If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a cozy spot to relax in your garden, a DIY garden bench is the perfect project. Not only can you customize it to fit your space, but it’s also surprisingly easy to build with just a few materials.
I’m always on the lookout for unique designs, and trust me, these ideas will have you wanting to get to work ASAP. From sleek modern styles to rustic charm, there’s a bench design for every garden vibe.
Grab your tools and let’s turn your outdoor space into the ultimate chill zone!
1. Cinder Block Simplicity
Cinder blocks and wooden planks make for a surprisingly sturdy bench that requires zero carpentry skills. Simply arrange blocks in two parallel rows, then lay pressure-treated lumber across them for the seat.
Secure the wood with construction adhesive to prevent shifting. You can paint the cinder blocks vibrant colors or leave them natural for an industrial look. This bench can be assembled in under an hour!
2. Repurposed Wooden Pallets
Free pallets from local businesses transform into charming garden seating with minimal effort. Sand down any rough edges and remove stray nails before cutting the pallet to your desired bench length.
Stack two pallets for the seat and backrest, securing them with screws. Add a coat of outdoor paint or stain for weather protection. Some cushions in waterproof fabric make this recycled wonder surprisingly comfortable.
3. Log Slice Rustic Beauty
Fallen trees or thick branches become nature-inspired seating with some creativity. Cut several 18-inch sections from a large log, sand the tops smooth, and arrange them in a row.
Connect these rounds with a wooden plank underneath, screwed securely into each log section. Finish with exterior polyurethane to preserve the wood’s natural beauty. The varying heights of imperfect logs create an organic, whimsical feel perfect for woodland gardens.
4. Concrete Block and Timber
Modern and minimalist, this bench combines concrete landscaping blocks with timber for a sleek look. Arrange concrete blocks in two stacks about 4 feet apart, then insert 4×4 posts through their centers for stability.
Top with 2×10 planks cut to size for the seating surface. No need for complicated joinery—gravity does most of the work! The contrast between smooth concrete and warm wood creates an architectural statement piece for contemporary gardens.
5. Gabion Stone Basket Base
Wire gabion baskets filled with decorative stones create a sturdy, drainage-friendly bench base. Fill two rectangular gabion cages with river rocks, lava stones, or recycled glass chunks for a stunning textural element.
Top with cedar or redwood planks to form a comfortable seating surface. The weight of the stones eliminates the need for ground anchoring. During rainy seasons, water flows right through the stone base rather than causing puddles or rot.
6. Curved Concrete Wonder
Sculpt a one-of-a-kind curved bench using concrete and chicken wire as a base form. Create a chicken wire frame in your desired shape, then cover with quick-setting concrete mix, working in small sections.
Smooth the surface with a trowel and add decorative elements like embedded glass pieces or stones before it dries. The curving form follows the natural lines of your garden beds. This weather-resistant option requires minimal maintenance and grows more beautiful with age.
7. Tree Stump Seating Circle
Transform a cluster of tree stumps into a natural seating area perfect for gatherings. Cut several stumps at 18 inches high, ensuring the tops are level, then arrange them in a circle or curved row.
Sand the tops smooth and seal with marine varnish to prevent rot and cracking. For added comfort, carve slight depressions in the seat surface. These stumps double as side tables when not being used for seating, making them perfect for garden parties.
8. Brick and Mortar Permanence
Create a bench that will outlast generations using basic masonry skills. Build two small brick columns as supports, using mortar to secure each layer of bricks in a staggered pattern for strength.
Once dry, attach a stone slab or sealed wooden boards across the top with construction adhesive. The hollow centers of the brick columns can be filled with soil for planting flowers or herbs. This bench becomes an architectural element that anchors your garden design.
9. Whiskey Barrel Halves
Cut an old wooden whiskey barrel in half lengthwise to create two curved bench seats with built-in backs. Secure each half with metal strapping to prevent the staves from separating over time.
Sand all surfaces smooth and apply several coats of exterior polyurethane for weather protection. The curved shape naturally cradles your body for comfortable seating. Position these unique benches facing each other with a small table between for an intimate conversation area.
10. Concrete Block Stackers
Decorative concrete blocks stacked in alternating patterns create a bench with Mediterranean flair. Arrange blocks in a pattern that provides stability, using construction adhesive between layers for extra security.
Top with a concrete slab or thick wooden boards for the seating surface. The open patterns in the blocks allow glimpses of the garden beyond while providing excellent airflow. During summer evenings, place solar lights inside some openings for a magical glowing effect.
11. Tire Rim Industrial Chic
Old car tire rims welded together form an unexpected industrial-style bench with serious durability. Stand three to four large rims on edge and weld them side by side, adding steel bars across the top for stability.
Create the seat using wooden planks cut to fit the width of your rim structure. The metal components can be painted in bright colors or left with a clear coat to showcase their industrial origins. This conversation starter works particularly well in contemporary urban garden spaces.
12. Adirondack-Inspired Pallet Bench
Combine the comfort of Adirondack chairs with the availability of pallets for a loungy garden bench. Cut pallet wood into angled back slats and a gently sloped seat platform that mimics the classic Adirondack posture.
Connect sections with sturdy screws and add wide armrests for setting down drinks. The slight recline of the backrest makes this bench perfect for long periods of garden relaxation. Add a homemade footrest from the same materials for ultimate comfort.
13. Woven Willow Living Bench
Create a living garden feature by weaving flexible willow branches into a bench form. Plant living willow rods in the ground in two parallel rows, then bend and weave them together to form an arch-shaped backrest.
As the willow grows, it strengthens the structure naturally. The bench portion can be made from wooden slats attached to the willow frame. Over time, this bench becomes a sculptural living element that changes with the seasons, sprouting green leaves in spring.
14. Railroad Tie Classic
Salvaged railroad ties make a rugged, long-lasting garden bench that blends well with rustic or country landscapes. Cut the ties to your desired length, usually around 5 to 6 feet, and place two short vertical sections at either end to serve as sturdy legs.
Lay a longer section flat across the top for the seat and secure with lag bolts for added stability. The thick, heavy wood resists weather and wear, making this bench virtually immovable. Seal with an outdoor wood preservative to maintain the rich color and prevent cracking over time.
15. Vintage Headboard Revival
Turn an old wooden headboard into a charming garden bench with timeless character. Use the headboard as the backrest and attach it to a simple bench frame built from 2x4s or salvaged furniture legs.
Paint or distress the wood for a shabby-chic look, then add a weather-resistant cushion for comfort. This upcycled bench brings a touch of nostalgia to flower beds or shaded corners. It’s a great weekend project that gives new life to forgotten furniture with minimal cost.