How to make a bench with your own hands from wood? Do-it-yourself garden bench: drawings and step-by-step instructions, photos of the results Choosing the material for making a bench with a back

Preface

Contents 1 Requirements that a garden bench must meet 2 Materials for manufacturing: what to choose 3 By what criteria to choose suitable model 4 Step-by-step instructions, drawings and diagrams for assembling garden benches with your own hands 4.1 Made of wood 4.1.1 A simple bench for a summer house: creation video 4.2 Made of metal or wood-metal 4.3 Made of concrete slabs in combination with wood […]

Requirements that a garden bench must meet

Stability is one of the basic parameters homemade bench for the garden

To such a simple element of landscaping summer cottage there are many requirements. It is necessary to immediately clarify that they are not some kind of documented standard; rather, they are the operational and aesthetic requirements of the owner for the quality of the product.

A certain degree of comfort, convenience for the user. Rest on fresh air should give real pleasure, which is largely ensured by the design of the bench. A product with successful ergonomics, equipped with a backrest that allows you to lean back and relax is the best option, for the creation of which you need to take care in advance of choosing the most convenient design.
Safety. It is necessary to ensure proper strength and reliability of the product. There should be no possibility of overturning or destruction under a sitting person. All surfaces that can be touched by the user must be are carefully processed, burrs or sharp elements are removed, the presence of protruding nails or other parts dangerous to humans must not be allowed.
Resistance to external influences. The bench is under open air and takes on all atmospheric manifestations: precipitation, scorching rays of the sun, wind and other loads. Some materials are capable of changing their shape or surface quality (for example, wood), so it is important to periodically inspect them and take measures to eliminate any defects found.
Decorative effect, a special look for a garden bench. The performance qualities of the product are not the only exceptional ones. The opportunity to create on the site a certain element of a fairy tale, a cozy and comfortable island of communication is undoubtedly attractive.

Materials for production: what to choose

The manufacture of a garden bench, as a rule, is made from the most affordable and inexpensive material. Scroll suitable materials for each owner is determined by his capabilities and skills, the presence of certain tools and equipment. There are designs of garden benches made from:

Wood. One of the most accessible and widespread materials. Allows the creation of structures with different degrees of processing, finishing, shape or size. Almost all users have woodworking skills, but manufacturing will require a fairly large number of tools.
The durability of wood products used outdoors is low. A protective coating or impregnation is required.
Wooden benches will last much longer if they are coated with a special varnish and the legs are provided with additional protection options
Metal. Working with it requires certain skills and tools. Material accepts different ways processing, sold in the form of finished products (profile pipes or rolled products), allows you to create very attractive samples.
In terms of base design, iron is a more convenient and durable material
The strength and durability of a metal bench are high, but some care and protection against corrosion are necessary.
Stone. The material is specific, the result largely depends on the type of stone and the processing method.
Not everyone can do such masterpieces.
A bench made of stone can look different, but in any case it will require effort and time to make.
Benches are not always used for their intended purpose, and the choice is always up to the owner of the summer cottage
At the same time, the strength and durability of the material are comparable to the service life of the house or site itself.
Plastic. Typically, cuttings from plumbing or sewer pipes, other parts or remains from facing or finishing work.
PVC and other types of pipes are easy to assemble for interesting designs of benches and benches
The material is easy to cut, allows welding or other joining methods, does not rot and is not susceptible to moisture. The strength of plastic is lower than that of other materials, but it has elasticity that allows it to withstand mechanical impacts of a certain force without destruction.
The most common option is when two or more materials are used in manufacturing. Most often made load-bearing structure(frame) made of metal or stone, concrete, brick, etc. Boards are most often used for the seat and back, although there are other types of construction.

What criteria do you use to choose the right model?

A beginner should start with simple models based on available materials

The bench model (type of construction, design) can be realized in a variety of shapes or styles. The choice is determined by necessity, the needs of the owner or other considerations. The selection criteria are primarily the purpose and dimensions of the product. For some, a small bench is enough to sit down and take a breath. Others prefer to install a set of a table with two benches on the sides, suitable for family or friendly gatherings. The final choice should combine the owner’s wishes in the following categories:

Dimensions.
Material.
Performance style.
Composition (number of items, composition).

