How to make a bench from boards. Do-it-yourself garden bench with backrest: drawings and photos of successful designs

Garden benches are the most popular small architectural forms. They can be made in any size and design, but in addition to their direct purpose, benches also perform a decorative function. You can make a garden bench for yourself using our drawings and photographs.

How to make a bench from waste materials

The easiest way is to make a bench out of wood. This traditional material For garden furniture, affordable and easy to process. But even in this case, you can save money by choosing as the main material the one that literally lies under your feet.

The first option is trees, poles and stumps from your own site or a nearby forest plantation, in which sanitary felling is carried out.

Having carefully cut off a couple of medium-sized stumps, they can be placed on the base of the bench. Use poles to make a bottom crossbar for structural rigidity. And for sitting, loosen part of the trunk on the circular. If there is no equipment for longitudinal sawing, then you can take an unedged board 75 mm thick.

In this example, the bench is already more comfortable - in addition to the seat, it also has a backrest. The model is a little more complicated, since you will have to find a higher part of the trunk and process it in two steps - first make a profile cut with a “ledge”, and then split the workpiece into two halves.

And to assemble the next bench, you will need:

  • two short logs of the same diameter for the base;
  • two medium-thick poles for back support;
  • one long log, sawn into two halves (for the seat and back).

In short logs, you need to choose a groove so that the long log fits into it. Then the seat is secured in the grooves, and each pole is fixed at two points - to the base and to the seat. For fastening, it is better to choose powerful self-tapping wood bolts.

Another budget material for a country bench is pallets ( wooden pallets). But not just any pallet is suitable for making garden furniture. Ideally, you need one from a good edged boards, the so-called Euro pallet, which can be identified by the EUR marking.

Basically, standard width The euro pallet is somewhat large for the seat - 80 cm. You can shorten it to 67 cm by cutting it along the contour of the central bar. But you don’t have to do this. Here are some examples simple designs With different options bases and seats:

1. A bench made of four pallets, uncut to width. Three serve as the base, and the fourth serves as the back. You will have to remove some of the support bars from the pallet for the backrest, and ensure the rigidity of the bench using wooden slats.

2. In this case, four pallets are also used, but already trimmed. Three ropes woven with a braid are used to secure the backrest, and wallpaper nails are used for decoration.

3. This bench is made from just two pallets. One is whole, and the second is cut and, as it were, bent at an angle - it serves as both a seat and a backrest. The design is good for its mobility - there are small wheels as legs.

Perhaps the only inconvenience of using Euro pallets as a source material is standard sizes 80x120 cm. They to some extent limit the possibilities for creativity. The use of ordinary lumber (boards, beams and beams) allows you to make a garden bench to suit every taste.

Board and block

It’s worth saying right away that any bench drawing can be adjusted for specific conditions. The only limitation is that the thickness of the board and the cross-section of the beam are sufficient to provide load-bearing properties.

Below is a drawing of a bench, which is made of only three “paired” elements:

  • seat and back;
  • a short support (back leg) made of a trapezoid-shaped board;
  • long support (front leg).

1- front leg; 2 - rear leg; 3 - seat; 4 - back; 5 - front view; 6 - side view

The result is a stable structure with a triangle at the base and two transverse stiffeners.

This is what this bench looks like in real life.

This drawing shows the bench in a more complex design. To make it, you need a 40x140 mm board (supports, back and seat), a 40x70 mm block (short bundles of supports) and a 20 mm board (long bundle between the sidewalls).

And this is the same design, but using a board and a block 75 mm thick. Small differences in the base and attachment of the ligaments are not fundamental.

In principle, there is only one condition - the boards in the seat are fastened with a small gap, sufficient to compensate for the expansion of the wood under high humidity.

Large forms

Wooden benches in a “large format” look original.

For example, here is a “thick” unedged board across the entire width of the log. Covered with clear varnish, it conveys natural beauty wood with all color transitions.

From rounded logs you can build not only a cottage or a bathhouse, but also a garden bench like this.

