This project was built and designed by Clinton from Specific Love Creations. It’s a sturdy, weather-resistant bench designed to wrap around a fire pit and provide long-lasting outdoor seating.
Using pressure-treated wood and straightforward framing techniques, Clinton shows how to build a bench that can be completed in a day yet hold up for years to come. The design is approachable for woodworkers of all skill levels and adaptable to various outdoor spaces.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Clinton’s channel:
Built to Handle the Outdoors
The goal of this project is to create a bench that stays outdoors permanently and resists damage from moisture, insects, and weather. Pressure-treated lumber is used throughout the build for its durability and resistance to decay.
This bench isn’t just functional—it’s designed with strength in mind. Clinton’s framing method avoids weak joints by anchoring screws into the flat faces of lumber instead of into end grain. This results in tighter joints and a stronger overall structure.
Framing the Main Sections
The bench begins with a solid rectangular frame made from standard lumber. Two long boards form the front and back rails, while four heavy-duty legs are cut and attached to support the frame.
Each leg is placed between the front and back rails, allowing screws to go into the face grain for better holding power. Working on a flat surface and assembling the frame upside down ensures the top will be level and stable once flipped over.
Clamps help hold the structure in place during assembly, while long screws driven into the legs give the bench its core strength.
Connecting the Corner
With the end frames completed, Clinton builds a center section that joins the two sides. This creates the angled corner that wraps around the fire pit, forming a natural U-shape.
The back rail of this middle section is cut at a 45-degree angle to fit snugly between the two sides. The front board is trimmed slightly shorter to match the design. A central support piece is added between the angled boards to keep everything rigid and prevent sagging.
During this stage, Clinton avoids screwing into large knots in the wood. Instead, he shifts screw locations or adjusts the number of fasteners to maintain the bench’s integrity.
Positioning and Final Assembly
The sections are moved outdoors to a covered workspace for final fitting and assembly. Getting the angles right—typically 90 degrees between each section—is critical for both comfort and appearance.
To help with alignment, Clinton uses a car jack and scrap blocks to raise and level the sections before connecting them. Clamps hold everything steady while pre-drilled holes are made to avoid splitting the wood at steep angles.
Installing the Seat Boards
The top of the bench is made from pressure-treated decking boards, cut to size and attached across the frame. Clinton starts from the back and works forward, aligning the boards carefully to follow the bench’s curve.
Each board is pre-drilled and attached with screws to reduce splitting. Boards with angled ends are cut precisely to fit snugly, and any small gaps are filled with custom-cut filler pieces glued in place.
Clinton pays attention to the grain direction, setting the boards in a subtle U-shape to help shed water. This detail helps extend the life of the wood by preventing pooling and promoting runoff.
Built to Stay Put
Due to the weight of the pressure-treated lumber, this bench is heavy and doesn’t shift once placed. Moving it into final position around the fire pit requires a second person or some creative lifting techniques.
Once in place, it creates an inviting space for conversation and relaxation. The construction is strong enough to handle years of use without wobbling or loosening.
Smart Building Techniques
Throughout the project, Clinton demonstrates small techniques that make a big difference in quality. Assembling the bench upside down on a flat surface helps with alignment. Avoiding screws into end grain ensures stronger joints.
The notched legs add structural integrity and help lock the frame in place. Pressure-treated wood ensures the bench will stand up to the elements, and sealing the bottom of the legs adds even more moisture protection.
Flexible Design for Any Layout
This bench design is adaptable. With some angle and length adjustments, it can be built to surround circular, square, or rectangular fire pits.
It’s also easy to modify the height, width, or length to suit your backyard setup. The simple frame structure and minimal tools required make it an approachable project for beginners, yet satisfying for experienced woodworkers.
A Great One-Day Backyard Project
Clinton’s fire pit bench is proof that durable outdoor furniture doesn’t require complex joinery or expensive materials. With smart planning, good material choices, and a few key techniques, anyone can build a bench like this for their yard.
The project adds useful seating, brings people together, and stands up to the outdoors—all with a clean, no-fuss design that fits just about anywhere.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Clinton’s channel: