Build a Bench with a Tile Seat

DIY Bench with a Chic Tile Finish

I recently found a black and white tile with an intriguing pattern and thought it would make the perfect seat for a bench. The tile is embedded into the seat frame, the frame is finished with a charred wood stain then I added black metal legs. I used treated lumber for the frame and it sits next to my front door on the deck. The plans to build a bench with a tile seat are super-easy and suitable for all skill levels. You can build one for yourself today!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
• 1″ exterior screws
• 1-1/4″ exterior screws
• 2″ brad nails and pneumatic nailer
• Wood glue
• Cement board cutter (<– affiliate link!)
• 4 pieces of 12″ x 12″ tile on a mesh backing
• Tile adhesive and grout
• Tile setting tool, grout float and grout sponge
• Stain
• Metal furniture legs (<– affiliate link!)

Lumber:

• 5 – 1x3x8 pressure treated lumber
• 3′ x 5′ sheet of 1/2″ backer board (cement board)

Cut List:

• 2 – 1×3 at 49-3/4″ – Seat Framing
• 7 – 1×3 at 12-5/8″ – Seat Framing
• 4 – 1×3 at 7-1/4″ – Backer Board Support
• 8 – 1×3 at 7-1/2″ – Backer Board Support
• 1/2″ thick backer board  at 48-1/4″ x 12-5/8″
• 2 – 1×3 at 51-1/4″ – Top Frame
• 2 – 1×3 at 15-5/8″ – Top Frame

 

Notes About the Project:

• Sand all pieces before assembly.
• The frame will be stained before the tile is installed.
• The 12″ x 12″ tile should measure 11-1/4″ square. Adjust the size of the frame if the tile is a different size.

Step One

Cut the pieces for the frame. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the side pieces and center supports. Assemble the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws, spacing the center supports as shown in the drawing.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the backer board supports and secure them to the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ exterior screws from the inside.

Step Three

Using the cement board cutter, cut the piece of backer board and secure to the frame using countersunk 1″ screws into the supports and framing. Note that the board will sit inside the longer sides and ends of the wood frame.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the outer frame with 45° miters at each end. Secure the outer frame to the seat framing using glue and 2″ brad nails.

Stain the frame as desired before installing the tile!

Step Five

Apply the tile adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then position the tile allowing space between each tile section and the frame for grout.

Step Six

Apply the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the grout dry then seal, if necessary

Install the legs on the bottom of the bench between the frame supports.

I love this bench!

I have one piece of tile left and plan making a plant stand to match the bench. Do you have questions about how to build a bench with a tile seat? Leave a comment below!