The advantages of designing your own bench are that you get to produce something that fits your needs rather than squeeze somebody else’s ideas, physically and aesthetically, into your space and location.
If you’re here looking for inspiration and advice on choice, you need to consider certain factors like placement and durability. If you are also looking to build the bench design yourself, you need to also factor in talent, expertise and experience, there’s no use choosing an elaborate design if you can’t build it.
Bench design considerations
The first thing you need to consider is location. Most benches that are made from wood, and end up outside. But there’s outside and there’s outside.
If your bench is likely to be kept under shelter and treated with varnish or wood preservative on a regular basis then you could get away with more delicate timber and/or a lighter design.
However, if your bench will have to endure the brunt of the local weather in an exposed position and fend for itself in the preservative stakes, something more chunky and durable might be in order.
Types of bench design
A bench can be as simple as a rectangular block of wood or have many intricate elements. Either way, it’s a statement of style, a piece of functional art and a testament to the enduring appeal of natural materials. Understanding the different types will allow you to select the ideal design for your situation.
Trestle benches are simple with a long narrow seat suspended by a trestle structure which is connected by a beam or stretcher. These are often associated with outdoor dining.
Farmhouse benches are often very similar to trestle benches with a rustic flavour and a practical and sturdy construction. Sometimes hand-crafted, they are found inside as much as out in hallways and kitchens.
Windsor benches are more ornate and based on Windsor chairs with a solid plank seat and a backrest composed of turned spindles or a curved bow. They add a colonial feel wherever you put them but they would need extra care if left in an unsheltered position.
Slab benches these modern minimalist examples are essentially just a block of wood. The grain can be end on, in line with the length or the width or even a mixture in blocks.
Floating benches are suspended by hidden brackets that are secured to a wall or another sturdy medium.
A slatted bench is probably the most popular and familiar example that you would expect to find outside. The back and seat are made from rows of slats that offer drainage for outdoor locations.
Log benches are the most authentic as they were probably the first designs in history. Very simple, segments or sectors are removed from a log to provide a seat or a seat and back.
Storage benches have a hinged seat or drawers underneath, providing hidden storage. Perfect for entryways to store shoes or at the foot of a bed for linens and blankets.
Multi-function benches incorporate extra uses for parts of the bench such as tables, space for a drinks cooler or garden planters.
Adirondack benches are akin to the iconic Adirondack chair, they feature wide armrests and a slatted back and sloped seat.
How do you make your own bench?
Most benches are not entry level projects. Slab or log benches are possibly simple enough for the beginner but even they should be approached with caution.
- Measure twice, cut once is an old adage but is worth sticking to
- Safety first so wear safety glasses when cutting or drilling and hearing protection when using power tools
- Use clamps to hold pieces firmly in place while drilling and screwing to improve accuracy and safety
- Use OptiCut and PolyBoard to ensure efficiency and accuracy in your designs
- Pre-drill holes especially when working near the ends of boards or with harder woods, pilot holes prevent splitting
- Tolerate the imperfections that give a piece character, learn from any mistakes and enjoy the process
There are countless bench designs but sticking to the tips above will go a long way to putting you on the right track.
