When I transformed an old table into a party trough table, I was pretty happy with the end result, but there was one problem. The table didn’t come with any matching chairs or seating, which made it less appealing to potential buyers. I knew that if I wanted to make the whole setup more attractive and functional, I’d need to add a seating solution that was both practical and easy to build.

That’s when I decided to make a bench from scratch using leftover timber I had on hand. I’m not a professional woodworker by any means, just a self-taught DIY enthusiast who tends to create projects on the fly rather than following step-by-step instructions. Still, I thought it might be helpful to share what I did, especially for others who might be in the same boat. So in this post, I’ll walk you through how to build a simple bench—one that’s sturdy, straightforward, and made almost entirely from recycled materials. It’s perfect for beginners and doesn’t require fancy tools or expensive supplies.

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How to build a simple bench

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Materials Needed

• Recycled timber
• Orbital sander + 180 grit sandpaper
• Thickness planer (optional)
• Table saw or jigsaw
• Wood glue
• Drill + drill bits
• Spade bit
• Carriage bolts and nuts
• Square ruler
• Wood screws
• Wood filler (optional)
• Stain (e.g., mahogany)
• Outdoor oil-based polyurethane
• Wood router with round-over bit
• Measuring tape
• Counter sink drill bit

Step 1: Choose Your Timber

All the wood came from a local construction site. It doesn’t match, but that adds character. I build most of my projects using recycled materials, which I get for free ( See How here). It saves a lot of money and gives a unique, rustic finish.

To clean and level the wood, I passed it through a thickness planer. Then I pre-sanded the boards with 180 grit using an orbital sander. Pre-sanding saves time and prevents splinters.

Step 2: Cut Your Timber

I cut all my timber to size using a table saw, but a jigsaw works too. My bench was designed to match a 2-metre table. Adjust the measurements if needed.

Cut List (for 2 benches):

• 4 x 2m – Bench sides
• 8 x 190mm – Bench supports
• 12 x 460mm – Legs
• 8 x 2000mm x 90mm x 20mm – Bench top planks

After cutting, I used a round-over router bit to soften the edges. This step is optional, but it gives a more polished look.

Step 3: Build the Frame

The frame goes together like the image below. I pre-drilled and countersunk all screw holes. This keeps the screw heads flush and avoids snags or injuries.

Step 4: Attach the Legs

I didn’t have the correct bolts, and with shops closed on the weekend, I had to improvise. If you’ve got the right bolts, skip this step.

Using a spade bit, I drilled halfway into the wood so the carriage bolt could pass through cleanly. Then I drilled a full hole for the bolt to exit the other side.

Add wood glue between the legs and frame for extra support. Use a square to line everything up before tightening the bolts.

Step 5: Add Leg Supports

The bench didn’t feel stable when dragged, so I added leg supports. It’s better to do this before staining. I countersank the screws and filled the holes with wood filler for a cleaner look. That part’s optional.

Step 6: Stain the Frame

I stained the legs at this stage to make access easier. I also didn’t want dark mahogany stain getting onto the top, which I planned to paint.

Step 7: Attach the Top Planks

The planks needed trimming and planing due to damage.

Line up the first plank with the edge. Drill two pilot holes per plank and countersink the screws. Screw into the side rails and centre supports. I had a slight overhang when finished, so I trimmed it with a circular saw. Or you could measure better than I did—haha.

To smooth sharp edges, I used a round-over bit on the router. This makes the bench more comfortable behind your knees.

Step 8: Seal and Protect

Apply two coats of oil-based outdoor polyurethane. This protects the bench and brings out the natural timber colour. This bench was easy to make and didn’t cost much. I used what I had and worked around missing supplies. You can do the same.

More great projects

Here’s the trough table I made—the bench was built to go with it.

Another project you may like for your outdoor area is this cool patio cooler made from recycled materials.

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