Factors influencing the choice of the optimal option may include:

Plot size.
Climatic conditions in the region.
The owner's capabilities both financially and technologically.

It is important to take into account the number of people who may be on the site at the same time, choose optimal design and style.

Many people solve the problem using available materials or elements that require almost no additional action. Others create real masterpieces, spending a lot of time and effort on them.

Step-by-step instructions, drawings and diagrams for assembling garden benches with your own hands

You can design garden furniture yourself. For those who do not have the time or desire to create a project, there are ready-made drawings and manufacturing instructions. Let's look at some options that can inspire home craftsmen to create their own product. It is not necessary to follow the instructions inside and out; you can only use the idea itself or some points. The main thing is that the information turns out to be useful for land owners and helps in making their own, original model of a garden bench.

Made of wood

There are many design options for garden benches made of wood. Most traditional form- a bench with a back, an approximate drawing of which can be seen in the figure.

The drawing shows a model of a stable simple structure

The sizes indicated in the diagram are the most common, with the exception of the length, which can be changed at will.

For production you will need:

Edged boards 30–40 mm thick, 140–160 mm wide.
Tape measure, ruler, square.
Hacksaw, electric saw or jigsaw.
Electric or manual plane.
Electric drill, screwdriver.
Hammer, pliers, hacksaw.
Screws, nails.
Varnish or paint, brush, appropriate solvent.

Procedure:

Cut the boards to lengths corresponding to the dimensions indicated in the diagram.
Treat them with electric or with a hand plane, chamfer.
The backrests have a bevel, forming an inclination. Mark the workpieces and cut the corner with a jigsaw or circular saw.
Please note that the length of the screws in this design gradually decreases
Assemble the frame by attaching crossbars to the legs and a longitudinal strip at the bottom.
Cover the legs with varnish on all sides, including the one that will stand on the ground.
Attach the boards to the back and seat.
The seat can be made narrower and the back straighter

This option can be manufactured for permanent installation, for which bottom part the legs should be extended by the amount of immersion in the ground. It is necessary to take into account that wood rots quickly, so before diving you need to apply a layer of hot bitumen or at least wrap the legs with roofing felt.

A bench with a backrest is considered one of the complex options. You can create more simple design using logs sawn lengthwise.

In this model, some negligence is a sign of style

Smooth (flat) parts form the seat and back (if needed). By slightly complicating the design, you can get a set of two benches and a table that looks deliberately rough, but stylish.

In some situations, a folding design is convenient, which can turn from a bench with a back into a set of two benches and a table. Owners of small plots will appreciate this option.

Transformable benches require precise sizes

The back, the lower edge of which rises, becomes a tabletop, and half of the seat is moved to the opposite side and becomes a second bench. You can find many options for transforming benches.

A transforming bench is the peak of carpentry art and is often beyond the power of a beginner

There are benches installed around tree trunks. They are in the shade and do not occupy a separate space, which is important for small areas. Making such a design is simple and does not require much time. There may be options designed for sitting with your back to the trunk.

It’s not the most convenient option for conversations, but placing flowers on it is easy!

There are other designs that, in addition to the seat, form a circular version of the table. In this case, people are placed facing the tree.

To avoid rapid deterioration, any wooden structure is coated with varnish or impregnation.

A simple bench for a summer residence: video creation

//www.youtube.com/embed/KvUbSE_-sF8

Made of metal or wood-metal

Metal benches are highly durable, reliable, and elegant.

Metal products are exquisite, but not always comfortable

The only drawback is the metal's tendency to corrode. The best option- use of a profile pipe of rectangular or oval cross-section. The best way to create a product is by welding - this significantly speeds up the work and provides a high-quality and durable connection.

To work you will need tools:

Welding machine, set of electrodes.
Grinder with cutting wheel.
Roulette, ruler.
Scribbler, chalk or talcum powder.
Clamps for temporary fixation of parts.

