Make your own shady arbor bench

Create the perfect garden retreat with our step-by-step instructions|Sunset Books

What you need

• Four 10' 4 x 4 posts
• Two 8' 2 x 6 beams
• One 12' 2 x 6 for three cross braces
• One 8' 2 x 6 for two seat supports and three back supports
• Two 8' 2 x 4s for four bench legs, back rail, and lattice support
• One 12' 2 x 8 for three seat planks
• One 8' 1 x 4 for two backrests
• One 4' 1 x 6 for two armrests
• Twelve 6' 2 x 2s for four verticals and eight slats
• One 4' x 4' lattice sheet, cut to 3' x 4'
• Four decorative corner braces
• 1⁄4" galvanized carriage bolts with nuts and washers: four at 31⁄2", eight at 5", four at 6"
• Twelve 1⁄4" x 4" galvanized lag screws with washers
• 11⁄4" and 3" decking or stainless-steel screws
• Exterior stain and sealer or primer and paint