How To Build An Outdoor Bench (L-Shaped)
Sean and I have been dreaming of renovating the back deck all summer. Maybe it was romantic visions of making french toast
topped with strawberries in our new kitchen and enjoying it out on our deck
that got us eager to jump on this one.
But with the kitchen renovation dragging on, and the days of summer
dwindling, I never really thought we'd get started on the
deck anytime soon. But soon enough, we were working on our first piece of
DIY furniture: a DIY outdoor L-shaped bench seat with storage.
Key Takeaways From This Project:
- An L-shaped outdoor bench with storage can be constructed using basic woodworking skills by building two rectangular box frames and attaching them to create the L configuration
- Sizing DIY projects to fit dimensional lumber reduces material costs and wastage, such as using 8-foot 2x4 studs for framing and cutting 4'x8' plywood into 16" strips for facing.
- A bench built at 24 inches deep, 16 inches high, with an 8-foot long side and 40-inch short side provides seating for 3-4 people while maximizing small deck space.
- Adding support beams beneath a hinged bench top is necessary for structural integrity, though it may limit storage accessibility for longer items like cushions.
-
Interior paint can be used for benches on covered patios with minimal
weather exposure, while exterior paint provides better durability for
benches exposed to rain and snow.
How To Build An L Shaped Bench
Are you looking for a simple weekend project that will transform your outdoor
living space? Building an L-shaped outdoor bench is a great way to do just
that!
Not only is it relatively easy, but it can be completed with basic tools and a
few supplies from your local home improvement store. DIY-ers looking to create
a custom piece for their outdoor space need look no further.
Adding an l shape bench is a great way to maximize seating as well as
personalize your space. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on
how to build an l-shaped outdoor bench from scratch, so you can have the
perfect spot for al fresco dining and lounging in no time.
Building your own bench seat is a great way to add functional and
attractive seating to your outdoor living space. In addition to providing
a comfortable place to sit, a L-shaped outdoor bench can also add style
and character to your deck or patio.
While we built this bench for use outdoors on our covered patio, you can
certainly use these instructions to build an l-shaped bench for indoor use
too. L-shaped benches or banquette benches with storage are great to have
in kitchens, a basement or games room, or any space where you need a
combined area for sitting and storage.
1. Determine Your Bench Shape
To build a bench seat, you'll need some basic woodworking skills and
tools, as well as the right materials. Depending on your skill level, you
can choose to create a simple, straightforward design or get creative with
more complex shapes and patterns.
Before you begin building, consider the size and shape of your bench
seat.
- Will it be a straight bench or an L-shaped design?
- What type of wood will you use?
- Do you want to add cushions or pillows for extra comfort?
- Will you have accessible storage inside the bench?
For our back deck, we had a few requirements for our outdoor bench:
- it would provide seating for 3-4 people
- it would not take up too much room on our small deck
- it could be used for dining, or for outoor naps and lounging
- it had built-in storage and would be a place to store our bench cushion and outdoor pillows during the winter
An l-shaped bench tucked into one corner of our deck would be perfect for
our needs. Once you have a plan in place, it's time to start building.
Start by cutting the wood to the desired size and shape, and then assemble
the frame using screws or nails. Add legs to the bench for stability, and
then sand and finish the wood to your desired look.
L-Shaped Bench Configuration Options for Different Deck Sizes
| Deck Size | Recommended Bench Dimensions | Seating Capacity |
| 8' x 8' Small Deck | 6' long side + 3' short side | 3-4 people |
| 10' x 10' Medium Deck | 8' long side + 4' short side | 4-5 people |
| 12' x 12' Large Deck | 10' long side + 5' short side | 6-7 people |
| Corner Nook (Any Size) | Equal sides (4' x 4' or 5' x 5') | 3-4 people |
2. Gather The Materials You'll Need
Building an outdoor bench requires just a few materials and supplies. We
would be using:
- 2"x4" x 8' long studs for the frame
- 1/4" 4'x8' plywood for facing the frame
- 1"x12" x 8' long lumber for creating the seat top and for decorative trim on top of the plywood
- a 72" piano hinge for the seat storage
- circular saw (we trust the Ryobi brand)
- drill
- level
- orbital sander
- wood screws
- wood glue
- sandpaper
3. Determine The Bench Dimensions
A few quick measurements and a rough drawing later, we had the dimensions
to build an L-shaped bench seat:
- It would be 24 inches deep, 16 inches high (without the cushions), with one side 8 feet long, and the other 40 inches.
