Follow the instructions listed below to construct a bench.
Having a power miter box to cut out the bench components would be helpful. You'll also need a jigsaw to cut the curved side panels. Use clear (knot-free) cedar 2×2's for the seat slats. Round-over their edges to eliminate splinters.
Since the benches are a permanent feature of the deck, it will be easier to build them in place. You can use either nails or screws for attachment hardware. If you use screws, always predrill the screw holes to avoid splitting the cedar.
The most difficult cuts are the angled miters on the 2×2's along the fronts of the benches at the inside and outside corners. The easiest way to cut this angle is to tip each 2×2 at a 45-degree angle so that it rests in the miter box exactly as on the bench.
Once all the pieces are cut, assemble the bench in the following steps:
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Nail the 2×6 trim board to the planter.
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Screw together the legs, frames and 1-1/4 inch tubing. Then toenail the legs to the deck floor and the back trim board, making sure to plumb them with a level.
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Toenail the 2×4 corner supports to the trim boards. Support the front edges of the supports with temporary 2×4's.
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Nail the 2×2's and 1/2-inch spacers to the frames with 12d galvanized nails, starting at the back and working forward. At the corners, toenail them to the 2×4 supports or screw them together from underneath.
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Nail on the end trim pieces.
The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc./GID
Predrill holes into the bench to avoid splitting the cedar boards.
