What you’ll build
Each trestle is two 2x4 legs crossed in an X with 30° end cuts, capped by a 17″ 2x4 cleat. Two 27″ 2x4 stretchers link the three trestles, and three 84″ 1x6 planks make the seat.
Shopping list
Buy these boards. The list fits every cut onto standard lengths and leaves ⅛″ for each saw cut and ¼″ for trimming board ends.
| Lumber | Length | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 2x4 | 8 ft | 3 |
| 1x6 | 8 ft | 3 |
Cut list
All 14 parts, grouped so you can cut matching pieces together. Exact lengths and end-cut angles for every part are in the free plan in the TimberLab app.
| Part | Lumber | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Leg | 2x4 | 6 |
| Top Cleat | 2x4 | 3 |
| Seat Plank | 1x6 | 3 |
| Stretcher | 2x4 | 2 |
Tools
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Speed square
- Drill
- Eye & ear protection
- Miter saw
- Clamps
Step-by-step instructions
Assemble Left Trestle Leg
Cross the left front-leaning and rear-leaning 2x4 legs flat on your work surface so their faces lap together and the top cut ends align evenly. Position the 17-inch left top cleat across the top ends, flush with both outer edges, and clamp the assembly flat.
Assemble Center Trestle Leg
Lap the center front-leaning leg over the center rear-leaning leg on a flat work surface with the top cut ends aligned. Set the 17-inch center top cleat across the top of the crossed legs, keeping the outer edges flush, and clamp the pieces firmly.
Assemble Right Trestle Leg
Connect Trestles with Stretchers
Place Bench Seat Planks
Get the full plan: all 5 steps and every cut length.
Download TimberLab and open X-leg garden bench in the catalog to get every cut length and end-cut angle, all 5 assembly steps in 3D, and Timbo, the AI build helper. Catalog plans are free to open; some features, such as AI edits, require a subscription.
For outdoor use, choose a rot-resistant or pressure-treated lumber (rated for ground contact where wood touches soil) and exterior-rated screws. Seal the end grain, build on level ground, and check the joints each season.
Change the size or design
This plan is one of the projects in the TimberLab app’s catalog. In the app you can turn the model in 3D, follow the assembly steps one part at a time, and ask for changes in plain words, such as “make it 6 inches shorter” or “add a shelf”. The cut list and shopping list update to match the new design.
Questions about this plan
How much lumber do I need to build this x-leg garden bench?
The shopping list calls for 3 × 2x4 at 8 ft; 3 × 1x6 at 8 ft. It groups every cut onto standard board lengths and leaves room for saw cuts and trimming the board ends.
How big is the finished x-leg garden bench?
It is 84″ wide, 17 ¼″ tall, and 17″ deep.
What tools do I need?
You need a tape measure, pencil, speed square, drill, eye & ear protection, miter saw, clamps.
Can I change the size of this x-leg garden bench?
Yes. Open the x-leg garden bench in the TimberLab app and describe the change in plain words, such as “make it 6 inches shorter”. The 3D model, cut list, and shopping list update together.
Where can I get the full x-leg garden bench plan?
The full plan, with every cut length and all 5 assembly steps in 3D, is free in the TimberLab app. Download TimberLab on the App Store and open the x-leg garden bench in its catalog.
