Varieties and designs of garden benches, step-by-step instructions for making do-it-yourself benches
A common decorative element in suburban areas is a bench. By placing a do-it-yourself garden bench on the territory, it will be possible not only to decorate the area, but also to use the structure for relaxation and a comfortable pastime.
Varieties of stores
Benches are subdivided into several types, depending on the design features. Each variety has individual characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing the right option.
Stationary
Most often, benches with a back are installed in the country, which assume a fixed placement.Such products are made from concrete or bricks, and a permanent place of installation is selected in advance. Such structures are not destroyed by ultraviolet rays and precipitation.
Foldable
Folding benches are characterized by compact dimensions and mobile design. This option is relevant in cases where the suburban area is rarely visited. In case of absence, the folding structure can be stored inside to avoid any damage.
Design
Any type of garden bench consists of a set of basic components. Being engaged in the independent manufacture of a bench, it is important to know the nuances of design and the functional purpose of each element.
Support
The role of the structure support is to firmly hold the base and fix it evenly on the surface. As a rule, metal products or wooden beams are used as a support.
Session
The main part of the bench is the seat, which is most often made from a solid piece of wood or treated boards fastened together. For convenience, you can lay a fabric padded with foam rubber on a solid base.
Feedback
The backrest is optional, but provides additional comfort. Depending on the style of the product, you can build a metal or wood back.
To give the structure a decorative look, it is allowed to make the back of forged metal.
Armrests
The use of armrests creates additional comfort when using the bench. Most often, the armrests are made of wood or metal with padding.
Bindings
The stability of the structure on the ground depends on the quality of the fixings. Engaging fasteners are required for a stationary version of the bench.
Tools required
Before carrying out work on the construction of a store, you need to prepare a set of tools. Having prepared all the inventory in advance, it will be possible not to be distracted during installation.
Plane
The hand planer is used for planing wood. The tool consists of a body with a handle, and a blade is fixed on the base. By moving the planer over the workpiece, the top layer is removed resulting in chips.
By changing the position of the knife, you can adjust the depth and angle of planing, which allows you to give the bench material the desired shape.
Saw
A simple handsaw is enough to cut the parts, because the benches are made from not too dense parts. To make the base, prepare several boards of the same length.
Screwdriver and chisel
Most of the fasteners used to build the bench are screwed in with a screwdriver. It is best to prepare a set of flat and Phillips screwdrivers, as different types of holders can be used. The chisel is used to sample small indentations on a wooden surface, clean up grooves and create relief carvings.
Drill
You can drill holes for fasteners using a drill with a special wood bit. For the processing of various wooden materials, the corresponding types of accessories are used. Nozzles designed for working with plywood sheets are considered more wear-resistant and reliable. These types of accessories are not equipped with carbide cutting elements, which improves their effective life.
Jigsaw
When building a bench with a jigsaw, you can cut wood or plastic. It is convenient to handle small elements with a jigsaw, where the use of a saw is not suitable.
Screwdriver
If screws are used as fasteners, you will need to fasten them securely. The easiest way is to use an automated screwdriver.
Varnishes and brushes
To give an aesthetic appearance to the finished structure, it is possible to apply a layer of paint and varnish. It is recommended to first paint the surface and then cover it with clear varnish, or apply only one coat of varnish.
Recommendations and manufacturing instructions
To make a quality bench, you need to follow a few guidelines. Including:
- You should not skimp on the quality of the materials, as this will affect the life of the garden bench.
- When choosing a fixed bench model, it is important to build a solid support to ensure a secure fit in place.
- The material for the manufacture of the bench must be free from defects and be resistant to temperature extremes and the effects of precipitation.
- In the process of making a structure, it is important to follow the instructions contained in the instructions in order to avoid common mistakes.
Recommended materials
Depending on the type of bench chosen, the necessary materials are selected. Each material has distinctive characteristics and nuances.
A rock
In cool weather, it is uncomfortable to sit on a stone bench, so the material is used only to create a base. A sturdy frame is constructed of stones and concrete, and a wooden seat is placed on top. The stone base is of increased strength and is built for fixed structures only.
TREE
Most often, different types of wood are used for the construction of garden furniture. When choosing a material, it is worth studying the characteristics of each breed.
