PROJECTS ONLINE: HOW TO BUILD A BENCH WITH BACK ATTACHED TO A FINISHED DECK
Project Difficulty:
Difficult Estimated
Project Time: Varies with length of bench
Tools and Materials:
Safety goggles
Hearing protectors (when cutting lumber)
NIOSH-approved respirator or dust mask (when cutting lumber)
Work gloves
Heavy-duty work boots
Measuring tape
Circular saw
Lumber (2x10, 2x4s, 2x6)
2 sawhorses, as needed
Power drill and bits
Hammer
3" galvanized deck screws
1/2" carriage bolts
Angle brackets, as needed
You can add this bench to a completed deck. It looks a bit complicated, but a careful do-it-yourselfer can pull it off, and it will give a great handcrafted touch to your deck.
This bench may need supports every 4 or 5 feet, but check with your local code officials to be sure. Also ask if the bench meets local codes for railings. If not, use it only on decks less than 30 inches above the ground.
1.
Cut the Back Support and Seat Support
Cut the 2x10 back support as shown in Figure 1, and use it as a template for the other supports. Be precise in your cutting--these pieces will be visible.
You will need two 2x4 seat supports for every back support. The little angle cut at the front of the seat supports is easy to do and will make the seat significantly more comfortable.
2.
Assemble and Install the Supports
The supports each require two more pieces of 2x4: a front leg square-cut to 15-1/2 inches and a rear brace whose length is 12 inches, plus the thickness of your decking, plus the width of your joists.
Attach each front leg 2x4, sandwiched between the two seat supports, with 3-inch deck screws. Drill pilot holes and use 3-inch deck screws to attach each rear brace to a back support. (Fig. 2)
Attach these assemblies to the deck with 1/2-inch carriage bolts long enough to go through the joist and fascia, if any. Attach the front with angle-driven screws, or use an angle bracket if you think this piece will receive some abuse.
3.
Install the Seat Slats
Attach four 2x4 seat slats, evenly spaced, with 3-inch galvanized deck screws. Attach the four 2x4 back slats in the same way. Cap it all off with a 2x6 placed so that it will not dig into your back when you sit down.
