DIY Outdoor Bench Ideas

Need an outdoor bench to complete your space? Looking to build it yourself? Hometalk has got you covered. We have everything you need to build your own cozy bench. Watch a step by step video for tips, tricks, and techniques to guide you. Find inspiration for your next project in the best, top, and newest projects we have to offer. Start building!

DIY Cinder Block Bench: Cute Outdoor Seating

Tips for Building Benches

Make a hanging bench: Create a classic decoration and provide seating outdoors at the same time with a hanging bench. You can’t go wrong with this timeless choice.
Create a DIY crate bench: Build your own DIY outdoor bench using crates and a wooden top. You can sand down and use any wooden planks you may already have.
Use cement and wood: Using cement blocks and wood, you can create your own bench. This bench is cost-effective, and you can paint the cement blocks any color.
Repurpose a headboard: Get creative with an innovative headboard design. Use the metal headboard from an old bed as the backrest for your outdoor bench.
Build a log bench: Create a natural and rustic outdoor bench by using tree stumps and a piece of wood as the top. Finish with a coat of varnish for protection.

More Outdoor Ideas

Top Projects for Outdoor Benches

Here are our top outdoor bench projects to inspire you to build your own.

DIY Cinder Block Bench: Cute Outdoor Seating

I built a large cinder block planter wall several years ago and since then, cinder block benches have been on my radar.But until we moved to a new house last year, it didn’t make sense to make one since we just didn’t have a good location for one.I just re-did our paver patio, but a bench this size is a little too big for that space. However, it works perfectly at the front end of our driveway where there is a garden bed area.This would give us a place for loading and unloading our cars. It’s a really cute spot too, in part, because it has a picket fence for the backdrop.

Artsy Pretty Plants

Cinder Block Bench

I just completed this project on Saturday and it has added a great outdoor living space and really brightened up our front patio area.

DJ Designs WA

Giving A Sad, Worn Out Park Bench New Life

The house I inherited from my mother had this sad old park bench that was left behind by a former tenant of hers. Aside from the rusting on the frame, I knew it could be beautiful again.

Lisa Myers

An Almost Free Cinder Block Porch Bench

I copied the idea you had posted on Home talk with a twist. This cost me $26.00 to make

Jodi

Outdoor Cinder Block Wet Bar/Gardening Station

Ok are y'all ready for this one?! I saw this idea and had to take a stab at it myself...between the reclaimed scaffolding beams laying around behind my husband's garage and the old door we had leaning beside them, this was a perfect project to create. Better than anything is the fact that my in-laws were celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary the same weekend I decided to create this bar so of course, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to them!!--they got this as their gift. They just got rid of their pool this year and redesigned the area as a hang out/fire pit area so this cinder block bar fits perfectly in the space. The best thing about this project is it's so versatile--you can use it for just about anything you need it for, whether it be a little gardening station to hang your gardening tools and to assemble your flowers pots, or of course as part of your entertainment area when you have guests over. You can assemble this on your back deck, or in my case, on the ground. The only extra tidbit I'd add is you will want a partner for this project--the cinderblocks are super heavy and there are some steps that would just be easier with a second set of hands.

Rob & Coco, Hometalk Team

Combined Garden Modular Seating / Retaining Wall / Storage

EDIT For all those who are saying it will rot, read the post1. the framing is H4 (the stuff they make fence posts and telegraph poles from -- yes it will rot but not in my life time2. The panels are MARINE GRADE ply - they build boats from that!!3. The rest is decking - that is designed to be outside !! ;-)4. I built it in Oct 2015 and no rot so farI had a large pile of spoil and topsoil from the build of our pool and wanted to put in some seating and storage as well as a retaining wall. So I thought why not combine the lot!

Stephen Taylor

Before and After Cast Iron Bench Restoration

I picked up two cast iron bench ends and the cast iron back insert for 40 bucks. The wood was missing but the cast iron was in good condition so we thought that it was a project worth attempting since these benches can sell for up to $400 when new. I don't know the original cost of this one but the benches with back inserts are more money. The reason why I was originally open to buying bench pieces was that our yard is over two acres and I needed a place to sit in the shade on the extreme heat days so a bench sounded like a good idea.

