The best part of any landscape is a vantage from which to enjoy it. With no angled cuts, unusual materials or challenging assembly techniques, this attractive garden bench is an easy afternoon project.

Step 1: Lay Out Top Frame

Arrange two 2x4 x 48” boards and two 2x4 x 15” boards to form a long rectangle.

Step 2: Assemble Top Frame

Use a drill with #8 countersink bit to drill two pilot holes into each corner through the long side about 3/4” from the end and an inch from the top and bottom of the board. Switch to the Phillips head bit and drive 2-1/2” deck screws through each drilled hole (a total of eight) to assemble the top frame.

Step 3: Insert Bench Slats

Insert nine 2x2 x 45” boards into the assembled frame spaced 3/8” apart. Place scrap pieces of 3/8” plywood in between the slats to keep the slats evenly spaced until they are attached.

Step 4: Insert Cleats

Insert a 2x2 x 15” board into each end of the frame (on top of the slats) and attach each to the frame with three evenly-spaced 2-1/2” deck screws (drill pilot holes first to reduce the risk of splitting).

Step 5: Insert Center Braces

Measure 15 inches from each end of the frame and insert a 2x4 x 15” board at each marked spot. These center braces should rest flat on top of the slats and will serve as support once assembly is complete.

Step 6: Affix Center Braces

At each end of a center brace, drive a screw into each side at a 45-degree angle to attach the brace to the frame. Repeat the process with the other center brace.

Step 7: Attach Bench Slats to Cleats

Drill pilot holes through an end cleat into each bench slat and attach the slats to the cleat using nine 2-1/2” deck screws. Repeat the process with the cleat at the opposite end.

Step 8: Attach Bench Slats to Center Supports

Drill pilot holes through each center support into each bench slat and attach the slats using 2-1/2” deck screws. When the bench slats have all been attached, the assembly of the top frame is complete. Set aside and continue to base assembly.

Step 9: Assemble Base Frame (Skirt Board)

Arrange two 2x4 x 45” boards and two 2x4 x 12” boards to form a long rectangle. As with the top frame, drill two pilot holes at each corner and assemble the frame using 2-1/2” deck screws.

Step 10: Attach Legs to Skirt Board

Place a 2x4 x 16-1/2” leg at each inside corner of the base frame with the broad side facing the end. Tap in 2x4 x 4-1/2” boards between the legs at the short ends and attach the legs to the frame with two screws each, positioned 1 inch from the long side of the frame and 1 inch from the top or bottom of the frame to position diagonally from each other. Drive a screw at the center of the 2x4 x 4-1/2” board into the frame to attach.

Step 11: Complete Leg Assembly

Sandwich each pair of legs into the frame with a 2x4 x 12” board. Drive two screws through the board at each leg to secure and drive a final screw through the center of the board.

Step 12: Attach Feet

Center a 2x4 x 18” board on each pair of legs and attach with two deck screws driven through the foot into the bottom of the leg.

Step 13: Assemble Bench

Flip the base upright and place the bench top on top of it. Tap the bench top until the top of the base is nestled snugly and securely inside the top.

Step 14: Attach Top to Base

From beneath the bench, drive a deck screw through the base frame at the end of each center brace to attach the base to the top. Construction is complete.

Step 15: Paint or Stain Bench

Apply exterior-grade paint or stain to the bench. Make sure to cover the undersides as well to protect it from the elements. Allow it to dry before transporting.