Build Your Own Deck Bench

Building a bench gives you the ability to match it precisely with the rest of the deck furniture.

A bench is convenient for seating more people. Allison H. Smith/Shutterstock

Dear James: I need to add some additional seating on my deck for entertaining. I want something more unique than just buying more chairs. What do you suggest?—Vicki N.

Dear Vicki: Your best option for additional seating at a reasonable cost is to build an attractive movable bench. This way, if your family needs more open deck space at times, the bench can be moved. If you design and build it yourself, it will be unique to your deck and home.