Building a Rustic Log Bench (No Power Tools Method)

Article 133: Building a Rustic Log Bench (No Power Tools Method)

By: A Woodworker Who Enjoys the Calluses

This rustic log bench is built using traditional joinery and hand tools. It's a fantastic addition to a cabin porch or a woodland fire pit setting.

Materials

• (1) hardwood log, 6–8" diameter × 4' long (seat)

• (2) logs, 3" diameter × 18" long (legs)

• (2) logs, 3" diameter × 12" long (stretchers)

• Wood pegs or dowels

• Linseed oil or outdoor varnish

Tools Needed

• Hand saw or bow saw

• Drawknife or spokeshave

• Auger bit and brace (1⅛")

• Mallet

• Hatchet

• Chisels

Steps

1. Flatten Seat

   • Use a drawknife to flatten one side of the large log. This becomes the top.

2. Drill Leg Mortises

   • Turn the log over and bore angled mortises (15° outward) about 2" deep for legs.

3. Taper Tenons

   • Use a hatchet and spokeshave to carve tapered tenons on leg tops to fit mortises.

4. Add Stretchers

   • Bore holes through legs and fit stretchers with matching tenons.

5. Assemble

   • Dry fit all components. Glue with waterproof wood glue or use pegged joints.

6. Finish

   • Sand lightly and apply linseed oil for weather protection.

Diagram – Side View

     ________
    /        \
   /          \
  |            | ← seat
  |\__/\  /\__/|
     ||    ||
   (leg)(leg)
     ||    ||
   (stretchers)