DIY Outdoor Storage Bench with Back

Transform your outdoor space into a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics with a DIY outdoor storage bench with back. This versatile piece of furniture serves not only as additional seating but also as a practical storage solution for your garden tools, seedlings, or simply as a decorative touch. Here, we'll guide you through a step-by-step process to create this multifaceted outdoor companion, ensuring it's both durable and visually appealing.

Before we dive into the build process, let's discuss the benefits of having an outdoor storage bench with back in your garden. Firstly, it provides extra seating for when you have guests over. Secondly, it conceals clutter, keeping your outdoor space organized and tidy. Lastly, it's a great way to add a personal touch to your garden, reflecting your style and personality.

Choosing the Right Materials

A successful DIY project begins with selecting the appropriate materials. For this project, Pressure Treated Lumber and Azek (a weather-resistant polymer) are both excellent choices due to their durability and resistance to rot and insect damage. Pressure treated lumber is more affordable, while Azek is virtually maintenance-free and comes in a variety of colors.

Additionally, you'll need outdoor pocket hole screws, wood glue, and a few basic tools such as a circular saw, drill, tape measure, and safety gear. Don't forget the paint or wood preservative to finish your bench and protect it from the elements.

Design Considerations

When deciding on the dimensions of your bench, consider the available space in your garden and the number of people it needs to seat. A standard bench is about 48 inches long, 12 inches deep (including the back), and 18 inches high. You can adjust these measurements to suit your needs, just maintain the same proportions for stability and comfort.

Another design aspect to consider is the style. You can opt for a simple, linear design or add decorative elements like curved or scrolled arms, or intricately cut backrest slats. Let your personal taste and the style of your garden guide you.

Cutting List and Lumber Preparation

Before you start, prepare your cutting list based on the design you've chosen. Generally, you'll need two long supports (6-8 slats for the seat and 4-5 for the back), two sidepieces, and two legs. Measure and cut these pieces according to your design, ensuring they're all level and square.

After cutting, you might want to soften the edges by sanding them with medium-grit sandpaper. This step not only makes the bench more comfortable but also prevents splinters and enhances the final appearance.

Assembly: Building the Bench Frame

With all your pieces prepared, it's time to start assembling the frame of your bench. Begin by attaching the sidepieces to the legs using pocket hole screws. Ensure the legs are level and square to the sidepieces to create a stable base.

Next, attach the long supports for the seat to the top of the legs. These should be temporarily fixed with screws at this stage. Also, add the additional supports that will form the back of the bench.

Attaching the Slats

Now that the frame is in place, you can start adding the slats for both the seat and the backrest. Start with the seat slats, spacing them evenly apart. You can use a slat spreader or simply place spacers between the slats to ensure consistent gaps.

Once the seat slats are secure, remove the temporary screws holding the top frame supports and attach the backrest slats. Again, ensure they're evenly spaced. You might want to consider adding a slight curve to the backrest slats for added comfort.

Final Touches and Finishing

After both the seat and backrest are complete, reattach the top frame supports and secure everything in place. Now it's time to fill any screw holes with exterior wood filler and sand the bench smooth.

Before applying your chosen finish, allow the wood filler to dry completely. Then, apply a paint or wood preservative that matches both the color and finish of your chosen material. If using Azek, simply follow the manufacturer's guidelines for applying the color of your choice.

Now that your DIY outdoor storage bench with back is complete, it's ready to become a focal point in your garden. Not only does it provide seating and storage, but it also reflects your unique style and craftsmanship. Enjoy your new outdoor space and don't forget to invite your friends over to show off your handiwork!