- We'd put a piano hinge or continuous hinge on the top so we could use the benches for storage
Optimal Bench Dimensions for Comfort and Function
| Dimension | Standard Measurement | Why It Matters |
| Seat Height | 16-18 inches | Comfortable sitting without knee strain |
| Seat Depth | 20-24 inches | Supports thighs without hitting back of knees |
| Width Per Person | 24 inches minimum | Provides personal space without crowding |
| Storage Depth | 12-14 inches | Fits standard outdoor cushions and pillows |
Tips for Saving Costs on DIY Projects
We wanted to build this outdoor bench on a budget so we needed to maximize our materials. I'll admit - figuring out how many sheets of plywood or planks or 2x4s was totally HandyMan's domain. A few of his handy tips:
- Make the longest bench at most 8' in length so you can use 2x4x8 studs for framing
- Make the bench 16" high so you can face it in plywood (which conveniently is 4'x8' and can be cut into 16" strips).
PRO TIP: Try the "Reverse Engineering" Method - Start With Store Lumber Dimensions to Design Your Bench
Most DIY guides tell you to design first, then buy materials. But here's a smarter approach that can save you hundreds of dollars: let standard lumber dimensions dictate your design from the start.
The Standard Lumber Hack:
• 2x4 studs = 8 feet long → your longest bench side maximum
• Plywood sheets = 4'x8' (48" x 96") → divide by 3 to get perfect 16" height strips with zero waste
• 1x12 boards = 8 feet long → creates seat tops with minimal cutting
The Money Math:
When you design around standard dimensions, you eliminate the "short piece problem." Every time you need a 7-foot piece and buy an 8-foot board, that extra foot usually becomes scrap. On a bench project, this waste can cost you $40-60 in materials you'll never use.
4. Cut And Assemble The L-Shaped Bench Frame
Here's the steps on how to build an outdoor bench seat with storage for your
deck:
Nonetheless, eight hours later, we have the sweet beginnings of our outdoor deck bench seating.
- Construct the rough framing for the boxes out of 2x4's
- Affix 1/4" plywood to the face of the boxes
- Optional: Apply 4" wide wood strips (made from a 1"x4" x 8' long board cut to size) around the perimeter of the front and visible side faces. This will give your bench a more finished look. We did this to our bench to tie in the look of the benches with the shaker cabinets in the adjacent kitchen.
- Make the seat tops out of two 1x12x8 pine boards, hinges, and construction glue. Be sure to include an overhang of about 1" in your calculations, so that you are able to grip and open the bench storage lid. Sean also thought of the smaller details, like leaving room beneath the overhang for decorative trim, and rounding all the edges with a sander.
- A final step will be to paint everything. Since our patio is covered and the bench is not exposed much to rain or snow, we will be using leftover interior paint. If your bench is more exposed to the elements, consider using an exterior paint for more durability.
Nonetheless, eight hours later, we have the sweet beginnings of our outdoor deck bench seating.
I'm thrilled with how this project turned out. It makes a great use of the
limited deck space and provides a great view of our backyard garden.
FAQ
Can I build this L-shaped bench without power tools?
Yes, you can build this bench using only hand tools, though it will take longer. Use a hand saw with a miter box for straight cuts, a manual drill with pilot holes for screws, and hand-sanding blocks instead of an orbital sander. The key is taking accurate measurements and making careful, straight cuts—power tools just speed up the process.
What type of wood is best for an outdoor bench if I want it to last longer than pine?
Cedar and redwood are excellent natural choices for outdoor furniture because they contain oils that resist rot, decay, and insect damage. Pressure-treated lumber is the most budget-friendly option for longevity, though it requires special handling and must fully dry before painting. For ultimate durability, consider composite decking boards for the seat top, which never need painting and resist weathering for decades.
What's the best way to weatherproof the hinges on a storage bench?
Use stainless steel or brass continuous hinges (piano hinges) rather than regular door hinges, as they distribute weight better and resist rust. Apply a thin coat of marine grease or silicone lubricant to hinge pins before installation. For added protection, install the hinges on the underside of the lid rather than the back edge, which keeps them shielded from direct rain and extends their lifespan significantly.
How much weight can a DIY outdoor bench actually support?
A properly constructed bench with 2x4 framing and plywood facing can safely support 200-250 pounds per linear foot of seating. An 8-foot bench should comfortably hold 4-5 adults (approximately 1,000-1,200 pounds total). The critical factors are using construction-grade screws (not nails), adding cross-bracing inside the frame, and ensuring the seat top has adequate support beams every 24-36 inches to prevent sagging under weight.
Building your own DIY L-shaped bench is a rewarding project that can add
beauty and function to your outdoor living space. If you are looking for a
quick summer weekend project, this is one to try!
Now we just have to figure what to do with the rest of the deck. These
plastic chairs and planter on a scrap piece of carpet are not cutting
it!
We still have to do the major demolition (removing the existing slats and
latticework) and rework (straightening and fattening the posts, changing the
railing, installing beadboard ceiling, painting the floors, railings,
ceiling, and benches), but it's a start.
Not bad for our first piece of DIY furniture ever. Hopefully, we'll get it
all done before the summer end :o)
***Interested in more outdoor and DIY build projects? Check out:
 A Back Porch Makeover |
 Build A Walkway With Pavers |
 Build & Customize Storage Shed |
 Plywood Imagination Station |
