Show Us Your Bonsai Benches

[Pitoon]

This is only partially true if you’re using pressure treated boards. Try to drill and countersink any up screw holes so the screws sit flush and always use epoxy coated screws so the chemicals in the wood don’t cause them to rust.

All wood eventually rots.....it just takes a matter of time. The chemicals in PT wood just delays the process. Our building methods can also help delay the process, but at the end what comes from the earth returns to the earth.

 

[PeaceLoveBonsai]

With Labor Day coming up, some of you might be interested in building a bonsai bench. Here’s a recent one I built, including step by step instructions. Good luck!

How to Build a Bonsai Bench - Step by Step Instructions

Displaying your trees is an important aspect of bonsai. Beyond giving them the showcase they deserve, you'd be surprised how your bonsai skills will develop as you move trees from the patio floor (and nursery containers) to a proper bench. You'll begin to view your trees from the appropriate...

www.peacelovebonsai.com

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My most popular post by a looooong mile. Thanks for all the support!

Dude on Reddit said it could be done for $100. As my kids say, “I got the receipts!”

 

[Moridin]

Cheap, quick and easy plus I freed up space for a few more trees

 

[63pmp]

Just put up a new bench as others were too crowded, thinking I might need another as benches are still cluttered.

My benches are utilitarian, they are meant to last forever with zero care. The deck is a ten foot farm gate which comes with a welded steel mesh, heavily galvanized. There is 30 square feet of space on this bench.

 

[Forsoothe!]

Just put up a new bench as others were too crowded, thinking I might need another as benches are still cluttered.

My benches are utilitarian, they are meant to last forever with zero care. The deck is a ten foot farm gate which comes with a welded steel mesh, heavily galvanized. There is 30 square feet of space on this bench.

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Build it and they will come...

 

[Clicio]

Do you guys stain your benches before assembling them up, or after the bench is ready for use?

 

[leatherback]

Do you guys stain your benches before assembling them up, or after the bench is ready for use?

I stain all the parts before assembly

 

[Clicio]

I stain all the parts before assembly

So did I.
But I see many here staining them after, specially with PT lumber.
Got myself a new house and starting to design the bonsai garden. Lots of fun!

 

[penumbra]

I prefer my benches unstained. Its a personal thing, just like the way they age naturally.

 

[Japonicus]

But I see many here staining them after, specially with PT lumber.

PT may be key there Clicio. PT lumber should dry out prior to staining
rather than staining "green" uncured lumber.
Myself I used 3 4x4's bolted together with 2x4 spaces between each making it very heavy especially nut cured.
So staining had to follow as I wasn't going to the trouble of disassembly months afterward, stain it, then reassemble.
Obviously, staining all parts will add longevity, particularly with lumber that is not PT.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Stain, even on PT, can be used to add color highlights or a particular shade to give your benches a "look"

The benches in my yard are PT legs and cedar shelves. I stain each section and cuts, then allow these to dry prior to assembly.

Then its "Tinker Toy" assembly time in the back yard or garage, depending upon the weather.

"Low Boy" shelving unit.





Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Vinnie Charity]

Before is best, it’s easier and you can get more even coverage…

 

[Vinnie Charity]

I prefer my benches unstained. Its a personal thing, just like the way they age naturally.

Same here, I don’t want the benches to outshine the trees…

 

[PiñonJ]

Do you guys stain your benches before assembling them up, or after the bench is ready for use?

For my monkey poles, I use cedar and I sand the pieces and apply two coats of tung oil prior to assembly.

 

[Japonicus]

I brought several of my trees out of the cave for some good moisture, ahead of Winter storm Izzy.
4 of my procumbens I put on the bench just for pictures
also seen in the thread share your weather.

 

[Underdog]

We (they LOL) got 11 inches at home and still snowing. My bench in the sunshine state today.

 

[sdavis]

Built with pressure treated 2x4s, 2x6s, and 2x10s.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Nicely Done!
Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Fidur]

Today I have almost finished my new benches. Nothing too glamorous, but very efficient. They are around 32 cm (12,6") wide , so no more tightness. Some pics:

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

One has gotta like an El Toro bonsai!

Best
DSD sends