How to make an inexpensive bench with your own hands?

Types of structures

The designs of wooden benches delight in variety . As a basis, it is customary to use a seat on legs that serve as support. The back may be missing. A simple wooden bench consists of a bench without a back, logs or bars that serve as support legs. Products based on boards are in great demand. The structures are easy to assemble. Four rectangles are connected and complemented by partitions made of thin slats. You can turn a simple wooden bench into a designer item if you use your imagination - for example, replace the legs with wheels.

Differences between benches and benches

The benches consist of a pair of blind supports and boards between them. Wood is used for production. Modern benches consist of several slats with a back. The seat is located on supports made of metal or wood. There can be six legs, of different configurations: twisted, with all kinds of decorative inserts. The benches are equipped with armrests , which makes rest more comfortable.
Benches are fixed in one place. They are dug into the ground. Benches are moved if necessary. Gradually, comfortable products are replacing outdated ones.

What is a bench?

The bench, like the bench, also initially had a completely different appearance and served for other purposes. In ancient times, it looked more like a portable stand that was placed under the feet. Over time, the bench turned into a comfortable seat with high legs and a backrest. Some models are also equipped with armrests, which gives the bench a finished look.

Such a bench served for resting after lunch, and in some cases for sleeping. The bench was covered with mattresses or covered with red cloth. Even later, they began to be installed in gardens and alleys. The benches acquired a sophisticated look due to forged supports and armrests, and the backs were decorated with carvings.

What serves as raw material

When creating bench benches, they work with the following materials:

• plastic;
• tree;
• metal;
• stone;
• all sorts of combinations of them.

One of the inexpensive and accessible ones is plastic. Products made from such material are light, bright, and mobile. Stone structures are durable, but the raw materials are expensive. They are made from granite, marble or quartzite. Stone benches are perfect for parks.

Table

Materials for production

The material provides scope when creating a product. They work with light metal or forged structures. They get openwork benches that are distinguished by their strength, reliability and durability. These multifunctional buildings will perfectly decorate parks and alleys. Benches made from combined materials will be unique. Products made of cast iron will last for many decades, they are scary only because of their huge mass. Metal products are reliable and do not require special care. External contaminants must be removed periodically.

It is already considered a tradition to make benches from wood. Such buildings are popular because they are very convenient. By using imagination , paints or wood carving, you can get a masterpiece. Coating the product with varnish will provide a pleasant façade and protect it from destruction. When creating wooden benches, they work with the following tree species:

• oak;
• larch;
• nut;
• cherry;
• teak;
• pine.

The variety is selected based on where the product will be used. The products will be appropriate in different landscapes or styles. Log buildings are distinguished by their originality.

↑ Bench-sofa

This bench is very similar to the models mentioned above, but there are a few significant design differences. To achieve maximum convenience and comfort, in contrast to “bare” benches, a soft seat and pillows are laid here. They are made lower and not used for dinner ceremonies. Also, soft benches are made deep so that you can fully relax on them.

Due to their size, such benches are not suitable for all rooms and areas of the garden, but rather for spacious terraces and cottages. This particular sofa is made from sanded and varnished boards. Pillows are stuffed with soft materials, such as foam rubber. They are also equipped with removable covers that can be washed.

Often sofas have an angular design, suitable for high-tech and minimalist styles. Therefore, for their manufacture, processed timber of the correct cross-section is used. Such benches do not have a variety of elaborate shapes, so constructing them will be quite simple. It is enough to prepare a strong frame and cover it with boards.

Bench options

A wooden bench can have a back or not, be wide or narrow, portable or stationary. It will always be useful in a specially designated place for relaxation, in a children's playground, along the alleys in the park or in the shade of the garden. A structure under a tree or awning in the country would be an excellent helper. There will be an opportunity to gain strength without leaving the garden bed. A great option is a small folding product. It can be carried in your hands or transported in the trunk of a car, hidden under a canopy in the country during bad weather , and sent to a garage or shed in the off-season.

