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10 ways to build a bench seat

Jason
Community Manager
Community Manager

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Bench seats provide a relaxing space for enjoying the garden and can be an easy D.I.Y. project for beginners.

 

Best of all, there's many ways you can tackle a bench project, incorporating different elements and using a range of materials.

 

Get inspired by these bench seat designs shared by Bunnings Workshop community members and let us know if you need a hand building your own.

 

1. Besser blocks

 

Besser block outdoor bench by @sandy_d 

 

Sandy shared this easy D.I.Y. bench seat made using Besser blocks and Pine posts. The wildly popular project inspired Workshop member Rob to share a step-by-step guide How to build a Besser block bench seat.

 

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2. Storage

 

Bench seat with firewood storage by @tony1982 

 

Tony built a gabion bench seat with decorative rocks and built-in firewood storage.

 

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Pool blanket box bench seat by @ourcountrycoast 

 

Handy storage for a pool blanket as well as attractive pool-side furniture built with treated Pine and cladding. 

 

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3. Planter box

 

Bench seat with planter box by @diy_hausdesigns 

 

Rufaro made a bench seat with a built-in planter box clad with Merbau decking.

 

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Bench seat with storage and planter box by @LePallet 

 

Riley built a large outdoor bench seat with storage underneath and a box that can be used as a planter or to store cold drinks. He also built another version using pallet timber

 

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4. Screening panels

 

Custom bench seats for fire pit entertaining area by @lcooksey88 

 

SpeRite Merbau panels were used in this custom bench seat design to match the fence screening in a fire pit outdoor entertaining area.

 

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5. Decking boards

 

Bench seats with built-in planter boxes by @raymond265 

 

Raymond built this bench seat frame using Pine that was painted black and then clad the seat with decking boards.

 

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6. Fence palings

 

Outdoor bench seats and planter boxes by @Poppop 

 

Experienced Bunnings Workshop member Poppop built these corner bench seats and planter boxes using fence palings.

 

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7. Timber sleepers 

 

Simple outdoor bench by @TheCouchman 

 

Workshop member TheCouchman shared a simple bench using Pine sleepers cut to size by the Bunnings team.

 

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Bench seat using Pine sleepers by @cadsman 

 

Workshop member cadsman built this rustic outdoor bench seat using three Pine sleepers.

 

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8. Recycled timber and offcuts

 

Garden bench using decking offcuts by @woodalwaysworks 

 

Workshop member woodalwaysworks made this garden bench seat using decking timber offcuts.

 

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Simple bench using recycled timber by @AnitaH25 

 

Anita made a large recycled timber bench that's an easy D.I.Y. project for beginners.

 

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9. Hand tools

 

Bench seat made with hand tools by @AndrewJones 

 

Made exclusively with hand tools, this bench seat features classic mortise and tenon joints. 

 

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10. Steel

 

Timber and steel industrial-look benches by @She_Skills 

 

Made from timber and steel, these industrial-look benches would look stylish anywhere. 

 

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How to make an outdoor bench seat

 

The Bunnings team has shared a step-by-step guide to building an outdoor bench with storage to provide a comfy spot to sit and admire your garden while adding handy storage space.

 

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The Bunnings team also has a simple guide how to build an outdoor garden bench, complete with video and tools and materials.

 

Get more inspiration from the Bunnings Workshop community and our Top 10 most popular indoor and outdoor furniture projects, as well as our Top 10 most popular outdoor bench projects. 

 

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects