why cedar
Back
why use western red cedar?
characteristics & properties of western red cedar
benefits of real cedar
real cedar history
real cedar certification
sustainability & the environment
biophilia
forestry facts
why use yellow cedar?
products
Back
siding
Back
introduction
Back
siding home
siding gallery
virtual siding samples
siding installation videos
design & spec
Back
siding grades
engineered cedar
siding calculator
prep & install
Back
preparation
pre-building
tyvek drainwrap
general installation
finish & maintain
Back
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
siding profiles & trim
Back
bevel
trim boards
board & batten
shingle panels
tongue & groove
lap or channel
soffits and entryways
decking
Back
introduction
Back
decking home
decking gallery
virtual decking samples
design & spec
Back
decking grades
decking span charts
span tables
decking calculator
prep & install
Back
fasteners
stairs & railings
finish & maintain
Back
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
deck projects
Back
roof deck
ground level deck
raised deck
uphill sloping lot deck
outdoor
Back
introduction
Back
outdoor home
outdoor gallery
design & spec
Back
diy plans
pre-built kits
design tips
span tables
prep & install
Back
preparation
fasteners
finish & maintain
Back
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
fencing
Back
fencing home
fence construction
fence specifications
pre-built fence panels
indoor
Back
introduction
Back
indoor home
indoor gallery
design & spec
Back
design tips
prep & install
Back
preparation
finish & maintain
Back
how to finish
care & maintenance
indoor projects
Back
saunas
doors & windows
tongue & groove paneling
blinds & shutters
timbers
Back
introduction
Back
timbers home
timbers gallery
virtual timber samples
design & spec
Back
grades & specs
engineered cedar
span tables
prep & install
Back
preparation
installation
finish & maintain
Back
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
diy projects
membership
Back
our members
Back
executive members
retailers
partners
tertiary manufacturers
certified cedar distributors
certified cedar distributors – usa
certified cedar distributor – canada
architects
international associates
why become a member?
membership levels
membership benefits
membership faq
join the wrcla!
member support
resources
Back
real cedar resources
blog
gallery
videos
cedar books
Easy DIY: How to build a modern outdoor cedar bench

WRC perfect for outdoor projects

Western Red Cedar is always the best choice for any outdoor project, and this stunning modern outdoor storage bench is no exception.
“Stable, lightweight and easy on the tools” is how expert builder Jim West of Westworks Construction describes nature’s most versatile wood, which he used to create this modern outdoor storage bench.
West guides viewers through a simple three-step process to easily build a highly functional and beautiful bench with a two-fold purpose. It serves as both a relaxing spot to sit and a place to store outdoor goods, such as sports equipment or gardening gear. Along with watching the video, download the free plans to build this cedar storage bench.


 width=

Smart cedar design with beautiful lines

The simple design makes it a must-have for a small patio or spacious backyard. And, because it is made with Western Red Cedar, you can be sure the sturdy bench will hold up to the elements.
West walks you through a process that involves building the frame, cladding the exterior and crafting the bench for a brag-worthy DIY project.

 width=
For this build, West opts for a gorgeous Knotty grade of cedar. Fast becoming the rising star of Western Red Cedar, Knotty cedar can be stained or left alone to weather naturally to a beautiful silvery patina. Plus, Knotty cedar has the added benefit of being cost-effective.
But go ahead and stain this modern outdoor storage bench as Western Red Cedar is pitch and resin-free, meaning it holds a variety of finishes beautifully.

 width=
The many benefits of choosing real cedar

Not only is Western Red Cedar a favourite of contractors for its functionality, West says the crisp, earthy scent of cedar also makes it a dream to work with.
“We love it,” he says, adding, “there is nothing like the smell of freshly cut cedar.”
With his modern outdoor storage bench, West creates texture by using rough- and smooth-faced wood.
“That is what we like about cedar; it gives us many, many options,” notes West.

 width=
Not only does it deliver choice in terms of grades and staining, Western Red Cedar is also the best environmental option for building. Harvested from sustainably managed forests, Western Red Cedar is a material you can feel good about using to build your own functional and beautiful storage bench that will fit naturally into any environment for years to come.

© 2026 All rights reserved
Gatsby Website Development by Jambaree

Image Gallery