Outdoor Bench with Arbor

outdoor bench with arbor
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Build your own wood arbor bench with free arbor bench plans from Ana-White.com

outdoor bench with arbor
outdoor bench with arbor
outdoor bench with arbor
outdoor bench with arbor

 

 

 

A long while back - like last summer - my friend Gina saw this child's arbor bench project I posted (worked on with my good friend Kirsten from The Crafting Chicks)

My friend Gina from Lady Goats saw this pergola I designed (plans are available here) and asked if we could style the arbor bench like it.

We've got free plans below, but make sure you read Gina from Lady Goat's full building post - she's got TONS of tips and tricks to help you through your own build!

Dimensions
outdoor bench with arbor
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 4 - 4x4 posts @ 84" (legs)
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 21" (side supports)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 91" (bottom seat front/back aprons)
  • 4 - 2x6 @ 91" (top lower rafters)
  • 7 - 2x4 @ 48" (top upper rafters)
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 28" (seat supports)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 60" (back support framing)
  • 5 - 2x4 @ 15-1/2" (back support framing)
  • 7 - 1x6 (or 2x6) @ 60" (seat boards)
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 33" (side shelves)
  • Anchoring system for anchoring to ground to keep from tipping
  • NOTE: Recommend exterior screws
Common Materials
2 inch screws
2 1/2 inch screws
Cut List
  • 4 - 4 x 4 x 8
  • 12 - 2 x 4 x 8
  • 1 - 2 x 4 x 10
  • 3 - 2 x 6 x 10
  • 5 - 2 x 6 x 8
  • 1 - 4 x 8 lattice panel
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

This project needs to be anchored to the ground to prevent tipping.  

Instructions

Step 1

Start by building the two ends by attaching with pocket holes the side pieces to the posts.

Step 2

Next, attach the front and back seat aprons to the outsides of the posts.

Step 3

Attach lower rafters to tops of posts.

TIP: Predrill holes and start screws on ground first.

Step 4

Cut the upper row of rafters and notch and place on top. Screw down.

Step 5

Step 6

Build back seat framing and attach between posts and top of back seat support.

Step 7

Place seat boards on top of seat, and to back seat framing.

Step 8

Add lattice to inside of the sides - you may wish to add additional wood trim supports around the lattice panels.

Step 9

Finish off ends with boards (perfect spot for a plant!)

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Room

Comments

yusleepin

Sat, 06/14/2014 - 05:23

Awesome plans as usual Ana! I can't wait to make this someday. Thank you for all the time and inspiration you provide on your site!

One small side note though: the shopping list and cut lists are swapped in this plan.

mcnessa

Fri, 07/10/2015 - 07:13

The cut list calls for four 2x4s cut at 28 inches. The diagram on Step 5 highlights seven 2x4s cut at 28 inches. The choice is yours, I went with seven.

Rafters - I don't own a table saw, so I held the rafters together with clamps, measured and marked the cuts for notches, then set my circular saw for a depth of 1.5 inches. I knocked out the wood cleanly between the cuts with a hammer and chisel. While the cuts were exactly the same for all the rafters, I did have to make a few minor adjustments to a couple of notch cuts to compensate for slight bows in the 2x6 boards the rafters sat on.

Relatively minor issues for a great weekend project. You should try it! I was very pleased with the results. Thank-you Ana!!!

Hokulani1

Thu, 01/21/2016 - 07:50

Hi Ana! This Arbor is beautiful. I was wondering if you think this is sturdy and suitable for a swing base instead of doing an A frame. I would omit the inside bench so the children's swing(s) can go there, and maybe keep the small outside benches on each side. Please give me your thoughts. Thank you so much!

Aiden Eagle Scout

Fri, 03/02/2018 - 14:24

We used the design to make a bench for an Eagle Project for the Rescued Pets Movement. I did the work with my Grandfather purchasing, measuring, and cutting all the wood. It took one day to purchase and cut the wood and another day to build it. I had some members of my scout troop come by to help sand and paint the bench. That took about 4 hours with five scouts. After making it some of my family members want one of their own!

Seasonal And Holiday

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!