The opinion that a bench is not one of the main elements in creating a country house design is considered erroneous. In fact, everything begins with the bench. Wooden benches differ in their functional purposes:

• front doors;
• lunch;
• U-shaped;
• with a niche for plants.

Front structures are placed near the porch or entrance to the house. These include decorative benches made of wood with carvings. Dining structures are characterized by a curved shape and are installed in the barbecue area, in areas reserved for recreation. Benches in the shape of the letter “P” are garden benches, consisting of small benches installed near flower beds and plots.
They are designed for relaxation; you can sit in the shade without going far from your workplace. Benches with niches are hidden in the depths of the dacha or garden.

Types of benches

Park benches

A stylish and easy-to-use bench will become a real island of relaxation in your garden or park. Who among us doesn’t like to relax on a comfortable bench next to flowering acacia bushes or enjoy the slight coolness under a shady tree in the heat. In almost all major cities of the world there are parks with benches of reconciliation, and monument benches with free space next to the hero sculpture are no less popular. Stylish benches will be the ideal completion of the composition of any park area. You can sit comfortably on them to think about life, enjoy moments of silence and serenity.

More than a century has passed since the first shop appeared. The design of a modern bench has changed significantly, corresponding to fashionable trends in landscape design. But, despite the use of modern technologies, wood and cast iron have been used for the production of park furniture for many centuries, and this is not without reason! Noble trees and metals feed us with energy and charge us with a positive attitude. Therefore, there is nothing more pleasant than spending a few minutes on a bench in the park, forgetting about all your worries..

Benches are an integral element of park culture. Therefore, their design is carried out by professional designers and decorators. Current fashion allows us to significantly reduce the number of decorative elements and place emphasis on the utilitarian nature of the design. Stylishness and abundance of jewelry have now given way to restrained laconicism.

Buying a bench from the manufacturer is only half the battle. In order to organically fit it into the composition of the landscape architecture of the site, you need to correctly select a specific model and plan in advance the place for its installation.

Most often, a metal frame is used for park benches, which gives additional strength and makes its appearance more presentable. At the same time, a high-quality product will retain all its aesthetics for many years. In the catalog you will find a large selection of benches that will be an ideal solution for any area: cottage, garden, park. The buyer can choose from benches of different sizes on the website, from 1.5 to 3 m. For the most demanding buyers, we are ready to offer options from valuable tree species - cedar, beech, teak, oak. The buyer can independently choose from what material the product he likes will be made; this can be done simply by using the tables under the photo.

Street benches

Everyone is familiar with the traditional bench, which is rightfully considered an outdoor sofa. All its outlines and shapes meet the requirements for the design of furniture intended for relaxation. The unique ergonomic design of the side elements and back encourages a relaxing rest. The use of unique and durable Siberian wood significantly increases the service life of the product.

Street benches are classic small architectural forms that fit perfectly into any urban landscape. Over time, they change their appearance, rushing from one extreme to another: from ancient elegance to modern stylish laconicism.

At the same time, modern versions of street benches are characterized by increased stability and do not require any additional fastening to prevent movement, swinging, or tipping over. In such products, the emphasis is also on heavy weight and reliable protection from climate influences: wind, temperature changes, rain and snow. Modern durable and fairly weighty products will last for many years and will not lose their appearance even with constant use.

When contacting us, you can be sure that you are purchasing products with a mandatory warranty period. The quality of each model will please even the most experienced person in these matters. During the manufacturing process, the benches are not only tinted, but also coated with a special antiseptic compound. After tinting, a high quality deck varnish is always applied. All decorative elements are coated with durable varnish for additional protection; the side elements of products intended for outdoor use are carefully primed, and then coated with a special heavy-duty paint and varnish composition.

On the website you can purchase the following models:

- options with a separate backrest made of wood,

- products for the garden,

- products in the form of a table designed for two.

