How to make a bench?

Everybody loves to have a bench in their garden or even their home, as not only do they look great and enhance their surrounding environment, they are also a wonderful place to relax, read a book or take in the scenery. In this article, you can discover how to build a bench and different ideas for bench designs.

Wooden benches

Wooden benches are the most conventional of all bench types but with that said, if you are building a wooden bench yourself, it will always be unique and individual. Why not use a split log for the main seat of your bench with two trunks for legs either end. Just notch out the two tree trunk supports so the main seat sites nicely and evenly onto them attach the main split log with some large bolts or screws. This style of bench is very rustic and natural looking and wood look great in a rugged and unpoilt garden environment. You can make a much more complex wooden bench, wooden arbour or even a bench swing by searching for some do it yourself videos online on how to make a garden bench, or looking in woodworking how to books from your local library or bookstore.

Natural stone benches

Natural stone benches can be a great addition to any outside environment, they have a very romantic and old wordly feeling about them and once they have had time to settle into their spot in the garden, they will start getting mossy and becoming part of their environment. Build your own natural stone bench by following the practices of dry stone walling. If you are familiar with this, then you are one step ahead. If not, then do a little research online or at the library. You will need to use big sturdy stones for the base arms and back of the bench and smaller ones to fit into the gaps and strengthen the structure. This method is all about selecting the right stones, so experiment and you will succeed.

Concrete benches

If you fancy a concrete bench, then you will need to make the basic shape of the bench out of breeze blocks or stone and then make up a batch of cement. When the cement is going off, you will need to use it to cover your basic shape. Use the cement to create the shape of the bench you want with a trowel and do it in small stages a little at a time. The great thing about these type of benches is that you can shape them into any style you want with a bit of patience and hard work.