13 ideas for building fantastic, DIY benches

September 11, 2023

Having a comfortable, welcoming home does not just mean taking care of the inside. A well-kept, well-equipped terrace or garden is also a must. In addition to plants, flowers, fountains and other "scenic" objects, what else can enrich and enhance our outdoors spaces?

Most of us think of tables and chairs, but don't forget the importance of a simple bench. Do you already have one at home? If the answer is no, we recommend you take a look at these 13 ideas to make one - perhaps using recycled materials.

1. A colorful and comfortable bench... why not make it yourself.

If you have unused cinder blocks at home, it's time to use them. Their cavaties will be very useful for positioning wooden planks next to each other that will make up the seat, onto which you can place soft cushions. And you can even paint the blocks to match the cushions.

2. Reuse a headboard...

If you have an old headboard in the garage, don't take it to the landfill. Use it, instead, to create the backrest of an outdoors bench. Build the seat and armrests with wood and then add the headboard. The effect will be unique.

3. Bannister bench

If you like a classic style and want to add this to your garden, then this is the project for you. You can create it from scratch using wood and/or reuse an old headboard. Add four stair case bannisters and your bench is ready. And don't forget to paint it.

4. A passion for music

If you are a music lover, then this "piano bench" project is for you.

5. Garden bench or resting spot

Creating a basic bench for the garden cannot be simpler than this. Starting with cider blocks, add some wooden planks, paint everything and - depending on what you want to use the bench for - add some cushions. Do you like this?

6. What can I do with these two old chairs?

The answer is: make a bench. Place them one in front of the other, join them with wood, add a backrest (or not, depending on your tastes) and paint everything. A regal bench will now be ready to welcome your guests.

7. I have some pallets and I want to use them..

Use them to make a bench. And this project is very easy to do, as you can see here. Pallents will help you create a fantastic relaxation corner that has a shabby-chic style. Wonderful!

8. A super-comfortable bench

You want a bench in the garden or on the patio at home, but you don't like sitting on hard surfaces. Check out this idea: an "outdoor sofa" can be made from hard materials. The secret is to use plenty of cushions. Comfort will be assured and it will also be aesthetically pleasing.

9. How can I reuse grandma's old bed?

The idea we propose is to cut down the central part of the bed. Bring the two ends of the frame closer together. The larger end (where we usually place our heads), will become the back of your bench. The other end (where our feet go), can be left out, or turned into the seat. But, if you also need a storage container, consider closing up the part on which you will sit. It can become a practical storage chest.

10. Two chairs, but only one bench... how?

Place two old chairs next to each other and simply join them using planks secured in place. The result will be rustic-looking, original bench. Leave it in its original color, or paint it however you want!

11. Concrete breeze-blocks: a project to try!

If you need an extra seat, dig out the concrete breeze-blocks (or cinder blocks) you have in the garage. You don't need to paint them if you don't have time. The important thing is to give them the most attractive shape you can, insert wooden planks into the holes and enrich your creation with cushions and lanterns. What do you think?

12. Old chairs laying around the house?

A circular bench could be what you are looking for. If you have old chairs you no longer need, consider reusing them to create a circular bench for your outdoors. Just check out the example shown here.