How To Build a Butcher Block Bench

Adults and children appreciate having plenty of seating areas in and near their playspace. These benches will encourage adult supervision of children when placed in close proximity to the playground equipment. Seating also encourages a sense of community by creating a designated area for neighbors to gather together, much like a “town square.”

Instructions

Preparation

Materials needed:
• 2x4x12 (6)

Bench Seat:
1. Sort four 2x4x12 from your lumber. Measure and mark each piece into two 72” pieces. Cut.
2. Sort one 2x4x12 from your lumber. Measure and mark two 65” pieces. Cut.

Bench Legs:
1. Sort one 2x4x12 from your lumber. Measure and mark four 18” pieces and four 14 ½” pieces. Cut.

Build Day

Materials needed:
• 2x4x72” seats (8)
• 2x4x65” seats (2)
• 2x4x18” legs (4)
• 2x4x14 ½” legs (4)
• 2½” Deck Screws (2 lbs)
• Drill
• Screwdriver bits (1-2)
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Sandpaper

1. Build Legs. Legs are built through the combination of 18” and 14 ½” 2x4. To make legs, assemble the short and long pieces in pairs with six 2 ½” deck screws.
   Note: Be sure that the bottom edge is flush, and that you have a 3 ½” lip at the top.
2. Attach seating: The bench is made by screwing together the remaining 72” and 65” 2x4 in combination with the legs. Be sure to screw the pieces together in a zig-zag pattern with screws placed at least 6” apart, and that the pieces are all level on the top of the seating area. The two 65” boards will fill the space between each pair of legs.
3. Sand the entire bench.

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