Jan Marie

How to Build a Quick Outdoor Hairpin Leg Bench (with Storage!)

This week, I was out in Pittsburgh helping my husband's brother and sister-in-law prep their new old house for their baby-to-be! These two love to sit outside on the porch, but needed more seating for when guests are over. That's why I decided to make them this beauty of a bench with a wheeled storage bin. This project is quick and mostly consists of screwing treated wood slabs together and attaching the correct hardware. It does have a higher price-point because of the hairpin legs, but there are cheaper alternatives you can look to if you are under a tight budget.

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

Needed a Garden Bench

Out of necessity for deck furniture I made this garden bench. I started out with twelve cinder blocks.

Catherine D

Cement Block Bench and Bench Cushions

Ok sooooo I made these benches years ago (and they have been amazing), but I always wanted to add some cushions for extra comfort. When someone else suggested it on the Facebook live tour of my house I decided it was about time to take action. I will show you how to make the benches first (super simple) and then get into detail on the cushions. The benches are really just some cement blocks and wooden beams while the cushions are comprised of a cushion filling, batting and fabric. You will need to have a sewing machine for these cushions, but all the seams are straight and simple so you don't have to be a pro.

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

DIY Cinder Block Bench: Cute Outdoor Seating

Artsy Pretty Plants

Cinder Block Bench

I just completed this project on Saturday and it has added a great outdoor living space and really brightened up our front patio area.

DJ Designs WA

Giving A Sad, Worn Out Park Bench New Life

The house I inherited from my mother had this sad old park bench that was left behind by a former tenant of hers. Aside from the rusting on the frame, I knew it could be beautiful again.

Lisa Myers

An Almost Free Cinder Block Porch Bench

I copied the idea you had posted on Home talk with a twist. This cost me $26.00 to make

Jodi

Outdoor Cinder Block Wet Bar/Gardening Station

Rob & Coco, Hometalk Team

Combined Garden Modular Seating / Retaining Wall / Storage

Stephen Taylor

Before and After Cast Iron Bench Restoration

Jan Marie

How to Build a Quick Outdoor Hairpin Leg Bench (with Storage!)

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

Needed a Garden Bench

Out of necessity for deck furniture I made this garden bench. I started out with twelve cinder blocks.

Catherine D

Cement Block Bench and Bench Cushions

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

We have slideshows of how to create the perfect outdoor bench for your home.

Outdoor Bench Videos

Do you need video tutorials on how to create the perfect outdoor bench? Here you go!

Beautiful DIY Live Edge Oak Table

I love creating pieces from cuts of wood with live edges. When my grandfather gave me a piece of oak wood with a stunning live edge, I knew I couldn’t use it for just any old piece of furniture, so it sat in my shed for about ten years. Then inspiration hit, and I knew what I wanted to make with it. Come along and I’ll show you how I made an oak table with a live edge and iron legs.

DIY step by step projects

DIY Patio and Garden Bench and Chair

When I was ready to start furnishing the patio space I had trouble finding furniture that was the size I wanted. I was looking for a bench that would fit perfectly against my back wall and decided that in order to find just the right size to maximize my space, I would have to build it. My DIY patio bench was so incredibly simple to build, adds so much enjoyable living space to my home, and looks amazing! One of the best parts of the building project was that I was able to make use of the leftover cut boards to build a matching chair.

DIYfixman

DIY Outdoor Storage Bench (with Hidden Storage Containers!)

Build an outdoor storage bench with a twist – the hidden storage can hold two rubber totes! This backyard storage box is ideal for storing pool toys, kid’s outdoor toys, gardening tools, patio cushions, and more.

Megan Harney | Our Handcrafted Life

SPiTTiNG on FABRiC!

