Build a ChoiceDek® Deck Bench

• Posts should be cut so their tops will reach a height 15 1/4" above the deck surface.
• For a bench that runs perpendicular to the deck joists:
  • If your deck joists are 12" on center (OC), secure a post every 24".
  • If your deck joists are 16" OC, secure a post every 32".
  • If your deck joists are 24" OC, secure a post every 24".
• If your bench runs in the same direction as the deck joists locate posts 32" OC along a single joist.
• After you finish building the bench, clean it with any deck cleaner containing oxalic acid to remove construction debris, metal shavings and dirt. Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using cleaning products.

The deck has 2x6 joists 16" OC. The bench has ChoiceDek® Premium Posts spaced 32" OC. These instructions are for a bench with a seat height 16 1/2" above the deck surface and a length of 44". Use the instructions below as a guideline for your bench, scaling up or down as needed.

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See an exploded view of the bench parts.

1. Determine where you want the bench to go. Locate a joist at one end of the bench and measure over 32" to the next joist you need. For a deck with joists 12" or 24" OC measure over 24". If your bench runs in the same direction as the deck joists locate posts 32" OC along a single joist.
   
   
2. Stand a post on top the decking at each post location. Trace the sides of the post onto the decking. Use a jig saw or a reciprocating saw to cut out the hole for the post. Perform the same steps at each post location. For our bench we only needed two posts.

1. Securing posts to joists with offset carriage bolts will make for a very stable structure.

   Have a helper slide a post into the first hole. While the helper holds the post plumb, adjust the post so its top is 15 1/4" above the deck surface. Drill two offset 5/16" holes through the joist and the post. Secure the post to the joist with 5/16"x6" carriage bolts for wooden posts or 5/16"x8" carriage bolts for ChoiceDek® Premium Posts. If you are using a ChoiceDek® Premium Post and your joists are 2x8 or larger you can use a post bracket to secure the post to the joist (the bracket comes with installation instructions and hardware). Set the rest of your bench posts the same way.
   
   
2. Cut two 8 1/8" long cross members for each post. Hold the cross members centered on the post. The cross members' top edges should be flush with the post top. Drill two offset 5/16" holes through the cross members and the post. Secure the crossmembers to the post with 5/16"x8" carriage bolts.

1. Cut two pieces of 2x4 2 1/2" less than the desired bench length. These two pieces are the long perimeter frame pieces.
   
   
2. Position the long perimeter frame pieces so they overhang the outside post cross members equally on each side. Use 3" deck screws to secure the long perimeter frame pieces to the post crossmembers.
   
   
3. Cut a piece of 2x4 8 1/8" long and position it between the long frame pieces so its outside face is flush with the ends of the long frame pieces. Cut another 8 1/8" 2x4 and repeat on the other end of the bench. These two pieces are the short frame pieces.
   
   
4. Cut an 8 1/8" long 2x4 intermediate cross member to go between the long frame pieces. Center the intermediate cross members between the posts and drive 3" deck screws through the long outside frame pieces into the ends of the intermediate cross members.

1. Cut two pieces of ChoiceDek® deck boards to the same length as the long frame pieces. Position the deck pieces so their ends are flush with the long frame piece ends, and their outside edges are flush with the the long frame piece outside faces. You should have approximately a 1/8" gap between the deck pieces. Secure the deck pieces to the frame with #7 stainless steel screws.
   
   
2. Soften the edges of the deck boards with sandpaper.
   
   
3. Miter cut four pieces of ChoiceDek® decking or fascia board to fit around the outside perimeter of the bench. These pieces are simply cut to fit. Position the boards so their top edges are flush with the top faces of the deck boards on the seat. Secure the fascia with #7 stainless steel screws.