There can be many design options, and you can add any element at almost any stage of the assembly. The main part of the bench is the seat, which is a kind of lattice mounted on support legs.

The manufactured product must also be coated with paint or other protective material.

Creating a bench only from metal does not give the best results. Even in appearance, such a product looks too hard and cold.

Most often, combined structures are created in which metal is only load-bearing frame, legs and backrest supports. All elements that a person touches are made of wood. Similar designs are found everywhere and are familiar to everyone.

A bench with a curved back looks more elegant, but requires a little more skill.

They are quite simple and reliable, allowing you to replace faulty ones if necessary. wooden parts. The main advantage can be considered the absence of specialized wooden elements - only bars of a certain cross-section are required, which are attached to the base using bolts and nuts.

The procedure is as follows:

A working drawing is drawn up indicating all dimensions. If used finished project, then you can skip this point.
Parts are cut from the pipe to the required length according to specifications.
The parts are connected to each other by welding.
If the back and seat are wooden, then the corresponding bars are cut and processed.
Holes are drilled on the base for bolts for the seat and backrest.
The base is covered with a layer of protective paint. The most popular option is black bitumen.
While the base is drying, it is recommended to simultaneously varnish or paint the wooden parts.
The bench is assembled and installed in place.

If you have a pipe bender on hand, you can create a very attractive design with elegant curved armrests.

Such models are created using a pipe bender, and you also need to be able to use it

Such a bench will take a little more time than the usual version with straight lines, and the effect will be much greater.

Concrete slabs combined with wood

The design option for a garden bench using concrete slabs as a base is less common than wooden or metal samples. Nevertheless, the owners of such products note them decorative value and durability. To create such structures, it is necessary to place concrete hollow blocks of a certain size. The simplest version of the design is assembled from rectangular slabs like paving or facing, which are drilled and tightened with threaded rods, placing wooden boards between the slabs. They perform several functions at once - they connect the supports to each other and form a seat.

A concrete-wooden bench is not suitable for every garden design, because it looks somewhat massive

It is advisable to select the thickness of the slabs so that the gaps between the boards are not too large, as this creates discomfort for a sitting person. If suitable slabs are not at hand, you can solve the problem by laying additional flooring from boards laid horizontally. This option will allow you to get a seat without any gaps at all.

In addition to slabs, you can use other types of blocks.

One of the most simple options- fixation is required only for blocks

Using imagination, the user is able to create a lot of design options. If desired and possible, you can make formwork and pour your own version concrete base having an exclusive appearance or configuration.

From scrap materials

At your summer cottage you can find many improvised elements that can be used to create original and stylish pieces of garden furniture. One option is to use pallets from bricks or cinder blocks left over from construction or renovation. Recently, through the efforts of designers and marketers, furniture made from pallets (pallets) has become fashionable; it is used not only in the country, but also in residential premises.

Pallets are now truly in demand in garden design, and their scope of application is not limited to furniture alone

Making a bench from pallets is easy. You just need to install them on top of each other in the right way. You don’t even have to connect them together, since the pallets are quite stable and lie motionless in a stack, and if necessary, it’s easy to build another composition out of them by attaching a table or additional seats.

Uncomplicated and, moreover, in its own way stylish option: savings and originality!

Video: Creating a bench with a back from pallets in 10 minutes

Another interesting option- use of old chairs. There is also wide scope for imagination here. The easiest way is to disassemble the chairs, take the back legs, which are structurally connected to the backs.

Try to take chairs of decent quality

A frame is assembled from the bars to the size of the seat and attached to the backrests with legs installed opposite each other. If necessary, you can connect the backrests at the top on one side, resulting in a solid back support.

This design is suitable for a maximum of two, but it is better to make it for children

Another way is to arrange them tightly in a row and connect them together at the sides.

Other options

There are other ways to make garden benches. The imagination of users has no limits, as practice has shown, to make garden furniture can be made from almost anything. For example, benches made from scraps plastic pipes. They are assembled either in the usual way using standard fittings, or by welding or gluing along the side surfaces.