To order the model you like, just contact customer support. If necessary, the consultant will answer all your questions and help you make your choice. As for indicating the price on the website, by default each model has a wholesale price for the basic version.

Garden benches

Models designed for dachas are distinguished by their simplicity of design. In most cases, this is simply a place for a seat that rests on only 4 legs. There are models that are made with a back and armrests.

The main material for making benches of this type is wood. This is explained by the fact that products made from natural wood fit into any landscape concept and are characterized by a long service life. A high-quality bench will last for several decades even when exposed to harsh climatic conditions.

We have been working for months to create products that will last for many years. As a result, we were able to develop the optimal combination of elements for garden benches: cast iron or steel parts framing the back, and a seat made of natural wood.

The advantages of garden benches include:

— High strength due to metal supports, wear resistance.

— Large selection of design options.

— Maintaining aesthetic appeal regardless of climatic conditions.

We have developed several series of furniture designed for gardens. The most popular models are in the Baroque, Gothic and classical styles. The benches are organically combined with bins and tables produced by our company.

The most popular models from the manufacturer

Among the assortment presented on the Greenland website, one can highlight a model called “Elegy”. White alkyd enamel is used to cover the bars. The side parts are made to resemble aged copper. At the client's choice, the same model can have bars made of Angarsk pine, and the sidewalls can have a rubbed bronze finish. The third version of this product is bars made of European pine; the side parts are painted black as standard. The choice depends solely on the client’s preferences and the recommendations of the landscape designer.

If you want to emphasize the elegance of style in the design of your site, pay attention to the “Baroque” model, which will elevate any area. But the important fact here is that it is not appropriate to install such a bench in every area. It is unlikely that you will choose this option for installation in a summer kitchen or next to a country house. In the process of producing the Baroque model, we were tasked with creating the optimal combination of elegance and originality in execution, durability and reasonable price. The product is made exclusively from the best types of wood. There are two design options for the Baroque bench available to the buyer: bars made of larch in a cream shade with sidewalls with an aged effect. The second option uses oak bars with sidewalls made to look like stone.

The “Europe” bench is no less popular. The metal base of the product has a unique design. It is made in the form of two reed branches intertwined with each other. This model may have extended modifications, which are necessarily equipped with a middle support.

“Baltika” is another no less comfortable outdoor bench, characterized by excellent ergonomics and laconic design. It has a universal design, which allows it to be installed in any area: in country houses, in parks and gardens, as well as on city streets.

Restoration of garden furniture

Has your favorite bench started to rot and lost its aesthetic appeal? Our experts will help you restore it to its original appearance and performance. When purchasing exclusive designer models, we provide a guarantee. You can order a project from our specialists for the correct arrangement of furniture in any garden or summer cottage.

Advantages of purchasing benches directly from the manufacturer

You can purchase high-quality and durable benches made of wood, cast iron, and steel on the Greenland website. We provide a guarantee on all products for at least 25 years. Every buyer can be sure that they are purchasing a truly high-quality product. Our products have a stylish and modern appearance, so they fit into any landscape design. They will look appropriate in local areas, parks and squares.

Almost all models presented in the catalog are always in stock. If you do not find a product with the required dimensions, you can place an order for individual production at any time. The photo gallery contains photographs of only our benches. We never take (even as an example) the work of other manufacturers. All photographs convey the unique style of each model as best as possible. We are a certified manufacturer. For the convenience of users, we decided to demonstrate each model as accurately as possible, therefore the following parameters must be indicated in the description:

— Dimensions and weight.

— Assortment of types of wood used for bars.

— Material for the frame and seat with backrest.

— Primary colors of wood.

— Types of finishing of the metal frame (to choose from).

Any model you like can be made according to the customer’s individual parameters. You can change not only the color, but also the length, width and even weight of the structure.

