastal blue finish of the bench will make you feel like you are at the beach wherever you are based. The bench is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and is weather and rust-resistant. It’s made from iron, which is 100% powder coated to prevent rust. You’ll be able to sit up to two people on this pretty bench, and upon its arrival, no tools are needed for its easy assembly.
14. Cast Aluminum Garden Bench
For anyone with a more traditional garden space, you’ll appreciate this cast aluminum garden bench. We love the ornate design on the back of this bench, which will look great in any garden with plenty of floral displays. It’s the perfect bench for relaxing and enjoying a good book, and you’ll find it’s comfortable even when you are sitting here for a couple of hours. Cast aluminum is a durable material that will last for many years of use. The pretty rose design creates a welcoming touch to any garden and makes this the ideal seat to enjoy spending time catching up with friends and family this year.
15. Dewitt Adirondack Wooden Garden Bench
Garden benches don’t all have to be upright or look unwelcoming for visitors. This wooden garden bench has a much more relaxed look and feel to it and is ideal for enjoying a cocktail in the evening or relaxing at the weekend. When two people are sat on this loveseat, they’ll each have their own individual back support. The bench has a timeless style and is made from acacia wood. This would look great on a patio or on the front porch and is a piece of furniture you’ll get many years of use from.
Conclusion
A garden bench may seem like a simple addition to any home garden, but we think it’s one of the most inexpensive ways to transform your outdoor space. Whether you decide to make your own bench from scratch or just buy a ready-built bench, you’ll benefit from additional seating space outdoors this summer. All of these benches will be a comfortable seat for reading, socializing, or relaxing this year, and they are the ideal option for entertaining friends and family. Regardless of the shape and size of your garden, you’ll find an option to fit your needs that will last for years to come and become one of your favorite features of your garden.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
