What do you think of this bench design?
 

This was on social media - a group of scouts made these benches for a local school.

Thought it was a good basic design and might try my hand at making one or two.

I have some 5/4" deck boarding that I think would be good for the seat and back boards. Or maybe just the back.

The rest are just 2x4's.

These would be benches for outside use here.

Oops....forgot the pic......

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653165927.jpg

Looks too basic and uncomfortable to me.

pretty boring.

A Cardboard box has more character.

Here's Steve's dreambench: :D:D:D:D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653169698.jpg

Kidding-
There are a lot of good bench designs on the internet though. Probably would be worth researching at least a bit before committing the time/energy into the project. Also- is if going to be something youd really want to sit on.

At very least put the lumber stamps facing down! ;)

The two things about a park bench that makes it comfortable. slightly curved seat and back. The rest of just fluff.

A little perspective.....

Right now I have 3 benches similar to this one.....all freebies:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653174618.JPG

I rebuilt the wood part on the one above, but recently had the two back plates fall off and the other two are also in dilapidated condition. Although all 3 are still usable and rebuildable, I'm wondering if replacing them with the style I posted would suit my purposes better.

Also, at one time I had made a few of these like this one and have them located in a few spots.....
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653174754.JPG

My benches aren't meant to be the most comfortable bench in the world. Just something to sit down on when the mood strikes - and also they do add a bit of accent to the garden.

When I still had my cats - of course they loved them!

All 3 benches will be out where the irrigation hits them so something out of wood that I can coat with a weatherproof coating is why I'm considering this design - as well as something easy to throw together.

Bottom line is, like many other things, it probably just boils down to personal preference and practicality for one's circumstance.

Thanks for the input so far!

Its not too much more work to cut a curved on the 2x. You ass and back will thank me for it. I know, you cats doesn't care:)

Oh drawing is worth a thousand typed wordshttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653175709.JPG

Thanks Jeff - certainly something to consider.

I'm a lousy carpenter. Even worse I'm a lazy carpenter - so would have to figure a way to do this the easy way - which may not be possible.

That said - I have plenty of friends in the trades including one who does wonders with wood who has a shop who no doubt would be able to help, so we'll see.

Thank you again! SmileWavy

Add two beer holders and it's a solid design!

Or just one...even better! ;)

Always better to have a spare and not need it than to need a spare and not have it. :D

BTW, I like the simplicity of that bench.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653183184.jpg

It’s all about seating position. When you get it right, you know it.

There's nothing wrong with the bench in the OP, but, without much extra effort, more satisfying results can be achieved.

Proportions matter. Here's a similar bench to the one Baz posted. Just a couple of tweaks changes everything.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653188193.jpg

Or, here's another take on what can be done with a few 2x4's, but adding a few jaunty angles to the basic build:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653188395.png

Thanks, Herr Oberst! I'm not good with angles so the first one in your post looks like the best bet for me. Looks easier to build too --- plus I like the 4x4's for better stability too.

Man - I'm getting excited now at the prospect of this upgrade.

The dilapidated ones I have now definitely have some character, but it's time to move on.....

Baz - why not just replace the back plates with 2X4's? Seems to me that'd be easy to do and would accomplish what you want at the same time.

I wouldn't use wood in a 'wet' location.

We have a few masonry benches, that have been sealed, like these:

https://mobileimages.lowes.com/produ...pg?size=pdhism

Or do something with landscape blocks:

https://generalshale.com/wp-content/...oor-Living.jpg

Considering the price of wood these days, masonry may be actually cheaper.

I like it. Simplicity, it has a sort of Japanese feel to me. If I had to criticize something about it, it would have been the instructors, someone should have told the kids to turn the stamps inward.

Or sand them off which is what my shop teacher would require.

Thanks - me too - simplicity is what I'm shooting for.


Very true!



Good points but I prefer the look of the wood over masonry/stone. Plus I want these light enough to be able to pick up! ;)



For me it adds more character - but of course you are right.

I had a girlfriend once who loved rusty items.

