Crafting a beautiful piece of backyard furniture can be satisfying, but it’s fascinating when you know the piece will last many years. If you’re looking to add a little rustic charm to your patio, garden, or backyard, cedar is excellent for creating beautiful and durable benches for years of enjoyment. No matter how far the woodworking world has come in recent years, there will always be value in crafting with cedar because of its naturally-sourced durability. A bench crafted from cedar is an investment that will withstand the summer heat and winter cold and the elements like rain and snow — making it perfect for outdoor use. The DIY Cedar Bench Plans below will show you how easy it can be from benches to picnic tables and more!
If you’re ready to craft your own DIY cedar bench, check out these 21 DIY Cedar Bench Plans that will help get you started with great tips and ideas for each project. Whether your outdoor space is used, these sturdy cedar benches are perfect for adding seating and style to any room. There’s a DIY cedar bench plan from traditional techniques to modern designs that will suit your unique needs. It makes a great addition to your space, adding style and function wherever you choose to place it!
Live Edge Cedar Bench
- Circular saw or table saw
- Speed square
- Angle grinder
- Welding gear
- Bar level
- Sandpaper
- Cedar slab
- Metal tubing
- Lag bolts
- Satin polyurethane
- Advanced
If you’re a woodworker and have the skills to take on this project, then you’ll love how simple this bench is to build. The live edge cedar slab adds a rustic element to any space, and the metal frame adds the industrial feel that makes for an exciting contrast. This bench has a clean and simple design that lets the wood and metal elements speak for themselves. The bench also features a wide seat and back so it’s perfect for relaxing, reading, or napping, and extra seating at parties.
Hexagon Cedar Bench
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Bar clamps
- (7) redwood boards
- (10) cedar boards
- 3″ and 2″ deck screws
- Thompson WaterSeal Timber Oil
- Intermediate
If you want to make a statement in your backyard, this hexagon cedar bench is one way to do it. With plenty of angles and measurements to keep track of, you’ll need to have a good plan before beginning this project. The great news is that all the hard work really pays off when installing this bench around your yard tree. Featuring six seats, this might be the perfect place for keeping family and friends close together to enjoy watching kids play or read their favorite book!
Cedar Bench with Truss
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Speed square
- Sander
- Tape measure
- (2) 4”x4”x96” cedar boards
- (2) 2”x4”x72” cedar boards
- (2) 2”x8”x72” cedar boards
- 2”x10”x36” cedar board
- 2 ½″ pocket hole screws
- Intermediate
Simple but modern, this handsome 4-foot bench makes an elegant addition to your home. The simple lines are reminiscent of midcentury design. This simple and sleek bench is an excellent addition to any outdoor space. The cedar build is sturdy and weather-resistant, while the clean lines make it versatile as well. It consists of a few components but requires careful assembly so that each angle and notch fits together perfectly. This design will become a conversation starter at your next cocktail party!
Backyard Backless Bench
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Sander
- Pocket hole jig
- Right-angle clamp
- Portable cross cut
- 4”x4”x96″ cedar board
- (2) 2”x”4×96″ cedar board
- (5) 2”x6”x96″ cedar board
- (66) 2 ½” pocket hole screws
- Waterproof wood glue
- Easy
Enjoy the benefits of a backyard bench without worrying about splinters when you build your own, using only simple tools. This wooden table with backless seating is perfect for use as a coffee table, nightstand, or end table. Designed to be sturdy and adaptable to any outdoor space, this cedar backyard bench will last for years to come. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled, this plan will give you a showroom-ready bench you’ll love for years to come.
48-inch Modern Cedar Bench
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Bar clamps
- (7) 2”x4”x96” cedar boards
- Wood dowels
- 2” and 3” screws
- Wood glue
- Easy
The 48-inch modern cedar bench is the large-scale version of the single-seat design, and it's a beautiful addition to your backyard or patio. The plans are easy to follow and build, thanks to a few fasteners and wood glue that holds the wood strips together. The look is clean and modern, with the natural color enhancing its style. This is an excellent addition to your porch or patio. Build this classic modern cedar bench and enjoy comfort outdoors all year long.
