A few years back, we built a simple fence bench that quickly became one of our favorite DIY projects—not just for its function, but for how it framed our outdoor space. Well, this summer, it was time for a glow-up… and we’re loving how fresh and finished it feels now!
Why the Update?
As much as we loved the original, the height of the back section had one little flaw: our string lights ran right across neck level when taller people were walking through the patio area. Not exactly ideal—or safe. We decided to extend the bench upward by about two feet to help lift the lights up and out of the way.
Giving It That "Pergola" Feel
While we were at it, we added a few cross pieces to the top, giving it more of a pergola-inspired look. It added visual interest and a more intentional, custom feel that we didn’t even know we were missing until we saw it done! I used the scraps from the spindles we added at our camp when building our deck railing a couple of years ago. I knew these would come in handy for something one day! I measured out how long we wanted and then cut 45 degree angles on each end. I did the math to figure out how many and how far apart they should be then cut a spacer piece. My husband did the dirty work of getting up on the ladder.
It Needed Something Else...
I scoured Pinterest for ideas of what it was missing and decided it needed some corbels or something. But we had already used only wood that we ALREADY had on hand in my workshop so I wanted to continue with the idea of not having to buy anything so I cut a couple of pieces and cut 45 degree angles on each end and tucked them in for diagonal touches. It wasn't easy - I did this part myself. I had to wedge those things in between the wood that was already there AND get them to line up right but I finally did it.
The Finishing Touch: Stain!
To blend the old and the new wood seamlessly, we applied a fresh coat of stain across the entire structure. This not only unified the look but also breathed new life into the bench. There’s just something about a rich, warm stain that makes everything feel crisp and cohesive, don’t you think?
Small Upgrades That Make a Big Difference
In true “home & health” style, we added a few thoughtful touches to make it even more functional:
- Suspension hinges under the bench lid—no more worrying about smashed fingers!
- Plastic storage bins inside for stashing throw pillows and cushions when the weather takes a turn. The only way to get these in was to lean the whole thing back and stick them in from underneath!
- A new bench cushion for added comfort and coziness—especially when paired with our favorite throw pillows. Maybe one day I'll actually make a custom bench cushion that extends the entire length of the bench.
- And finally, we have just one thing left on the to-do list: adding a piece of mesh across the top of the fence portion to keep leaves from falling down into the bench. Once that’s done, we’ll call it complete!
Ready to Revisit the Journey?
If you're curious where this all started, check out our original fence bench blog posts here and here. It’s so fun to look back and see how much a space can evolve over time.
Let us know what you think of the new look—and if you’re inspired to give one of your own projects a little refresh, tag us! I’d love to cheer you on.
