DIY Modern Garden Bench Literally Anyone Can Do

If you want to spruce up your backyard or patio space, this rustic bench is the perfect spot for your outdoor living area — and luckily you don't need major carpentry skills to build it yourself. With hairpin legs available for as little as $20, this DIY is a great beginners project. Here's how ...

Caroline Burke

Step 1

Choose your piece of wood. We've used a piece of live edge hardwood that measured 1 foot by 3 feet. (If you find a larger piece, you can always have your local hardware store cut it to size for you.) Be sure to choose hardwood rather than softwood. Oak, cedar, redwood, acacia, or walnut are popular choices.

Caroline Burke

Step 2

Flip the wood over so the bottom side is facing upwards. Place the hairpin legs into position. You don't need to measure here; just eyeball where you want them to sit.

Caroline Burke

Mark all the drill holes with a pencil and put the legs to one side.

Caroline Burke

Step 3

Drill pilot holes for the legs — make sure you don't drill all the way through the wood.

Caroline Burke

TIP: Our hardwood is 1 inch thick, so we've wrapped a small piece of tape around the drill bit a 1/2 inch from the tip to indicate how deep we've drilled.

Caroline Burke

Step 4

Drill the hairpin legs into place.

Caroline Burke

Step 5

Take a hand sander and the sand the sides of the hardwood.

Caroline Burke

Smooth any rough edges, and run the sander over the bench top to prepare it for the varnish.

Caroline Burke

Step 6

To finish the bench, seal the wood with two or three coats of outdoor varnish to protect it. Let dry completely.

Caroline Burke

Your bench is now ready for outdoor lounging and entertaining!

Caroline Burke