English Garden Bench - Complete Project Build

Build this classic English Garden Bench. Watch the complete build and purchase the Rockler set of full-size cardboard patterns to help you create rigid templates for the shaped parts of the bench without fussing with gridded drawings.

Get the plans:

Pre-cut full-size cardboard templates make building our English Garden Bench as easy as trace, cut and assemble. And after the build is done, you'll be rewarded with a comfortable, welcoming bench where you can relax and take in the views. With a contoured seat and catchy curves that hint at designs from the Far East, it's a project that's sure to be rewarding both during the build and long afterwards. The plan includes drawings, a cutting list, and step-by-step instructions with photos to walk you through the entire construction process.

Features:
- Full-sized cardboard templates let you trace the more complicated parts
- Templates can be used again and again for multiple benches
- Templates also include markings for tenons and mortises
- Includes plan/drawings, cut list and step-by-step photos and instructions

[HomesteadingGeek]

I just showed this video to my wife, she loved the look of it and wants me to build her two for our property. I'll admit I used this video so I could have an excuse to get mor toy, I mean more tools for my workshop.

[samuelconceicao]

This is state of the art woodworking, far beyond my skills and resources. And yet, a highly informative and enjoyable video. Thank you for this.

[delejteneco]

Chris Marschall makes the best tutorials on YouTube. Thanks!

[garyknable]

That's a sweet bench and love how they sell the templates

[eddiestipe]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. So many great tips. Thank you for sharing. Take care and be safe.

[norbhansen]

This tutorial was fantastic! Thank you so much for providing it.

[bigjoe]

I just finished my bench. Mine has some mistakes because he did not explain the back slat and space are NOT equal. (15:48) I added an extra seat support because I did not trust only 1 support. When using the 2" router bit to clean up the arms etc. do not use a 1/4" shaft. you will bend the shaft. Use 1/2" shaft. I put 3 coats of teak oil on solid mahogany and a coat of Howard's orange wax. It is beautiful.

[keith]

Looks like a great application for the DF700 domino.

[jefemuga]

hi from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The bench looks so nice and sturdy. Good work.

[TheNewsBiz]

Wow, this bench tutorial is impressive, but let's be real – not everyone has a full workshop of professional tools at home. 🛠💼 I appreciate the craftsmanship, but what about us regular folks who just want to try our hand at DIY without breaking the bank on tools? 🤔 How about a follow-up video with a bench project using everyday tools found in most households? Let's make woodworking accessible to everyone! 👍 #DIYwithCommonTools #WoodworkingForAll

[darrylbhopkins]

At around 14:20 the video shows a "short piloted mortising bit" in his plunge router to rout tenons on one of the long boards, where it's not practical to use the table saw. What are the specs on that router bit? I'm looking to buy one to make this bench but there are many dimensions for this type of bit, in both 1/4" and 1/2" shank diameters, plus different heights and cutting diameters. Which one would you recommend for this task? Thanks

[namulit]

How is this bench to sit on? The seating I've seen so far for benches is usually curved in the other direction, like a shallow S somewhat.
Oh, and your videos are always top notch, btw. I enjoy them a lot.

[pparvez]

Job s. I have been thinking about the good news that you have been working ⚒ on the top of your work things 🤔 thanks 🤔 thanks 🤔 thanks 🤔 thanks

[garybell]

Is this a copy of norm abrams bench off new Yankee workshop with a few tweaks!!

[RyDeezy]

Hey Rockler, I'm new to this. Can you tell me if the brad nails and other screw hardware used to support the tenon joints are overkill? Based on the design and the large number of mortise and tenon joins, it seems like this could be hardware free? Especially when it's all together, it doesn't seem like anything could come apart.

[marsta]

It's possible to buy electronic plans (.pdf, .eps) for that English Garden Bench? I live outside US :-((

[vashon]

Any rough guesses how much something like this would sell for? Seems like a lot of labor hours, just curious.

[npankhania]

Hello quick question is the back leg bill of materials correct at 2.75 x 7 x 39 inch correct? Is the 7 inch width correct in build instructions correct? Seems high? Th

[b.douglasjensen]

So the tenon on the arm going into the back leg - since the mortice is not cut at a 16 degree angle, the tenon has to be shaped to fit it at a 90 yet it's coming off of a 16 degree cut? Your instructions don't make that clear on how to shape the tenon.

[npankhania]

Hello quick question is the 7 inch width correct for back leg? As per build instructions? Seems high thank u