This story looks at different options for building benches into your deck design.
Built-in benches bring more to a deck than a place to sit down. They can help define space at the edges of the deck or within its perimeter, accent the deck, or double as storage units.
You can incorporate a bench between permanent planters, you can build movable freestanding benches (although 2x furniture can get heavy), or you can take advantage of the strength of dimension lumber and your deck framing and build these permanent benches.
Whatever bench you design, build it from the same lumber as your decking and railings. Otherwise it will stick out as a displaced design element.
If your built-ins are perpendicular to the joists, the joist spacing will affect the length. Benches built parallel to the joists can be any length. You can build both types on the same deck. It's easiest to frame built-in benches before the decking goes on. Bench seats should be about 18 inches above the decking and 15-30 inches deep.
Built-in perimeter benches help define the edge of a deck in addition to increasing the seating. For continuous seating, cut enough supports to install one every 4-5 feet. Most building codes permit perimeter seating without a railing on ground-level decks; on an elevated deck leave enough space for a railing behind the seating.
Checklist
Time
About 6 hours to cut and assemble a 5-foot bench
Tools
Tape measure, speed square, clamps, circular saw, cordless drill
Skills
Measuring, cutting, fastening
Materials
2x lumber and fasteners