My 356 has a long scratch along the passenger side like it was keyed. Not noticeable until you get close. I like it. Adds personality. Also allows jealous lover stories. ;)

I might do that down the road but wanted something new and different. I plan to build 3 new ones all the same design - and maybe 3 different colours - haven't decided that yet. Lot of potential for creativity....

back rest needs to be angled
no cupholder on either side
to short for a lie down
probably splinter prone wood
front edge probably hurts inside of the knee
don't like the color of the wood stain
scuffs my holstered 1911 butt end when i sit down
backrest edge has ridge on it that probably will hurt my shoulder blade
if you use cushions probably slide off when you sit on em
1/10 would not buy

I like that, a lot. I built the one below out of some scrap I found in a slash pile (I asked the builders if it was slash, they said yes) but after seeing this one, I wish I would have done things differently.

(I really need to refresh the finish on mine. I hadn't noticed how scruffy it's looking until now!)


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653338113.jpg

Picked up my lumber tonight. We'll see if I did the right calculations to churn 3 of these puppies out - or not. Probably not but should be close. Love the 8' bed in my Silverado. Eight foot lengths should provide all that's needed.

I got 4x4's, 2x4's, 5/4x6 deck boards for the seat, and 1x6's for the back.

As a bonus, I ran into the special forces Brit vet, who served two tours - one in Iraq the other in the Faulklands. He's third generation special forces. Knows a lot about carpentry and works in the lumber dept. there.

I got loading my truck down to a science.....:)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653356831.JPG

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653356831.JPG

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653356831.JPG

EDIT: For those interested....the lumber cost was around $300 - so $100 per chair not including fasteners....

Started cutting lumber last night and am ready to start assembly.

Am going to pick up one of these later today to help with this:

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Medium and Large Trigger Clamp (4-Pack)

Don't laugh - I told you I'm not a carpenter, but I guess sooner or later when doing work with wood like this you have to have the tools that help get the job done.

Can't have enough clamps! And the KREG is a good quality tool. Make sure you get the correct screws, the big head is the secret to the whole joint.


I wonder how much the lumber would've cost a year ago? Double?

OK thanks, Herr Oberst.

I was just going to use the Deckmate screws I already have been using - so I need special screws for these pocket joints you say?

And yes on the lumber cost - double I would say. :(

Guess I will pick up a box or two of these.....

#8 x 2-1/2 in. Square Blue Ceramic Plated Steel Washer Head Pocket Hole Screws (50-Pack)

Yep. Pocket hole screws. Can't wait to see the final product!

Thanks - me too! ;)

Hopefully this weekend I will get at least one of them done.....

Goodness! This pocket hole jig is the cat's pajamas!

I already have 4 joints assembled and pre-drilled for the next 4 in the morning. That should complete the bottom "frame" for the bench. After that the rest should be gravy.

I did make one mistake on the second joint by running the fasteners in too far. The joint was very weak so after pulling it off I saw the mistake I made.

I guess there must be some way to know when the fastener is in all the way. And to stop screwing.

Maybe just having the right touch/feel and knowing when it's in.

No photos because my SD card somehow got locked.

Will post some tomorrow. For now - I'm bubbling with excitement having added to me weak knowledge base of carpentry skills.

There's nothing like a cold stone bench
to get the 'roids going

Since you're using softer wood, maybe just use the screw gun to get the pocket screws most of the way in then use a hand tool to get a feel for how much and where the wood will crush. If you come across any joints that won't take and you really need the strength, consider lag bolts or carriage bolts and nuts. Galvanized for Florida, and don't forget the washers.

Can't wait to see how the benches turn out, but don't turn your back on all the racing this weekend, either. Indy, Monaco, the Coca Cola 600 and Moto GP all happening!

Which style bench are you making Baz?

Thanks, Herr Oberst - good tips and info. This is the first time running in a fastener without being able to actually see it as it reaches it's full purchase. I'll figure it out. I may play around a bit with the drilling depth to help out. Thanks for the head's up on the racing events - sounds fun!


I'm making the one Herr Oberst posted in Post #16, Scott:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1653188193.jpg