Cheap and cheerful: nothing extra, everything goes into the house!

The pipes form a flat plane on top, and supports from pipes of the same length are created below. The remaining tubes, shorter ones, simply “hang” above the ground.

Other, no less original version making benches for the dacha - using thick tree branches.

Benches of this type are an excellent accent in the design of a country-style cottage.

If old trees have been cut down or trimmed nearby, this option can be used at no cost. The bench is assembled using screws or nails. You can make the drawing yourself or adapt a ready-made version.

Making a garden bench does not require a very technological result and even allows for some negligence. The main advantage of such furniture is not the quality of workmanship, but the original and unexpected idea, idea, and design discovery. It is important to accurately grasp the style and create an accurate image of the product, which corresponds to the maximum extent with the appearance of the entire site, house, and surrounding landscape. Sometimes two pieces of wood placed on top of each other create a greater effect than a complex and expensive structure made from the most modern materials. You should not undertake complex and expensive work; it is better to use your imagination and create a unique product.

Garden furniture can become not only an interior decoration, but also great place for relaxation. A do-it-yourself bench is a source of pride and a foundation for the future furniture set.

Making this accessory is not as difficult as it seems. It is important to decide on the material and suitable design from the very beginning.

About materials

Plastic parts

Such a bench will have many advantages.

Affordable price category.
Easy care.
Mobility.

We are pleased with the large selection of color options.

Plastic furniture also has its disadvantages.

Cheap look. Unlike wood.
Ability to fade in the sun;
The surface quickly deforms.

What about the tree?

Ideal for making furniture. Amenable to any type of processing, has a noble appearance, does not require complex work during installation. Any type of wood can be chosen. The main requirement is the absence of defects and high-quality drying.

Stone products

Material of natural origin with an attractive appearance. Will fit into any interior design. The composition will look stylish and unusual, elegant. Natural stone has many advantages, but is not without its disadvantages. This option is also easy to do.

It is not always safe to sit on such benches, for health reasons as well. Wood has no such disadvantages.
It is recommended to purchase pillows and warm blankets as a set.
Such benches cannot be moved from place to place; only stationary installation is possible.

What about metal?

Garden benches made using the forging method, cold or hot, will be an excellent decoration in any garden.

These are stylish and beautiful designs for which it is better to purchase decorative ornaments. Metal will be a good complement to glass or wood. Keep it simple.

Requirements for the bench

Convenience. The bench should be ergonomic; this is especially important for relaxation. Comfort and convenience play a role. Good option– the presence of a back in the product.
It is important that the bench can withstand even serious loads. Accordingly, the quality of fittings and furniture should be at their best.
The material must withstand any changes in weather conditions without deformation, since it is created for outdoor installation.

Design and its features

1500 millimeters - this length for the back and seat of the bench is enough for three people to sit comfortably. Other dimensions also matter. The seat width reaches 400 mm, the back angle is 18-20 degrees. The height of the backrest is 900 millimeters, the height of the seat is 450.

From the materials we need to take:

Varnish, primer;
Sandpaper effect for wood;
Screwdriver;
Electric planer for wood. We will use it to process chamfers and polish the surfaces of boards.
We will cut the boards using an electric jigsaw.
Required number of screws.
We will strengthen the structure of the bench with our own hands using self-tapping screws with dimensions of 40 by 40 mm.
We make blanks for the front legs of the bench. Thickness – 35-40 millimeters, size – 360 by 150.
Holders for the back and legs of the bench also require separate blanks. The thickness is the same 35-40 millimeters, but the size is 900 by 150.
Do not make a product with your own hands without wooden planks. The thickness is the same, and the dimensions are 1500 by 150 mm.

We make a wooden structure

You can immediately purchase boards for your bench that have the right size. If suitable option no - we use a jigsaw to cut the boards with our own hands. Miter saw will also become an indispensable assistant. This can be done quickly.

The wood must be carefully processed after the desired length has been achieved. Sanding requires blanks for the seat and backrest. You need to use an electric planer to process the ends of the boards. Best option– rounded shapes.