L-Shaped Patio Bench
- Circular saw
- Sander
- Hammer
- Cedarwood posts
- Nails
- Stain
- Easy
A clean-lined and straightforward design, this L-shaped cedar bench is another excellent addition to your outdoor space—either on its own or as part of a group. It’s made from Western Red Cedar, so it’s durable and resistant to decay, but the strength comes from the simplicity of the build: basic framing techniques and a few nails are all that’ll be needed. Enjoy it as a standalone piece, or add more details to create the perfect seating area—a few additional benches would work nicely.
Cedar Garden Bench from 2x4s
- Miter saw
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Tape measure
- (10) 2”x4”x96” cedar boards
- 2”x6”x72”
- 2 ½” screws
- Wood glue
- Stain
- Easy
This 2x4 garden bench is sturdy and great for a variety of uses around the yard, such as a sitting area on your deck or a small dining table for guests. The backrest and armrests create a welcoming space while also giving you a place to rest when it's time to relax outdoors. Easy-to-make joints hold everything in place, and straight cuts are all that's required if you don't want to use a jigsaw. A wide range of applications makes it a versatile choice for your lawn or patio.
Chevron Pattern Cedar Bench
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Brad nailer
- Sandpaper
- Pocket hole jig
- Blowtorch
- Tape measure
- Wire brush
- 2”x4”x96” cedar
- (2) 1”x4”x96” cedar
- 1 ½” brad nails
- 2 ½” exterior pocket hole screws
- 2 ½” decking screws
- Exterior wood glue
- Exterior spar urethane spray
- Intermediate
The Chevron pattern cedar bench combines precision cuts with a modern chevron pattern and the natural charm of cedar. Precision cuts will make this bench look like it was handbuilt by a professional. Angular shapes meet a vibrant and active grain for an engaging blend of dynamism and elegance. Perhaps most striking is the legs. They are charred to create a unique two-tone aesthetic perfect for your patio or entryway.
See more: 27 DIY Cedar Chest Plans You Can Build
Modern Cedar Bench Seat
- Table saw
- Long adjustable bar clamps
- Cedar 2x4s
- Cedar 1x4s
- Liquid Nails
- Transparent waterproofing stain
- Easy
A contemporary design that allows this bench to function as a seat or an end table, the Cedar Bench is a great way to add seating to any outdoor living space. It’s made from cedar lumber and finished with our environmentally friendly oil-based Preserve finishing products. The versatile design offers you many options for placement and arrangement, indoors or out, creating an organized seating area for your friends and family.
Outdoor Cedar Bench
- Circular saw
- Drill
- (8) 8’ cedar boards
- Fasteners
- Intermediate
If you want a great outdoor seat with plenty of character and comfort, you can’t go wrong with this cedar bench. Perfect for patios, sitting areas, or next to the barbecue. It requires a bit more finesse and patience to build than some other projects on this list, but once it’s complete, you’ll have something that looks professionally made in your backyard. You can create this comfortable and sturdy cedar bench for under $100.
Cedar Bench with Storage
- Circular saw or table saw
- Drill
- Clamps
- Tape measure
- (7) 1”x6”x96” cedar
- Wood glue
- Decking screws
- Roll of wire mesh
- ¾” truss head screws
- 48” continuous or piano hinge
- 2” square drive screws
- Stain
- Intermediate
With this cedar storage bench, you have everything you need to make a comfortable seat that’s full of function. And it doesn’t take a ton of skill or precision to make it work, so this project is perfect for newcomers to woodworking. The simple design allows for a timesaving technique: angling the back. By cutting at an angle, you eliminate the need for angled ends on the stretchers and less precise joinery in general—plus, each piece of wood will fit into your workshop more easily.