Oak
Oak is considered one of the most durable types of wood. Additional benefits are rot resistance and moisture protection.
Hazelnut
Hazel is valued for its flexibility, strength and low weight. The color of treated hazel is white with a slight shade of pink, but if desired, the material can be painted.
cherry
Cherry is a practical material, similar in color to mahogany. This type of wood is easy to process and polish.
Needles
Pine needle garden furniture is subject to heavy loads due to the density of the material. The presence of resin in the structure of the material gives aesthetics even without varnishing.
Metal
Solid garden benches are made from metal due to the physical properties of the material. The forged metal decoration makes it possible to make the design original.
Plastic
Plastic garden benches are lightweight, which is relevant for a portable version.
If necessary, the furniture can be easily removed for storage in the house or garage.
Drawings and diagrams with dimensions
There are many varieties of garden benches. When choosing a suitable model, it is worth first preparing a schematic drawing indicating all the dimensions.
sofa bench
A distinctive feature of the sofa bench is the presence of a soft cover. As a rule, this type of furniture is made with a length of 1.5-2 m for comfortable accommodation of several people.
easy to give
The classic model has a maximum length of 1.5 m and can accommodate 1 to 2 people. This option can be fixed or folding.
terrace bench
One type of patio bench involves building a canopy over the main structure. The fabric canopy provides protection from the sun and light rain.
Backless
The absence of a backrest reduces the comfort of use of garden furniture, but simplifies installation. Most often, backless benches are made on a solid stone plinth.
For the dining table
These benches must be made in accordance with the dimensions of the table. The presence of armrests and backrests depends on individual wishes.
Soft, tender
Placing a soft covering on the base will increase the comfort of your garden furniture. For a bench with a soft seat, it is recommended to additionally build a canopy to protect it from precipitation.
Original
You can add originality to the store with the help of forged elements and non-standard shapes. You can also get creative when painting the structure.
With storage box
The built-in storage box allows you to keep various items close at hand. The box is mounted under the seat and a handle is attached to it for easy use.
Double
A standard double bench has dimensions of 1.5-2 m in length. Height and width are determined individually.
3d model
When designing a bench, it is worth preparing a three-dimensional model of the product. It will help to think through all the nuances in advance and visually assess the type of structure.
Flower bed
By providing volumetric recesses on the bench, you can grow flowers there. As a rule, places for pots are arranged along the edges of the structure.
Sandbox shop
Adding a sandbox to the bench lets you sit comfortably next to the kids while they play. Any type of structure can be mounted on the sandbox.
swing bench
By hanging the bench on the frame, it is possible to transform it into a swing.For fastening use ropes or steel chains.
From a profile tube
The use of pipes from a metal profile allows you to create a strong frame that can withstand high loads. Welding is carried out to connect the pipes.
Other options for wooden models
Other models include carved benches, benches with a seat, varieties with a built-in table, and others. You should make the choice of a model taking into account your own wishes for operational characteristics.
interesting ideas
Building a bench for the garden, you can implement any design ideas.For the manifestation of creativity, the easiest way is to paint the structure using bright colors and depicting original drawings.
How to make a transformation bench
A feature of the transformation bench is the ability to fold. To make such a structure, you will need to connect the backrest and the seat with the help of metal plates.
Examples of homemade benches
Before you start working on making a bench, you should familiarize yourself with ready-made examples made from various materials. This will allow you to take into account the nuances of a particular variety and avoid installation errors.
In wood
Using wood, they make standard double benches, sandbox attached structures, swing benches, and models with built-in storage boxes.
The simplicity of wood processing allows a large number of garden furniture variants.
Stone
With the help of natural stone, benches with a holistic basis are most often made. When choosing this material for construction, you need to take into account that it is more difficult to process, so it is easier to use whole rocks.
From scrap materials
In addition to wood and stone, it is allowed to use improvised objects for the construction of a bench. Common options for making a structure are unnecessary tires and pallets. The main requirement when installing a bench from scrap materials is to ensure sufficient strength so that the finished product can withstand the expected load.
Use in landscaping
After making an original garden bench, you can use it as a decorative element in a suburban area. It is important that the bench is in harmony with the style of the landscaping and does not create a sharp emphasis.