One of my favorite products I stumbled upon comes from a company called 2x4 Basics. If you're sick of replacing cheap outdoor furniture and would like something heavy-duty and custom, 2x4 Basics sells resin brackets and wood screws. You go to your lumber store, buy the 2x4's required, then cut them to size.

So far, I've built benches and chairs, and they are easy to make. Figure out the length you need, cut the boards, and screw the 2x4's down with the provided screws and pre-notched holes. It's almost impossible to screw up, but let's discuss some ways we discovered to improve the final product.



The first tip would be to make sure you know how long you want a bench or chair. In the photo above, I call that my Big Boy Chair because I cut the boards 28" wide. Naturally, you can make your chair or bench as long as you like, up to 6 feet long. If you purchase extra resin kits, you could go over 6 feet by placing a resin bracket midway.

My second tip would be to make the boards a foot longer on each end, creating built-in end tables. I did that, and it's a fantastic touch.

My third tip would be to decide whether you want treated or untreated lumber and whether you want to paint or stain them. In the chair above, I used untreated lumber and no paint or stain so I can have a naturally weathered look. You might want to sand your 2x4's as well lightly.

My final tip would be to purchase wood screws and drill pilot holes. The included screws were too thick, cheaply made, and prone to rust. Some screws are close to the end of the 2x4, so a pilot hole will ensure you don't crack the wood.

The finals results are a sturdy chair or bench that has a park bench feel. You can even add cushions for comfort.

2x4 Basic products can be purchased through Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission if you purchase an item using our affiliate links.









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