Outdoor bench

I made this bench, two of them actually, to match the table. (here) I like the idea of benches like these, because you can really pack in small kids. Also, since I've had them a couple years now, I use them all around the back yard. During parties I can line the patio so there is more random seating and not just at the table.

I started by cutting all my boards to length. I was lucky, I was able to use mostly scrap wood from the garage. 

4 - 2x4s @ 14" (pine)

4 - 2x4s @ 7" (pine)

1 - 2x4 @ 43" (pine)

2 - 2x6s @ 48" (redwood)

Next, pocket hole the short 2x4s.

Assemble the legs with the pocket holes one the outside. The top will cover the holes there, and the others will face the ground. Just looks cleaner that way. Plus it would be super difficult to screw it together with the screw facing in, because the drill would get in the way.

Pocket hole and glue the two redwood 2x6s together.

Next, screw on the bottom support. I used the pocket hole holes for this. That way the screws were essentially countersunk.

Paint the base black, and add a proper outdoor sealer. I haven't found one that I love yet. But if you've got a go to sealer, please let me know in the comments below.

Don't forget to flip the base over before screwing the top to it. The horizontal support piece should be on the lower side of it to make it stronger. You can leave it this way if you want to give it a cleaner look, but just know that it wont have nearly as much lateral support. If you don't have small kids abusing it, that might not be a big deal. But I've learned to over built it, so that it can last longer.

Here is the YouTube video of the build.

Happy building, and send me photos of your builds (here), I love seeing my designs out in the wild.