Cheap Outdoor Cedar Bench
- Table saw
- Drill
- Pocket hole jig
- Planer
- Sander
- Cedar fence pickets and posts
- 2 ½” pocket hole screws
- Wood glue
- Intermediate
Our bench is designed to look like a fancy piece of furniture—but with careful engineering and simple construction, it's easy for anyone to build. The cedar pickets sit on a sturdy base of plywood and blocks, so the whole thing is vital and will last for years. It's easy on your wallet, too—this project costs less than $50 in parts. It's a fun DIY project that seats two people and looks as beautiful outdoors as it does in the living room.
Cedar Garden Bench
- Table saw
- Band saw
- Plunge router
- Chisels
- Drill press
- Sander
- Planer
- Clamps
- (2) 2 ¾”x5”x35 ½” cedar
- (2) 2 ¾”x2 ¾”x 23 ½” cedar
- (2) 1”x3”x51” cedar
- (2) 1”x4”x51” cedar
- 1”x2 ½”x51” cedar
- (2) 1”x2 ½”x17 ⅜” cedar
- (2) 1”x3 ¼”x17 ⅜” cedar
- 1 ½”x3 ⅜”x17 ⅜” cedar
- (22) ⅜”x1 ½”x6 ¼” cedar
- (14) ⅜”x1 ½”x8 ¾” cedar
- (6) ¾”x2 ¼”x54 ½” cedar
- (2) 1”x4 ¼”x20 ⅝” cedar
- (36) 1 ½” No. 8 wood screw
- (36) ⅜” cedar plug
- Wood glue
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Stain
- Advanced
Take your time and enjoy the process of building this impressive Craftsman-style garden bench. Subtle curves in the seating and arms make all the difference, giving you a chance to fine-tune your skills as well as create a truly lasting project. Add in the mortise and tenon joinery; you’ll find there’s no shortage of opportunities to put your woodworking skills to the test.
Cedar Bench with Planters
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Tape measure
- Level
- Paintbrush
- (15) 2”×4”x96” cedar
- (6) 1”×6”x96” cedar
- Gorilla glue
- 2 ½” cedar deck screws
- 3” cedar deck screws
- ⅜” wood head plugs
- 150-grit sandpaper
- Wood filler
- Wood stain
- (2) 8” clay pots
- Ferns (or plants of your choice)
- Potting soil
- Decorative pillows
- Easy
Outdoor spaces can be beautiful but don’t always lend themselves to planting. This bench is the perfect solution, featuring two planters with enough room for a variety of plants—or maybe even some succulents! The side planters are Jenga stacks of cedar 2x4s with 1×6 seating running between them. Some straight cuts with a table saw and a few drill holes are all it takes to kick your patio or backyard up a notch. You can have this piece finished in a few hours.
Classic Garden Bench
- Dowel jig
- Planer
- Router
- Table saw
- Jigsaw
- Clamps
- (48) ¼” fluted dowels
- (6) 1”x6”x96” cedar
- 2” deck screws
- (4) 2”x4”x96” cedar
- 3” deck screws
- (28) ⅜” fluted dowels
- (48) No. 6 or No. 7 stainless steel trim-head screws
- 8 x 1 ½” trim-head screws
- Wood glue
- Intermediate
For those who are looking for a more comfortable garden bench but still want to challenge themselves a little bit, this classic version is a good balance between comfort and difficulty. Relaxing on it is sure to be completely relaxing while also providing a bit of challenge with its gentle slope and concave seating area. It’s finished in warm wood tones that won’t clash with the rest of your outdoor decor.
Cedar Bench with Table
- Hammer
- Framing square
- Level
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Sander
- Screwdriver
- (6) 2”x4”x96” cedar boards
- (5) 1”x4”x96” cedar boards
- 1”x6”x96” cedar
- 1 ¼” screws
- 2 ½” screws
- Wood glue
- Stain
- Easy
This Cedar Bench with Table can be built in your shed or garage, indoors or out. You’ll learn how to build sturdily and safely using the right tools and materials. This bench is perfect for a front porch; you’ll have a great time building a two-seater bench with a table in the middle. If you like to relax outside with a drink in hand, this is a perfect project you can knock out for under $100.