We set the correct angle of inclination with our own hands to the long rear legs of the bench. They also play the role of the frame of the entire structure. We apply markings to two wooden blanks with a length of 900 millimeters. It's not all that difficult to do.

400 millimeters is the height of the bench; we mark it with our own hands first. No additional processing is needed in this area of the material. We make a 20 degree cut along the entire length of the product, starting from the segment. This is how the angle of inclination for the backrest is formed. The angle of inclination and height on the two legs at the back should be the same.

The bench legs are assembled first. 280 mm – distance between elements front and rear. The beam that connects the legs is cut across the entire width of the bench. Its size is 500 mm. It’s good if the strapping is on top and bottom.

The sides of the bench are connected to each other with your own hands after the assembly is completed. To connect, we use boards on which you will need to sit. They are screwed to the upper bars of the trim using self-tapping screws. The gaps between wooden pieces must have different sizes. They help remove moisture and organize circulation.

Let's move on to strengthening the bench with our own hands. Without this action, the product will not be durable and stable. We use timber to make bottom trim on the legs. We screw two blanks with a length of 1500 mm to the front and rear elements. There can be only one crossbar if there is not enough lumber.

We install the backrest in the bench with our own hands. This is one of the last steps. It is recommended to maintain a distance of 380 millimeters from the seat for the second board, 200 millimeters from the seat for the first.

All that remains is the final covering of the bench. Varnish and deep impregnation will always help provide maximum protection against external influences. You can forget about pests, mold and moisture.

How to work with metal?

Garden plots are decorated not only with furniture made of wood. Metal can also become an indispensable assistant in creating comfortable places to relax. It is not necessary to master hot forging techniques for this.

Cold forging is also quite suitable for this. We simply weld a frame from metal blanks into a single structure. Decorative elements will enhance the appearance.

Detailed instructions

We start with developing the dimensions and dimensions of the bench. Standard height backrests – 800-900 mm. Width – 400-500 mm. Length 1500 mm. The most simple work– with angular shapes. It is recommended to start working with simpler models.

We make a frame for the seat. We cut out a metal pipe. The dimensions we need are: 2 fragments of 400 mm and 2 of 1500 mm. We weld the parts so that they become rectangular shape. It is permissible to weld 2 additional stiffeners to make the structure more durable.

Next we need legs. We cut the metal pipe into 4 parts, 460 mm each. The blanks are then connected to the corners of the bench. Additional stiffening ribs between the front and rear legs will not be superfluous.

We make the back. We weld together one piece 1500 mm long into another 440 mm long. We then weld the structure to the part of the bench, which is already ready. 15-20 degrees is the optimal tilt angle for the backrest. Then your vacation will be comfortable.

The backrest can also be strengthened with stiffening ribs.

At the final stage, all seams are cleaned. The frame is coated with a primer.

Beam and board: the simplest forms

Execution and design options exist large number. There are also the simplest ones, some prefer wood carving. They become real works of art.

A wooden bench without a back is the simplest solution. It is allowed to use boards up to 75 mm thick. Each element consists of two parts.

We assemble a seat from two boards, the ends are beveled. It is better to provide a gap between the elements if you plan to place the structure on open area where there is no heating. The gaps compensate for the swelling of the wood and allow you to get rid of moisture in large quantities.

Each leg consists of two glued elements. A pin or dowel will make the connection more reliable. Two short beams for support must be secured to each of the legs. This will allow you to secure the seat itself. Self-tapping screws and glue, grooves – irreplaceable helpers for fastening. Beams and legs are attached to each board on last stages work.

Radial cutouts and curly elements complicate the work a little, but if desired, this task can be solved without problems. For example, choose a rectangle shape.

The drawings are not dogmas; they can be changed at your discretion.

The beam is at the bottom unless the bench is very long. The beam itself becomes a stiffening rib in such a situation. The dowel involves the use of both closed and open installation, last option quite unusual. The material can be in any form. It is even possible to use options that are used to build wooden houses.

