If you have made up your mind to build a deck bench with a backrest, then this guide is going to be helpful for you especially if you have no idea how to build a deck bench with backrest. Let’s start!
Building a deck bench with back is a great idea because it offers a more welcoming feel and enhances the beauty of the space. For outdoor meetings, having a seating area is also vital, and you will see that it makes a big impact.
There are a few things that you must consider before starting to build a deck, we will share each and everything in this article so keep reading till the end.
What should be the ideal height and width of your bench?
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For sitting comfortably, the height of your deck bench should be 16 to 20 inches above the ground. It is important to get the correct measurements of height and width before you start the work. To prevent building the bench too narrowly or too widely, keep in mind that the recommended bench width is also 16 inches.
Additionally, if you also wish to construct a backrest, be sure to specify the ideal slope of 5 degrees. As you are aware, it is difficult to sit on wood for an extended period of time, therefore if you set it to 10, it won’t stay comfy. This is why you should keep in mind all of these things to prevent any unpleasant experiences.
What are the tools required to build a deck bench?
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Before going through the steps of how to build a deck bench with backrest, have a look at the tools that you will be required during the process. Make sure to gather them all to avoid breaking focus after getting started.
Source: Decks.com
- Drill machine.
- Measuring tape.
- Saw (Circular / cordless, Miter).
- Carpenter square for accurate measurement.
- Wood clamps.
How to build a deck bench with backrest?
Follow the steps given below to build a deck bench but if you have any other ideas in your mind, feel free to implement them if you are handy with building such stuff. You can also look for ideas online and different styles of building a deck bench with back.
Make a Plan:
Planning is important, your thought process should be precise. To build a bench that looks welcoming, you need to use the same material as your deck. Building it so that your bench runs parallel to the joists will make the construction procedure easier.
If you construct this perpendicularly, you will need to install supports every 4-5 feet because the bench’s length will be dependent on the joists. For high decks, a railing behind the seats is necessary to position the seat on the edge.
Accurate Measurements:
Now that you have decided on building a deck bench with back and how you are going to do it, it’s time to measure everything accurately. Create a frame with the help of screws and a drill machine. Make sure your frame is 4 inches shorter than the finished seat’s dimensions.
Although the bench’s typical size, which is 16 inches, has already been discussed, you are free to change it to suit your preferences and needs.
Attach Rails and Legs:
Take a miter saw for cutting the legs of your bench, the number of legs depends on the size of your bench. If it is 8 inches then cut three legs and try to keep them even especially if it is a freestanding bench. To make it comfortable, you can create it slightly sloppy by cutting one leg a little bit shorter.
Now with the help of a circular saw, cut the rails of the previously chosen width. For 10 inches depth to the seating, 16 inches of rails would be required. Now, you can connect the rails to the legs of your bench.
Connecting with Deck and Installing Slats:
Now, it’s time to connect it with the deck with the help of cleats and slats by placing it against joists. It is a good idea to install rails before connecting the prepared frame to the deck.
Moreover, if you wish to give it a great appearance, now is the time to use stain. Now place slats for seating with the help of screws. Proceed to the next step when you are done.
For Backrest:
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When building a deck bench with back, you can cut a piece of wood according to the size of your bench which you have decided previously, and then place the legs accordingly.
Make sure to align everything accurately for the perfect backrest. Once you are done with cutting and aligning, you can use screws for placing the back support.
Wrapping Up:
We hope after reading our how to build a deck bench with backrest guide, you now have a clear idea of how this work should be done. If you have no experience of building such things then you should take professional help in order to avoid any mishaps.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How high should the back of the deck bench be?
These typically range from 16 to 20 inches in height, so be sure not to exceed that and to shorten it if you want to sit comfortably.
What is the width of a deck bench?
The width of your deck bench should be between 16 to 24 inches for comfortable sitting.
What is a good angle for a bench-back?
To build a comfortable bench back, the angle should be considered wisely. The angle between the sitting and the back should be 95-105 degrees and the depth should be between 12 to 18 inches. You can set the depth of 30 inches for backless benches.