Every time I go to my local Goodwill I find something that can be upcycled. Most the time a quirky desk, headboard or table catches my eye. Usually something tattered and abused and I feel like me bringing it home to slick up is rescuing it. Giving it an Afterlife! Well, one fine morning, walking in saying hi to my friends at the counter, the manager said, "Michelle, I have a treat for you!". Moses brought me over to not one, but two BRAND NEW end of the bed benches! With the TAGS! TWO OF THEM! I said, "OH, MY! How am I supposed to upcycle these?" He said "What if your Unicorn stuff could color the fabric?" I hadn't thought about that! I figured what the heck. I'll give it a try! I did and I couldn't be happier or more excited about the results! So today I'm here with step by step instructions with how to SPiT on FABRiC.

Unicorn SPiT Gel Stain, Paint & Glaze in One

Hometalkers' Favorite DIY Outdoor Bench Projects

Here are the best outdoor bench ideas on the web today. Check them out.

New Life for a Vintage Glider and Chairs!

Last summer we found a vintage glider and 2 chairs for sale on a local social media site for $150. Being a lover of all things vintage, I jumped at the chance to breathe new life in these pieces. They were in good shape with very little rust (the brown is paint over the original green paint). The transformation is more than we could've hoped for. Enjoy!

Bonnie Shirley Coates

Repurposing trunks. One of my Favourite Things to do!

I absolutely love trunks! I can just go ahead and call myself a Trunk Junk-y !!! They are gorgeous and can be so much more than a moth ball smelling attic time capsule! Inventing new ways to make these come back to life is such a fun challenge to me! I hope the inspiration flows over to your DIY tendencies! www.facebook.com/gypsy for more inspiration

Jasmin

Two Garden Benches Made Using a Jenny Lind Crib

A thrift store Jenny Lind crib turned into two garden benches. My bench is the turquoise bench and the red bench was made for a friend. Drawer pulls were used for finials. Store bought cushions complete the set.

Tamara Johnson

From Child's Roll Top Desk to Counter Potting Shed!

I found myself constantly going out to our potting area in a dreary area of our barn, getting what I needed to start seeds or cuttings and coming back up to our porch outdoor kitchen counter to do them. A while back I bought a kids roll top desk, and although the bottom portion was a little rickety, the top was in good shape. After all the trips back and forth out there, I thought it would make a great counter top potting shed.

Vicki Rogers

Bench Made From Old Found Bed Frame.

Found the old bed frame, cleaned it up and new paint, a little added extras and there you have it one cute garden bench !

Jackie D

Part 2-directions for Concrete Bench Base

The base is not your customary 2 blocks under the bench- I wanted something unique and to push my limits of creating a one of a kind concrete bench. I also thought this could be sturdier than the traditional type benches that can wobble if the ground is not stable. I will be working with other forms soon to create yet another bench base and inspire all of you to create your very own concrete bench. The base takes a full 80lb bag of concrete mix and I would use the Sakrete 5000 plus or other concrete mix with fibers for durability and strength. I hope the directions are easy to understand and follow-if not please let me know so that I can 'tweak' them. My hubby helped me with this project because I am a creator and my brain quits at anything remotely technical LOL. My hubby also had to help me stir and pour the 80lbs of concrete (I have some physical limitations now and his help is greatly appreciated). Anyhow, I am in love with my concrete bench and cannot wait until I do the next one a bit different and maybe even paint it! I really want a whimsical and fun one for a remote corner in the back yard. I also have an order for one from a good friend and neighbor who walked by and saw us placing it under the tree. I love that my yard and my creations spark an interest in others to garden and to enjoy the beauty of nature. There is no exact science in creating and sometimes the 1st idea or project may not turn out the way you want. Do not get discouraged because creating is not about perfection-it is about end result of working with your hands and your mind to create a piece that will be placed in your garden or your home that will remind you of the day you created this wonderful piece. I hope I inspired you to create and explore the possibilities of building your own bench. Have fun and remember that if at first it does not work, TRY AGAIN! HAPPY GARDENING AND CREATING EVERYONE. The materials you will need: drill driver, tape measure, 1 1/2" screws, level, 2x4x8, 80lb bag of concrete mix, tub, spade to stir, palm or other sander, From the sheet of plywood you bought for the base for the concrete base top, you will use the 12" strip that you had them cut down for the sides of the bench. the measurements are as follows for the plywood: (2) 12"x 9 1/2" (2) 12" x 13 1/2" (2) 12" x 14" you will need to cut the 2x4 down into (2) 12" pieces and if you are capable cut 2 more 12" pieces down to create the 2x2x12" pieces needed or purchase a 2x2x8 and cut 4 pieces