Video gallery

Photo gallery

A bench is an integral attribute of a summer cottage or local area. Often there is room on the site for not one, but several benches. One in the yard, another in the garden, the third at the gate. A bench with a backrest is probably the simplest and most useful project which can be done at the dacha.

The beautiful wooden texture of the bench will look harmonious in any garden, especially if you use not just boards for the bench, but all parts of the wood that are available to you in the garden.

In order to make a simple bench, you do not need special skills or expensive tools, and wood in the country is one of the most affordable materials.

If you've never made a bench yourself, we'll show you the basic process so you can create your own little masterpieces.

We hope these beautiful benches will inspire you to create your own example.

DIY bench with backrest

To begin with, we suggest mastering a simple design that is easy to manufacture and has good rigidity and stability.

Wooden bench. Preparation of materials

In order to make a bench, you will need:

2 short front supports [A];
2 long rear supports (the backrest will be attached to them) [A];
8 short crossbars for tying supports and adding rigidity [B];
long boards for the seat and backs (their number depends on their width and the desired size of the bench) [C].

If you are planning to make a long bench with a backrest with your own hands, then make sure that your boards that you have prepared for the seat will not bend under the weight of the people sitting on it. And if the boards really sag, then this can be corrected - you can assemble another support and place it in the middle.

Every detail needs to be polished so that after relaxing on the bench you don’t have to pick out splinters from various interesting places.

Remember also that if you want to dig in a bench, then your supports must be at least 40cm longer.

garden bench. Execution of work

Once your parts are cut to size and sanded, you can begin assembly. For this it is better to use self-tapping screws, but if you do not have a screwdriver, then the bench can be knocked down with nails.

It is important to screw the crossbars with at least two screws to each support as shown in the picture. And the greater the distance between the screws, the stiffer the structure will be.

Now all that remains is to paint and let the paint dry.

And this is what you can get. You can give the bench a different look without changing the design. Just use rougher wood and it's a completely different thing! Although structurally its differences are minimal, and it is done in exactly the same way.

DIY bench

But even if this seemed too complicated for you, then there is a design for you for a bench with a backrest, which can be done with a hacksaw and a hammer in literally a matter of hours.

All you need is six boards of the same thickness (preferably at least 40mm).

Its scheme is elementary simple.

Once all the pieces are cut to size and sanded, it comes together in minutes!

It’s better to drill the holes for the screws in advance so that the board doesn’t split during assembly.

This bench looks laconic and modern.
And this is not surprising, because there is nothing superfluous in this design. Each structural element is absolutely necessary and at the same time minimally sufficient. Your bench with backrest can be made in any way, we have shown only the two simplest ones.

Benches photo

If you enjoy working with wood, you may want to expand your skills and add some new original pieces to your bench.

If you are uprooting stumps in your dacha, consider that you have become the happy owner of a unique material for your next bench, which you will make with your own hands.

Often those of us who love and know how to do something with our own hands are simply embarrassed to waste our time on this “nonsense” - it is more important to dig up the garden on time.

The pleasure you will get while working on your garden bench project will give you truly happy moments.
And those around you who were puffing about why you are busy with frivolous things will be proud of your bench, which you made yourself, and tell everyone that you are so unexpectedly talented.

And we are sure that these successes will inspire you to try new ideas, because benches made by yourself are always more practical and comfortable than ordinary standard ones.

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There is, perhaps, no such yard, no matter where there is a bench - an invariable attribute of relaxation and communication. This item is convenient and useful, found everywhere both outdoors and indoors. There are countless forms of bench designs, however, they are all united by two basic principles of construction: stability and comfort. You should build on them when making a bench with a backrest with your own hands.

Types and features of bench designs

The classic design of a bench is a seat, back and supports. It can be complemented by armrests, a built-in table, a canopy from rain and sun, and much more. The form can be simple, minimalistic or of unprecedented beauty and complexity, the main thing is that it harmoniously complements the surrounding space and is comfortable for relaxation.

