Outdoor Bench – Lowboy

Description

Lowboy outdoor bench plans: a cantilevered 2×12 leg bench with just two tools

The Lowboy is the 2-tool bench from my outdoor bench page, and it’s my pick for the best-looking 30-minute bench I’ve designed. Each leg is two triangles cut diagonally from a single 2×12, overlapped so the seat and back look like they float. That overlap gives it the cantilevered look and all of its strength. Chunky 4×4 feet keep the end grain off the ground. No pocket holes, no fancy joinery: a drill and a circular saw get it done in about 30 minutes, for about $65 in pressure-treated lumber.

Watch the build

What you get

• Printable 4-page PDF plan, instant download
• Full dimensions
• Cut list, including the diagonal 2×12 leg layout
• Step-by-step diagrams and instructions
• Shopping list

Specs

• Overall size: 32″ tall x 48″ wide x 26″ deep
• Seat and back: four 48″ 2x8s, two for the seat and two for the back
• Build time: about 30 minutes
• Skill level: Beginner
• Estimated lumber cost: about $65

Lumber you’ll need

• 2 boards, 2x8x8′ pressure treated (seat and back, four 48″ pieces)
• 1 board, 2x12x8′ pressure treated (legs, cut diagonally)
• 1 board, 4x4x6′ pressure treated (feet, two 24″ pieces)

Hardware

• 3″ exterior wood screws

Tools you’ll need

• Drill/driver with a 1″ drill bit for counterboring the feet
• Circular saw
• Speed square, tape measure and pencil
• Safety glasses and hearing protection

Common questions

Do I need a pocket hole jig? No. Every joint is a 3″ exterior screw. The only extra is a 1″ spade bit to counterbore the 4×4 feet so the screws reach deep into the legs.

How do the seat and back go on? Both are pairs of 48″ 2x8s spaced 1/2″ apart for drainage. The seat overhangs the legs 3″ on each end, and the back overhangs 1-1/2″ and screws to the flat tops you cut on the legs.

Should I stain it? Yes, eventually. Let the pressure-treated lumber dry a few weeks, then stain or seal it.

Want to see it first? The full build, with every step, is on the blog: DIY outdoor bench plans, where you can also compare all our outdoor bench plans side by side. Furnishing the whole patio? See the outdoor furniture plans index.