Main activities: design, manufacturing, restoration of any benches. To buy benches made of wood, cast iron, steel, as well as other furniture for the garden, park or square, contact us through the “How to buy” section or order a call on the website. We will always help you make a choice and advise on the choice of any model. All products presented on the site are always in stock.

Bench - DIY bench

To create a design you will need to sketch a sketch. The height of the seat should not exceed 50 centimeters, the width and height of the backrest are the same dimensions, which will make it possible to sit comfortably, leaning, and stand up freely. Each parameter of the future product should be selected for yourself. When working with wood, you cannot do without tools: an electric jigsaw, a tape measure, a pencil, and a drill with self-tapping screws. To create an ordinary bench - a bench for a bathhouse or a vegetable garden - you cannot do without a two-meter board 20 centimeters wide. The product must be assembled in accordance with the sketch.

Bench as a decorative element

But a garden bench is not only a comfortable place to relax. It is also a decorative element that can decorate a garden, place accents in it, and provide an overview of the best landscape compositions.

When choosing benches and figuring out where to put them, you need to consider the following points.

1. What is the view from this point? This could be a panoramic picture of a garden or a small spectacular composition, for example a picturesque pond, a rose bush, a flower bed.
2. Climatic conditions of the region. It matters whether you seek shade or bask in the sun in the summer. If it often rains, you need to think about a roof over the bench - a canopy, a gazebo, a dense spreading tree.
3. The style of your home and garden is no less important. For example, for landscape design in a classic and Mediterranean style, wrought-iron furniture is suitable, landscape and country gardens are associated with wooden benches, and in a modern minimalist style, light aluminum furniture would be appropriate.

The sky-colored bench looks great surrounded by blue hydrangeas.

Examples of homemade benches

Before starting work 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 errors during installation.

Made of wood

Using wood material, they make standard two-seater benches, structures attached to the sandbox, swing benches and models with built-in storage drawers.

The simplicity of wood processing allows you to implement a large number of variations of garden furniture.

From stone

Using natural stone, benches with a solid base 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 cobblestones.

From scrap materials

In addition to wood and stone, it is allowed to use improvised objects to build a bench. Common options for making a structure are scrap 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.

GOST requirements

GOST 19917-93 was adopted in October 1993 as an interstate (it was signed by eight countries, formerly union republics) standard regarding furniture for sitting and lying down. GOST park or garden benches are aimed primarily at the safety of the product for humans. The document takes into account all the nuances of products for public places:

• dimensions;
• strength, including impact;
• durability;
• sustainability;
• methods of fastening supports;
• back angle;
• dyes used;
• The amount of harmful volatile chemicals released during product operation is strictly limited.

The quality of materials used for the manufacture of benches is regulated by relevant GOSTs.

Recommended materials

Depending on the type of bench chosen, the necessary materials are selected. Each material has distinctive characteristics and nuances.

See also

Organizing lighting on the balcony with your own hands and which lamps are better

Stone

In cool weather, it is uncomfortable to sit on a stone bench, so the material is used only to create a base. A solid frame is constructed from stones and concrete, and a wooden seat is placed on top. The stone foundation is characterized by increased strength and is built only for stationary structures.

Tree

Most often, various types of wood are used to build garden furniture. When choosing a material, it is worth studying the characteristics of each breed.

Oak

Oak is considered one of the most durable wood species. Additional advantages are rot resistance and moisture protection.

Hazel

Hazel wood is valued for its flexibility, strength, and low weight. The color of the processed hazel is white with a slight shade of pink, but if desired, the material can be coated with paint.

Cherry

Cherry is a practical material, similar in shade to mahogany. This type of wood is easy to process and polish.

Needles

Garden furniture made from pine needles undergoes high loads due to the density of the material. The presence of resin in the structure of the material gives aesthetics even without varnish.

Metal

Metal makes durable garden benches due to the physical properties of the material. Decoration with forged metal allows you to make the design original.

Plastic

Garden benches made of plastic are lightweight, which is important for a portable option.

If necessary, furniture can be easily stored in the house or garage.

