Modern Park Bench

Difficulty

Beginner Projects

Build your own modern style park bench. Sturdy 2x4 frame, easy to build design using off the shelf materials and basic tools. Free plans from Ana-White.com

Collections

Essential

Reader submitted photo by VLCINDIASNY

Modern Park Bench Features

Simple to build design
Stylish modern look
Easy to customize to different lengths and back heights
Sturdy 2x4 frame
Ours has held up for 8 years now and we are still using it!

Dimensions

Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

6 - 1x6 @ 6 feet long
7 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
60 - 2-1/2" to 3" long exterior self tapping screws (look for the star bit ones)
60 - 1-1/2" to 2" long exterior self tapping screws (look for the star bit ones)

Cut List

2 - 2x4 @ 72"
5 - 2x4 @ 21"
2 - 2x4 @ 31"
4 - 2x4 @ 24"
2 - 2x4 @ 25-1/2"
1 - 2x4 @ 69"
3 - 2x4 @ 18-1/4"
6 - 1x6 @ 72"

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Wood glue is recommended at all joints.

Build the basic seat frame of the swing first, using the longer screws, two screws per joint.

Step 2

Next, add the legs to the seat frame using the longer screws, three screws per joint.

Step 3

Then add the arms on top of the shorter legs, and then tie into longer back legs, using the longer screws, two screws per joint.

Step 4

Add the shorter stretchers between the bottom legs - this will help keep the legs from splaying out. Use the longer screws, two screws per joint.

Step 5

Attach bottom stretcher between legs, centered, and attach with two screws per end, using the longer screws.

Step 6

Attach backrest supports with the longer screws, two screws per joint.

Step 7

Lay out the seat boards on top of the bench and attach with the shorter screws, two screws per joint.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Bench

Outdoor Projects

Room

Outdoor

Style

Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

potterbrock0131

Mon, 06/02/2014 - 15:08

bench

Love the plans.. just have one question if u don't mind, I know its kind of off subject but where or what software do u use to make these plans in the form of step by step as u do... I have a few plans I would like to post to u but just don't know how to get them from paper to the format u use... I am just a little computer illiterate lol!!!!

Ana White

Mon, 06/02/2014 - 15:13

Hi Brock - I use Google

Hi Brock - I use Google Sketchup for plans. It's free and pretty easy to pick up. Can't wait to see your plans! Thank you. Ana

spacesculpt

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 11:46

Love it

Ana, we love your posts! The plans are always easy to follow and the designs are for creative and useful items for the home! Keep it up!

shmuel

Wed, 07/30/2014 - 11:30

Paint

Hi,

This is the second bench i am building based on your plans. Great work.
How do i place the screws in the frame in order for me to have room to put in screws to connect the 1x6 to the frame?

What do you recommend for painting cedar wood?

Thanks,

Shmuel

TISCH

Tue, 03/23/2021 - 04:47

Your name

Shmuel, my name is Steve but my Hebrew name is Shmuel. Are you Israeli? Just curious. I’ve never met anyone else with that name before.

NATASHASALAZAR

Thu, 01/22/2015 - 14:00

cut list

In the cut list, it states to cut 5 - 2x5 @ 21"
Am I safe to assume that it was supposed to read "2x4" .... since I did not see any "2x5" in the shopping list.

Ana White Admin

Thu, 01/22/2015 - 17:55

Yes

Yes 2 x 4's, thanks for bringing this to our attention, fixed now.

pjune

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 11:19

What type of wood did you use

What type of wood did you use? Pressure treated or pine?

Caren_bluejeans

Mon, 05/11/2015 - 09:10

Nice, big bench

I built this lovely, modern park bench the weekend. The only adjustment I made was to make the legs out of 4x4s. I like this plan because it's all straight, right angle cuts, a one day project, which I tackled by myself. I'm definitely getting more comfortable with the miter saw. The wood cost under $50. I plan to paint it with primer, then white exterior paint, both of which I have around the house. Stain would be beautiful, too. If I had to do it over again, I would paint all the pieces before assembling. And I wish I had a brad nailer; it would make attaching all the slats go much faster, and would have to fill as many screw holes.

clntemp

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 03:02

Alternative design

Hi,

Thanks, this looks great.

Can this be built without the arm rests? This would mean the 24" front legs would only go up to the height of the seat frame. Would this alternative design work or would the back rest and front legs start to splay out?

I could add small 90 degree metal brackets for support unless you have an alternative suggestion?