Easy Cedar Garden Bench
- Miter saw
- Drill
- 8′ landscaping timber
- (3) 2”x4”x96” cedar
- 2″ deck screws
- Stain
- Easy
This simple yet beautiful cedar bench will add charm to your backyard! The simple but attractive design gives this piece of outdoor furniture great appeal for both residential and commercial use. The legs are made from stacked lumber, while the seat is constructed with cedar boards running between the legs. It's great to put your feet up while enjoying the garden view or prop a book open on it when feeling lazy under an umbrella. Either way, you'll love this design year after year.
2-Hour Cedar Bench
- Circular saw
- Speed square
- Drill
- Tape measure
- 4”x4”x96” cedar
- (2) 2”x4”x96” cedar boards
- 2 ½” deck screws
- (5) ½”x4”x96” cedar fence boards
- Easy
If you like the look of unfinished wood, this 2-hour bench will give your yard the rustic appeal you crave. Stay within budget, save on your utility bills and invest in a bench that will outlast the fads. Our Cedar Bench is made from high-quality cedar and pine, so it's durable enough to last for years to come. The bench is simple to assemble and only requires a few hours of your time so that you can paint or stain it before installation.
Cedar Garden Bench with Handles
- Miter saw
- Table saw
- Clamps
- Drill
- Impact driver
- Nail gun
- Sander
- (4) 2”x4”x96″ cedar board
- (2) 1”x6”x72” fence picket
- (2) 1”x6”x96″ cedar board
- 1 ¼” screws
- 2 ½” screws
- Wood Glue
- Stain
- Easy
This lovely cedar bench is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. The rustic style and unfinished nature of the wood allow it to easily blend right in with your existing furniture or help you create a cohesive design aesthetic. With a few tweaks to the dimensions, this versatile little guy can also become a planter bench. The addition of handles to the sides gives it added style, making it perfect for seating or serving.
Cedar Storage Bench
- Circular saw
- Speed square
- Drill
- Clamps
- (10) 1”x4”x96” cedar
- 1”x6”x72” cedar
- (2) 1”x2”x96” cedar
- 2’x4’ ½” plywood
- 2’x4’ ¾” plywood
- ¾”x¾” square molding
- 1 ¼” No.8 exterior screws
- 2” casing nails
- (3) 3” butt hinges
- (4) small eye screws
- 4’ lightweight chain
- 12’ ½” weatherstrip
- Wood glue
- Stain or paint
- Intermediate
Your outdoor space is a blank canvas, and this storage bench gives you a place to show off your creative side. It features sheet metal in the side panels, which makes it one tough bench that's built to last. It also has built-in cup holders so you can swing by on hot summer days with a cold drink while you gaze out at the world around you. This bench would look great at the end of your deck or patio.
Basic White Cedar Bench
- Kreg Jig K4
- Drill
- Miter saw
- Wrenches
- Clamps
- (10) 1”x2”x26″ cedar
- (2) 1”×3”x54 ½” cedar
- 1”×3”x9″ cedar
- (2) 1”×3”x14″ cedar
- (2) 1”×4”x54 ½” cedar
- (2) 1”×4”x10 ½” cedar
- (4) 4”×4”x17 ½” cedar posts
- (4) ¼” board
- (12) ¼” bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts
- 1 ¼” coarse Kreg screws
- Easy
Featuring a slatted top, this benched features a gentle curve that's perfect for lounging. The simple design is a low-profile complement to any outdoor seating set, and it works beautifully outside on a deck, patio, or by the pool. Quickly build it with pocket holes and a circular saw, and make it your own by painting or staining the cedar to your heart's content. Best of all, you can customize this bench to fit your needs with pocket holes in the seat and arm rails, so you don't have to do any screws or glue.
Conclusion:
A cedar bench gives you a place to sit and relax in the outdoors or prop up your feet while enjoying a good book beneath the sun’s rays. But it’s not just about style; cedar also provides natural durability and protects against rot, pests, and weather damage. If you’re looking for a woodworking project that will give you form, function, and fulfillment for years to come, check out these 21 DIY Cedar Bench Plans you can make today!