↑ Requirements for a garden bench

Of course, the design, material and construction of the bench are very important, but before you start making furniture you need to think about its technical characteristics. It should remain comfortable, high quality and practical for many years.

↑ Security

The surface and all parts of a bench or a whole set of tables and benches must be carefully processed and checked for the presence of protruding nails, screws and burrs. Everything a person touches should be smooth and safe.

This is especially true for children's products. Before you start making a children's bench, make sure that the height of the supports is suitable for the child (the optimal seat height is 30-40 cm from the ground), and he can safely climb up or, conversely, descend from the bench.

↑ Convenience and practicality for adults

Don't forget about the standards for furniture items. Remember them from the very beginning, at the design stage: a comfortable seat height for adult family members should be no higher than 40-50 cm from ground level.

The backrest also has certain requirements: a comfortable height of the backrest, on which it is good to rest, is 90-100 cm. And, starting from this height of the backrest, the depth of the seat is calculated: 45-55 cm. Here the dependence is used - the lower the bench, the larger it should be be depth. For example, for a bench of 45 cm, a comfortable seat depth is no more than 55 cm. For convenience, the part of the seat adjacent to the back is made a couple of centimeters lower than the front edge.

It is important to monitor the position of the backrest. It is necessary that it be tilted back at an angle - only through this can the most comfortable position of the back be achieved. Maintain a measure of 12-18 degrees from the right angle.

The minimum width of the bench is 120 cm, but note that the width must be calculated depending on the number of family members. For each person you need 50-55 cm on the bench. Therefore, a family of 4 people needs a bench with a width of at least 180-200 cm.

Please note:

• the place where the furniture will be installed;
• the size and area of ​​the vegetable garden or garden;
• mobility (whether you will move the bench or leave it standing for the winter);
• the number of people who will sit on it.

↑ Bench mobility

If you plan to leave furniture in the garden for the winter, then take care of its moisture and frost resistance. A dense log or metal base will help with this. But if you plan to move the bench, then it is better to use wooden slats.

↑ Environmental friendliness

Of course, the most natural and environmentally friendly material is wood. This material has significant advantages, such as resistance to weather conditions, accessibility, beautiful texture and environmental friendliness. It's warm to sit on even in the cold season.

Metal is often used in combination with wood. Of course, it has its drawbacks - the metal rusts, needs painting, is not very pleasant to the touch, and is cold to sit on. But, nevertheless, it is quite environmentally friendly and durable.

Plastic is also an option. Of all materials, it is the least environmentally friendly, is exposed to the toxic effects of ultraviolet radiation and high temperature, and emits volatile substances and an unpleasant odor.

↑ Resistance to seasonal changes

Furniture made from properly treated coniferous trees withstands seasonal precipitation and changes best. To be sure of the wood's resistance to natural conditions, use wood-protective oil.

Even if you plan to install the bench under a canopy or tree, where exposure to precipitation is excluded, still coat the surface with an alkyd or water-based varnish.

But varnishes are not suitable for benches located in the open air. In addition, any varnish tends to peel off, crack and deteriorate over time. Restoring the bench after this is not an easy process, since you will need to completely get rid of the old layer before applying a new one.

To avoid unnecessary work, use wood preservative oil. It, unlike varnish, does not create a film on the surface of the bench, does not peel off and retains its beautiful appearance for a long time. To restore an oiled bench, simply dust off the furniture and apply a new coat directly over the old one.

Caring for metal products is more labor-intensive and expensive. Metal benches are subject to rust and corrosion and require treatment with high-quality primer and paint.

Plastic products suffer most from external influences, and are much more difficult to protect from the influence of nature and time. The plastic delaminates due to temperature changes, and cracks form in the plastic. Even the use of expensive plastic is not a panacea. Over time, it fades, and fungus appears in the cracks.

Your guests will appreciate: a beautiful alpine slide on the site with their own hands and very cheaply!