Then build our attractive garden bench. Loosely patterned after the simple board benches of colonial times, this bench is equally at home in the garden or on a porch. You can use it as a place to wait for carpool, a spot to set the groceries while you unlock the back door, or a resting spot along a garden path. The overall length of the piece is 5 feet, which provides comfortable seating for two. The length could easily be adjusted a foot either way to fit your particular location.
Construction is easy.
We cut the two ends from 2 x 12s and joined them with 2 x 6 front and back aprons. For extra strength, we used simple notched joints to connect the aprons to the ends. Dowel pegs and water-resistant glue help anchor the joints. The back also notches into the end boards. The seat consists of two boards.