Bench enhancement

[Lepidodendron]

I have just spent a few days making some additions to a 3.6 m2 bench I constructed last year. As always I need more space and I plan to install overhead sprays together with a frame to secure shade cloth for use in summer.The original bench was made from the remains of an old hardwood paling fence together with a few additional scraps, held together with an assortment of galvanised bolts and screws. The new 4.8 m2 bench with cantilevers off the sides continues with the recycled paling fence theme except for the superstructure which has been made with treated pine. The superstructure will probably need more bracing when I fit the sprays and shade cloth.

Variations in the dimensions of the old fence timbers, combined with warping poses a few challenges in keeping the structure square. The inevitable compromises might be seen as rustic charm depending on your perspective. The bench support is almost certainly over-engineered; the size of the timber being dictated by availability. Certainly they won't blow away easily. The bench tops made from palings are easily detached and can be replaced as they rot over a period of years. From experience with other benches I have made, I expect at least 5 years from the bench tops and much longer for the base.

1 Original.jpg

2 Enhanced.jpg

3 Support frame.jpg

I find it very satisfying to recycle and I think the weathered grey of the timber looks attractive - perhaps as the builder, I would say that! Certainly it is a very economical approach to bonsai benches, discounting the labor cost of course!

[Watto]

Love it. I think its great.