The idea of what the shop will be like depends on the following points:

Accommodation area:
in the garden, near the house (they decorate the area, have a mostly stationary, convenient form);
terrace (lightweight, convenient for tea drinking and socializing);
barbecue or relaxation area (the form must be designed for a certain number of people);
near water (corrosion- and rot-resistant material of the bench);
The installation location is permanent or the bench needs to be moved, brought in/out;
Shape: straight, round, semicircle, angular, curved;
Materials of manufacture: wood, metal, stone/concrete, combination of materials.

At home, in the country, often the materials used to construct a bench are improvised materials, used things, such as a bed, a door, a closet, pallets (pallets), chairs, logs, driftwood, cinder blocks and much more. The results are original, interesting items in vintage or rustic style. Pallets and furniture made from them have become an “untilled field” for ideas, a fairly common creative material.

You can include useful elements in the design of a bench, for example, make the seat folding, and use the sewn-in space underneath as a storage container. A folding table would be useful as part of the design of a bench or shoe rack under the seat of a bench in the hallway.

Designing a comfortable bench with a back

Let's start looking at the design with the support posts. They are often U- or X-shaped, and their stability has been tested by experience. The shape can also be solid ( wooden beams, stone slabs), cast (formed from cast iron or concrete, the back goes into supports), in the form of legs, curved metal or forged elements.

The seat is a part of the bench that should be comfortable and resistant to stress. It is made continuous or with intervals ( wooden blocks, metal pipes, rods). The solid seat is comfortable, however, it is necessary to ensure that water does not stagnate on it after precipitation. The edges of the seat should be rounded to avoid injuring your legs. The optimal length is 1500 mm, width 400–450 mm, length of one seat 480 mm (of course, all sizes are selected individually). There are designs where the seat and back are made in one line (the back smoothly transitions into the seat by means of a bend), such benches are comfortable, often found in city parks, their supports are cast from cast iron or concrete, you can repeat this shape from wood or bend it from a profile pipe .

A significant part in the convenience of the bench is given to the distance from the seat to the ground (floor) level; it should be 400–450 mm. It is necessary that the feet touch the base.

The backrest turns the bench into an object for long-term rest; it allows you to relax not only the leg muscles, but also the back muscles. An important role here is played by the angle of inclination relative to the seat and the height of the backrest. Based on human physiology, 10–20 degrees is considered the most comfortable. angle of deviation of the back from the perpendicular, height from 360 mm (since the human spine has an S-shaped bend, the height of the back is divided into two parts: 180–240 mm to the fulcrum - the place where the back does not fit and + another 180–240 mm - segment of contact with the back). The back should not be massive and outweigh the bottom of the structure.

Advice! The gap (clearance) between the back and the seat should not be made large if the person will sit on the bench small child he will not have the opportunity to lean his back.

Choosing material for making a bench with a back

The most convenient and inexpensive material for manufacturing is wood. The wooden bench combines a balance of beauty and comfort and looks great in any space. Wood is a pliable material for the manufacture of various shapes and decorative elements, has a pleasant tactile sensation, does not overheat in the sun and does not overcool in the cold.

A simple wooden bench can be made quite quickly with your own hands; a minimal set of tools is needed. You can use inexpensive types of wood. Resistance to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, fungus and insects is ensured by modern protective equipment for impregnation and coating of wood surfaces. The weight of the product is optimal for moving.

Disadvantage wooden benches It is considered fragility, the tree tends to dry out over time, the joints become loose. The structure can be strengthened various elements assemblies and fastenings made of metal (corners, threaded ties, self-tapping screws instead of nails) strengthening joints with glue. If supports need to be dug into the ground, they should be protected from rotting by soaking them in oil/resin-containing products.

Advice! Wood is a flammable material, so a bench located near a fire (fire, barbecue, stove) must be treated with a fire-resistant solution (fire retardant), which will help resist fire for some time.

Metal is a reliable and durable material with proper care and operating conditions. It produces sophisticated, “airy”, “lace” designs. Main disadvantage- corrosion, which is eliminated by protective coating of surfaces with primer, paint, enamel, repeated periodically as necessary. Metal can be made flexible different shape. Square bench design profile pipes will be stable, solid and light. The square section is the most convenient to install. The most beautiful benches are made from forged elements.

