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Modern Slat Top Outdoor Wood Bench

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Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 12:00
Difficulty
Beginner
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This easy to build bench makes a statement!  We love how it drains water and is very sturdy. Free plans to build a modern slatted bench for your outdoor space include step by step diagrams and shopping lists.

modern slat top wood outdoor bench

Reader submitted photo by CKAYE is slightly modified in length

 

Matching Slat Top Console

 

I'm so glad you loved Jeff from A Touch of Arkansas's Modern Slatted Console Table (plans here).

 

Dimensions
slat top bench dimensions diagram
dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

9 - 2x4 @ of feet long or stud length

3 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long

2" self tapping wood screws or finish nails

wood glue

Optional 1 1/4" and 2 1/2" PH screws if desired

Cut List

7 - 2x4 @ 72"

14 - 2x4 @ 14 1/2"

12 - 1x4 @ 18"

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

TIP: Unless you are spray painting, it may be difficult to paint between slats. You may wish to paint or stain all of your 2x4 @ 72" long first. Leg boards you will not have this issue.

Choose your best looking 2x4 top board and leg boards. Set them best looking side down on the table. We'll be working from the front backwards.

Lay out 1 long 2x4 and 2 short 2x4s. Position the 1x4 on top, apply glue and nail or screw down, to both the top and leg 2x4s.

Step 2

Add a layer of 2x4s on top of the 1x4s.

Step 3

Next, repeat with a layer of 1x4s, nailing or screwing into both the top and leg 2x4s.

Step 4

Continue until you run out of boards :)

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
Bench
Room
Teens
dining room
entry way
Outdoor
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Adonisnn

Fri, 05/31/2013 - 03:28

Well I really like the way you have put the light, on this good article in the way that everyone can easily understand.I have read most of them and learned, a lot from them.I'll bookmark your website for future updates.
San mateo personal training

ישראל

Sat, 11/16/2013 - 22:05

Hi Ana,
Thanks for the plan. I built the bench over weekend and enjoyed every minute of it.
One correction to the plan above - except of the 2" screws, you also need 2.5" screws for attaching the 2" leg board to the 1" leg board.
The 2" screws are too short and will not last for the 2" to 1".

yariv

Tue, 06/02/2015 - 02:39

Hi Ana,

What are your thought about building the smae way a dinning table of 75X100X200 cm with two sitting benchs of 45X40x180.
My main concern is the top plate strength, I do not want it to bend downwards after some years.

Yariv