And from timber you can assemble original chair, capable of serving not only under a canopy, but also on outdoors— removable pillows are easy to bring into the house in bad weather.

Stone and wood

Stone, like wood, also fits organically into the landscape suburban area. Of course, a smooth slab is practically never found in nature, but you can use sawn stone.

The next option is easier to implement - the bench is made of small blocks wild stone. And since such a surface is not only cold, but also uneven, you can’t do without pillows.

Pillows add comfort, but you have to constantly bring them in and out. That is why wood is used for seats on garden benches, regardless of the base material. Like this one original bench, at the base of which a gabion is used (a mesh cage filled with stone, crushed stone or pebbles).

Concrete is no less popular for making the base of a bench. But it’s difficult to make a form with a complex contour for pouring at once, but small formwork is simple. And even a “cold seam” when poured in two steps will not affect the strength of the structure (such as in this photo).

Another option artificial stone– hollow construction concrete blocks. It is enough to fasten them together with good masonry glue, and lay a beam in the cavity, and the bench is ready.

Metal and wood

The simplest benches in design metal frame use a square profile.

Can be welded from profile pipe two sidewalls in the form of the letter “H”, and a solid wooden seat will also serve as a “stiffening rib”.

The following example also uses solid wood as a stiffening element, but the supports are made in the form of a square with a cross member for attaching the seat.

And this is the simplest self-supporting structure made of a square profile, the strength and rigidity of the welded base is sufficient for the seat to be made from a wooden block.

The following photo shows a factory-made bench.

But if you have a pipe bender in your home workshop (and it’s easy to make one with your own hands), then bend two types of arches and a “wave” from round pipe Just. Then the metal blanks must be welded, plastic plugs must be placed on the legs (sold for any profile and pipe size) and the bars must be secured to the “wave”.

Garden furniture items are necessary to create a place to relax at your own discretion in your summer cottage. Photos of benches in the garden look attractive. Any craftsman can make such furniture himself.

First, you will need to decide on the choice of material for the future product and select a suitable design solution.

Materials for work

A garden bench can be made from various materials. Each of them has its own advantages.

Plastic bench

This piece of furniture has many advantages. Plastic products affordable, they do not require special care, they are easy to disassemble and assemble. Today plastic is presented in a rich range of colors.


However, there are also disadvantages. A plastic item looks cheaper than a wooden item. Under the influence of direct sun rays it fades quickly, and its surface can become deformed.

Wood for garden furniture

To make original benches for a summer residence, craftsmen often use wood. Wood is easy to process, the material looks noble, and installation does not take much time.

The main requirements are the absence of defects and good drying.

Stone products

The naturalness of the material - its undeniable dignity, it attracts with its natural beauty. IN finished products it looks luxurious and stylish.

Items from natural stone easy to make with your own hands. However, the material has not only advantages, but also disadvantages:

  • Sitting on a cold stone is harmful to your health.
  • Installation of the bench is carried out exclusively permanently.

What about metal?

Metal benches are an excellent decoration for a recreation area. Way cold forging, like the hot forging method, allows you to create beautiful designs.

In addition, metal combines perfectly with glass or wood.

What should the ideal shop be like?

Among all the requirements, the main ones can be identified:

  • Comfort. It is necessary that the bench be ergonomic. A bench with a back is a good option.
  • The product must cope with serious loads. The master needs to choose exclusively quality materials and accessories.


Structural features of the bench

A summer resident who wants to improve the landscape around the house should know how to make a bench with his own hands. You must first determine the dimensions.


Dimensions – 1.5 mx0.4 m, height – 0.45 m (seat) and 900 m (back). The back is made at an angle of 18 or 20 degrees. It is important to complete the drawings of the bench correctly, then the work will not be a problem.

The master will need to prepare the following:

  • Primer, varnish;
  • Special sandpaper for wood;
  • Screwdriver;
  • Electric planer;
  • Jigsaw;
  • Self-tapping screws 40X40;
  • Blanks for front and rear legs, as well as for backrest holders;
  • Wooden boards with dimensions 1500X150 and thickness from 35 mm to 40 mm.

