How to build a garden bench?

Hi there,

I want to build a garden bench like the one in the photo and I already have a sturdy top sleeper and wondering what wood would be recommended for the legs?

Any other advice would be great. At this stage I’m just planning to sand the current sleeper and then oil it and then attach the legs to it.
Thanks!

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @totocol,

It appears that the legs on the bench in the image were created with something similar to 90 x 35mm H3-treated Pine. The legs would be a very simple construction, screw four sections together and bolt the top on. I've created a rendering below for you to illustrate better.

Be advised that to use a sleeper for a bench, it should be treated in something other than an arsenic-based preservative. Also, remember your PPE when working with timber, including a dust mask, safety glasses and gloves.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

totocol

Thanks @MitchellMc

Can I confirm that the process would be to add a preservative, then an undercoat and then an outdoor paint?
what sort of preservative would you recommend?
im adding a photo of the current sleeper I was given that I’m planning to use.
thanks!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/26857#Comment_26857

That's a lovely piece of timber, @totocol. Are you sure you want to paint it? A little bit of a sand to create some highlights and a clear exterior varnish and it would look amazing. If you like the rustic styling and clear coat it, it will be a real feature. I fear that if you paint it, it could look like rotted timber that's been painted.

Either way, a clear coat or paint will seal and preserve the surface. If the timber is heavily decayed and falling apart, you might like to spray it with a wood hardener before painting.

Mitchell

totocol

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/76097#Comment_76097

Thanks @MitchellMc

Yes, I was thinking of going for a rustic look. I was however wondering how to achieve a similar look with the legs or some ideas of what approach for the legs will contrast well with the rustic top?

thanks again!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101911#Comment_101911

Oh, sorry! My mistake, @totocol. It would be hard to mimic the rustic look on the legs, and I quite like the plain black legs of your inspiration image. They don't detract from the beautiful top, which is the centrepiece.

Mitchell

totocol

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117936#Comment_117936

Thanks @MitchellMc

I do have some monument outdoor paint that I have leftover from another project so I might use that for the legs.

thanks again!

totocol

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117936#Comment_117936

Sorry. One last question @MitchellMc

I already have some good screws for the legs but I wonder what bolts would you recommend to attach the legs to the top?

thanks!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127292#Comment_127292

Cup head bolts would be the way to go, @totocol. Make sure to grab some long enough to pass through your seat and the leg frame.

Mitchell

totocol

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133455#Comment_133455

Thanks a lot! I’ll post some photos when finished

totocol

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137254#Comment_137254

A couple of photos of the final result. Thanks for the help!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139895#Comment_139895

That looks great, @totocol! Well done, and many thanks for sharing your results; I'm sure you're pleased with them.

The timber is beautifully weathered and has a lovely rustic charm. Could you let us know the steps you took to achieve this result? Did you end up using a wood hardener, or was a good sand enough?

I'll be looking forward to seeing what project you get up to next.

Mitchell

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139895#Comment_139895

Congratulations @totocol. It's always great when a community member comes back and shares the end result after getting assistance. Well done!

I'm sure your handiwork will inspire others. Thanks for sharing.

Jason

totocol

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141709#Comment_141709

Thanks @MitchellMc and @Jason

I ended up using the wood hardener you recommended as well as some leftover primer and a clear varnish and then some leftover outdoor monument paint for the legs.

thanks!

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