The assembly of the metal product is very strong, carried out using welding seams and threaded fasteners. Necessity of availability welding machine and the ability to use it makes installation at home somewhat difficult.

The seat and back of a metal bench are almost always covered with pillows, covers, or a blanket, since tactile sensations are not always pleasant. The thermal conductivity of metal is higher than that of wood, so achieving a comfortable temperature balance between the body and metal surface It’s difficult, and it’s pointless to heat the bench with yourself.

The concrete bench is practically a sculpture. In this case, any shape can be achieved with a lot of effort and effort. A frame assembled from metal is placed in formwork and filled with concrete (the concrete hardening period is 1–2 months). Basically they make some parts of the structure and combine them with other materials. It is heavy and not intended to be moved. There is no doubt about immobility. Resistant to any weather conditions, durable.

Concrete complexes of benches and containers for planting plants with the installation of lighting elements look great. Practical for placement near the water.

Advice! For heavy benches, a flat platform should be prepared from layers of sand, gravel, and crushed stone so that it does not sink into the ground.

The most common type of bench is a design with a combination of materials. It is preferred in most cases, since here you can combine a reliable frame (metal), a comfortable seat with a back (wood), while achieving beauty, durability, convenience and lightness of form.

When buying material, make sure of its quality; you need to choose dry wood so that it does not leak; remember the size of the parts. If there is a drawing with the specified dimensions, the material can be cut at the place of purchase, which will facilitate its transportation.

Drawing, material calculation, preparation for construction

A do-it-yourself bench begins with an idea, which is first embodied in a drawing. The drawing must be accurate and detailed and will need to be referred to throughout the work. You can make two drawings: a bench frame and a seat with a back, if the materials are different. The option when the supports are dug in (concreted) must provide for an additional length of the supports.

The drawing of the bench will show the number of parts, and the dimensions will help determine the amount of material consumed.

Tools: saw, plane, drill, tape measure, angle meter, wrench.

Materials: pine board 25x75 mm, 40x80 mm, 40x120 mm, bolts with nuts 9 mm - 8 pcs., self-tapping screws, sandpaper.

File the parts in the required quantity to size and sand them. Proceed with assembly.

How to make it yourself: the order of connecting parts

Assembling the bench supports: mark and drill holes for the bolted connection, before fixing the parts with clamps. Tighten the connections of both sidewalls;
Connecting supports with jumpers: attach power jumpers to the structures of the side supports using self-tapping screws according to the drawing;
Assembling the backrest and seat: screw the strips to the side supports with self-tapping screws, maintaining an even gap between them. Recess the heads of the screws into the strips;
Grinding joints and sharp corners;
Application of decorative and protective coatings.

If there is a desire to emphasize the texture of the wood, then the surface is not treated with stain. water based(untreated wood swells with water) of the selected color, then varnish the surface in several layers according to the instructions on the package (the varnish should be for external purposes with good wear resistance, for example, yacht varnish). Between applying layers, the varnish must dry (dust stage - when dust does not stick to the surface and can be wiped off). Before applying the next layer, the previous one needs to be lightly sanded; this will not affect the transparency of the varnish.

If you decide to paint a bench, then before painting you need to apply a base (a product for protecting and reducing wood porosity) to the surface; it will give a good adhesive effect and the paint will last longer. Then apply paint for exterior purposes in several layers.

All painting work should be carried out outdoors; a respirator must be used indoors.

To make it more decorative, you can brush the surface; the structure of the wood will become more expressive. The naturalness of wood is emphasized by the application of impregnating oil-wax products with a water-repellent and protective effect.

Today, the choice of means to protect wood, as well as all kinds of paint coatings represented very widely. It will not be difficult to find a product that will combine the necessary qualities.

Whatever material and design is chosen, the bench will be unique because it was made by hand. Remember about safety measures; all work must be accompanied by the use of protective equipment.