The Garden Frog with C Renee

New Life for a Vintage Glider and Chairs!

Bonnie Shirley Coates

Repurposing trunks. One of my Favourite Things to do!

Jasmin

Two Garden Benches Made Using a Jenny Lind Crib

Tamara Johnson

From Child's Roll Top Desk to Counter Potting Shed!

Vicki Rogers

Bench Made From Old Found Bed Frame.

Found the old bed frame, cleaned it up and new paint, a little added extras and there you have it one cute garden bench !

Jackie D

Part 2-directions for Concrete Bench Base

The Garden Frog with C Renee

New Outdoor Bench Projects

We've gathered the newest outdoor bench projects for your enjoyment.

How To Make A Cinder Block Bench

Ever wondered how to make an easy cinder block bench? I had built one years ago and it was time to fix it up. A cinder block bench is easy to create, affordable, and can be put just about anywhere. You can see more of my crazy creations here

Chas' Crazy Creations

Outdoor 2x4 Bench

I've been slowly entering into the realm of small building projects. For Christmas this year, I made a few gifts. One of those gifts was a bench for my daughter and son-in-law to use by their fire pit. I found the idea online and recruited my grandson to help.

A Sleigh Bed Repurposed Into a Bench.

My friends at The Heritage Company, an architectural salvage/ antique store in downtown Kalamazoo did it again. Instead of passing on a lonesome sleigh style headboard, they purchased it from one of their pickers with me in mind.It was about 42 inches wide and 39 inches high so it was likely once part of a twin bed.

John Biermacher

How to Make a Bench From an Old Metal Bed

I have always loved the look of benches made from head and foot boards , especially the ones made from metal. I found this one in the most unlikely places. It was leaning up against the side of a vault, ( a holding building for bodies to be buried in cemeteries. The caskets are kept here during winter months when the ground is frozen and graves can't be dug until spring.) It was buried half in the ground and deep in the trees. I was very excited with my find, my mother was looking at me with those eyes that quietly said my daughter has finally lost it but didn't actually say it.. I went back to my mom's house and called the church secretary and asked if I could remove the bed. Ironically she didn't even know one was there. She said if I could dig it out I could have it. After some choice words under my breath, tree branches in some not so nice places, and falling on my behind while trying to get it out of the ground my determination paid off.

Melanie

DIY Planter Box Bench Seat

As part of a monthly blogger's challenge, I built this DIY Planter Box Bench Seat for my back yard. The challenge for this month was to build a project out of mostly 2x4 boards. Other than the lattice, I used 2x4 redwood boards for the entire project. Redwood is a little pricier than using any of the white wood boards, such as pine or Douglas Fir, but it holds up better in outdoor conditions. (Plus, if you have a wood planer, you can buy the construction grade redwood boards for much cheaper, and after running them through the planer they come out looking like the more expensive redwood boards).

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Tips for Building Benches

Make a hanging bench

Create a DIY crate bench

Use cement and wood

Repurpose a headboard

Build a log bench

Campers & RV's

Decks

Decor

Fireplace

Furniture

Garage

Garden

Home Security

Kitchen

Lights

Patios

Pest Repeller

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Campers & RV's

Decks

Decor

Fireplace

Furniture

Garage

Garden

Home Security

Kitchen

Lights

Patios

Pest Repeller

Pools & Ponds

Porches

Rugs

Sheds

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