What timber to use for a DIY garden bench

10thCoffee · 15-02-2021 04:43PM #1

Coming into spring/summer I'm planning a little DIY project and going to make little bench for the Garden/Patio area. not sure what is the best type of wood to use, looking for something that will last a few years and isn't too expensive to purchase. Any recommendations?

...Ghost... · 16-02-2021 07:42PM

Well pine is about the cheapest and needs maintenance. I tried a sealing oil on a refurb last year and while the wood is fine, it could look better. I plan to sand it down and use a plastic coating this summer.

Cedar is a lovely wood, needs a lot less maintenance, but is more expensive. Depending on the style you are going for, you could even use pallets, or decking.

Fine Cheers · 16-02-2021 09:14PM

I suggest pre-treated timber for starters.
Decking boards are popular for garden furniture.
Use decent fixings - stainless steel or maybe those green ones specifically for decking.
What end result are you looking for in terms of colour / finish ? Can always stain or varnish.

Lumen · 16-02-2021 09:39PM

Larch. Doesn't need treatment so no chemicals to worry about.

10-10-20 · 16-02-2021 09:49PM

I built this last year:
http://www.diygardenplans.net/diy-classic-picnic-table.htm
Made it from treated pine from a builders-providers.
https://brooksonline.ie/75mmx100mm-3x4-whitewood-rough-treated-fsc-2-swnt075100
I then used "Deks Olje D1" on it to repel rain.

It's fantastically sturdy. The only problem is that the thing now weighs 87kgs, but you could run Riverdance on it.

As long as the legs are out of the puddles, raised on some rubber feet, it should last 10 years, I suppose.

What timber to use for a DIY garden bench

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