Bench building advice

[jeanluc83]

I built a bare-bones bench last year. I need another but have yet to get around to it. I used threated landscape timbers (cheaper than 4x4s) and untreated 2x4s. Total cost was about $35 or so. There are a couple of changes I would make. When I build another I’ll probably rebuild the one I have so they match.

 

[DougB]

OK in my younger days I would take my time and build what I thought were beautiful benches, etc. However, now with the years and disabilities I still have great benches. Only they are plastic. The folks at Structural Plastic (http://structural-plastics-corp.myshopify.com/) manufacture the display tables used by the big box stores and growers. They are great. Just another option.

 

[Poink88]

OK in my younger days I would take my time and build what I thought were beautiful benches, etc. However, now with the years and disabilities I still have great benches. Only they are plastic. The folks at Structural Plastic (http://structural-plastics-corp.myshopify.com/) manufacture the display tables used by the big box stores and growers. They are great. Just another option.

Thanks!. This is probably what I would have done/used if I knew where to get these before I bought all my wire shelves.

Next time, I know.

 

[jkd2572]

I have built several of theses. The legs are wood covered cider blocks. The wrap wood is cedar fence planks. The tops are not attached so you can lift off and then dolly the legs where ever you want. Cedar wood then stained with fence stain. Very sharp looking and strong.

 

[nip]

I have built several of theses. The legs are wood covered cider blocks. The wrap wood is cedar fence planks. The tops are not attached so you can lift off and then dolly the legs where ever you want. Cedar wood then stained with fence stain. Very sharp looking and strong.

Very nice! That is similar to what I envisioned. These will be in a small active yard, so a solid yet portable design with architectural elements is spot on. Are those 2x2s on top?

 

[fraser67]

I have built several of theses. The legs are wood covered cider blocks. The wrap wood is cedar fence planks. The tops are not attached so you can lift off and then dolly the legs where ever you want. Cedar wood then stained with fence stain. Very sharp looking and strong.

I've seen these posted before Jeremy...nice design, clean. Where do you find cider blocks though...lol
Best,
Jonathan

 

[fraser67]

Jonathan- A little more info about the situation... I have some minor woodworking and construction experience, so I think I can handle most bench structures given the proper planning. Budget is not a big concern, only because I just need one or two benches. I would really like to use some reclaimed wood, but that can be tough to find. Cypress is common around here, as well as cedar and of course pine. Teak and mahogany are too nice to use for entire structure. I could maybe use a more expensive/exotic wood for the facade? I have about two dozen small trees. I do grow mostly from seed so I will probably have a different area for propagation, separate from this project.
Definitely no concrete cinder blocks or super modern looking designs. I have some old bricks I may try to incorporate.
I would definitely like to integrate an irrigation system. There is one obstacle, I would like the benches to be portable so I can bring them with me when I move.

3 things will kill your benches...sun, water then termites.
Ed's right: Engineered products are the longest lasting, not necessarily the prettiest. I've used it on decks (including my own) for over 15 years.
I'd use pressure treated for the structure.
Anything in the Mahogany family: Ipe, Mangaris etc. for the finish.
Use stainless steel deck screws. For the big stuff try "timberlock" lags. Long and strong.
Jeremy has some nice looking benches (moveable) and Brian (Van Fleet) also has some good points on design.
Railroad ties are long lasting but too big, heavy and difficult to cut in this type of application.
If you"re worried about termites, spray with orange oil once a year.
If you use cedar or cypress (local stuff)...make sure it's over 1" thick...longer lasting.
Here are some pics of a couple of my designs.
Note the base on the dining table as an idea for a base on portable benches. Easy to do with 4x6 material...sturdy.
The bench on the deck is moveable.
I came up with an idea to attach a "shelves" to an existing fence...
Monkey posts are great...I made one I can move around.
I'm showing you these, as many have, merely for ideas...the more pictures you see the better!
Again,
Good luck

 

[edprocoat]

I like a combination of individual stands and benches. Benches are more versatile, stands highlight individual trees.

My benches are high enough that I can store my trees under them to mulch in for the winter.

I am fortunate to have space enough that benches face basically 4 directions, so I can rotate the trees, while still seeing the front.

A good mix of sun and shade is ideal, so you can move them around based on needs.

Build them taller for viewing. Mine are between 3'-4.5' high.

Make the design simple and repeatable.

Be sure your water source is close by.

Cement them in, be sure they're level! You don't water pooling on one side of the pot year after year.

If you're like me, you'll wear out any grass in front of them over time, so I removed the grass, installed a stone curb, and used DG/1089 as the surface. It's easy to weed and leaf-blow.

If/when I redo anything, I would have weather-sealed the wood, or used a synthetic. The spacing on some of my stands is a little off, so I'll probably change that over time, and I like the look of 6x6 posts in the berm better than 4x4 posts everywhere else, so I'll probably move to 6x6.

Brian I may be more envious of your work area than I am of your Bonsai ! Nice setting, like a piece of Bonsai heaven.

ed