Benches: How to Build a Wrap-Around Bench

Standard bench height is finished 18" above the deck. Benches are built two or three boards wide on a 2X6 frame (2x4 for maintenance free bench). Blocking between the front and back framing member should be installed every 16" the same as the decking. Bench support legs can be placed every four to six feet apart.

Trim on the bench is installed the same as the horizontal deck trim. Be sure to install the fasteners in the trim as often as the fasteners in the decking when installing maintenance free trim. Every 16" is most common.

If installing outdoor lighting under the bench, split and dado the bench leg support post to run the outdoor lighting wire through.

Below is the substructure used when framing a wrap around bench.

A wrap-around bench under construction.

The completed wrap-around bench.