How to make a bench for your patio or garden

Make a hanging bench for your patio or garden – then kick back and relax with a sundowner.

The frame

Step 1

Measure and mark 76mm and 50mm at the bottom of both ends of the three 850mm base pieces. Use the jigsaw to cut out these corner pieces to fit the support struts. Also measure 200mm underneath (at the back) and 170mm above this, and join the two marks to establish the angle of the backrest.

Step 2

Place one 550mm backrest on this diagonal line and attach it with two 6mm x 60mm coach screws. Repeat to make three of these base-backrest assemblies. Tip Use the 4mm drill bit to drill pilot holes and the 16mm spade bit to countersink the screws.

Step 3

Measure and mark 100mm from each end of the two 1 500mm support struts. Attach a base-backrest assembly (from step 2) at each of these marks, and screw the third assembly into the centre between the two with 6mm x 75mm coach screws.

The Armrests

Step 4

Screw a 670mm plank and a 390mm plank at right angles to each other and attach this to the frame with the 6mm x 60mm coach screws. Repeat on the other side.

The base and backrest

Step 5

Use small blocks of wood to evenly space four of the 1 300mm planks apart – this will form the base. Join these planks with 6mm x 75mm coach screws. Attach the fifth 1 300mm plank to the backrest at the top with the 1 220mm plank underneath.

To finish

Step 6

Place the remaining two 670mm planks on top of the armrests and attach with 6mm x 75mm coach screws. Sand the bench smooth and varnish.

Hang it up

Step 7

Attach chain or rope to the four support struts of the bench and you’re ready to enjoy that sundowner!