Making a wooden structure with your own hands

It’s good when you can find boards with the required dimensions on the market.

When suitable option It wasn’t available on the construction market; the craftsman will have to arm himself with a jigsaw to cut the material himself. A miter saw will help speed up the process.

Note!

Finished workpieces must be processed. The surface of the boards for the backrest and seat needs to be sanded. The ends are processed using an electric planer; the best option is to make them with a rounded shape.

Next stage– give the required angle of inclination, in this case we are talking about the rear legs of the bench. These elements serve as a frame. Markings are applied to the prepared parts.

We measure the height - 0.4 m. It is necessary to make a cut equal to 20 degrees to form an angle of inclination. The distance between the legs of the bench in front and behind should be 0.28 m. A beam with a size of 0.5 m connects the legs. It is better when the strapping is done not only from above, but also from below.

The sides are connected as soon as the assembly of the main parts is completed. The boards are fastened with self-tapping screws to the strapping bars, which are located on top. Gaps are left between the workpieces to drain moisture.

When installing the backrest, the board that goes first is attached at a distance of 0.2 m from the seat, and the second - 0.38 m.

Note!

You can start finishing coating products. For this purpose, impregnation with varnish for external use is used. Such funds will help ensure reliable protection from any harmful actions from the outside.

How to create a metal structure?

The craftsman can create a comfortable place for a relaxation area using cold forging techniques. It is better to start with models that have angular shapes; they are easier to manufacture.

Detailed instructions

We decide on the dimensions (length - 1.5 m, height - 0.8 or 0.9 m, width - 0.4 or 0.5 m).

We make blanks for the frame from cut pipes. You will need to prepare 2 pieces with dimensions of 0.4 m and 2 more fragments of 1.5 m each. We connect these parts into a rectangle and weld them. To make the structure more durable, we weld 2 stiffeners.

To make blanks for the legs, metal pipe cut into 4 parts, the length of each should be 0.4 m. The blanks are attached to the corners of the bench. To strengthen the legs, additional stiffening ribs are installed.

Note!

To make the back you will need 2 blanks. The length of one should be 1.5 m, and the other – 0.44 mm. We weld the blanks for the back together and weld them to the seat. We must not forget about the angle of inclination. For rest to be comfortable, it must be at least 15 or 20 degrees.

The back can also be strengthened with stiffening ribs.

On last stage The seams are cleaned. The surface of the frame is coated with a primer.

If you plan to make a product with shaped elements, then completing such a task will require more time.

DIY bench photo

A bench is simply necessary in a country house or garden. Its main purpose is a place to relax. Anyone who knows how to work should also be able to rest. Some people simply install a bench, while others create an interesting corner that will certainly invite you to have a good rest. You can simply relax, or you can simply enjoy the surrounding nature and the results of your work. There are many ideas worth considering. Of particular interest are ordinary designs that can be repeated by anyone familiar with wood and owning a primitive set of tools.

Everyone can imagine what the most ordinary bench looks like, but not everyone likes simplicity and most opt ​​for original solutions. Everyone wants to have something that, for example, a neighbor in the country does not have. Almost all summer residents start by decorating their summer cottage or garden plot, and there are also many options here. Alternatively, you can start designing the area by installing a bench, having previously decided on a resting place. After all, a place of rest is not needed later, it is needed now. Therefore, the design of this place should be tackled at the first stages of the process of decorating a summer cottage or personal plot, and only then proceed to the design of the rest of the territory.

As a rule, summer residents are very keen on growing various green spaces and flowers. Especially, there are a lot of them near buildings. Alternatively, you can combine plantings with a recreation area by installing a bench not far from the dacha. In this case, everything will look organic: green spaces, flower beds, and an original bench.


Two flower beds made of boards and a bench between them

There are a huge number of options: from the simplest to the most sophisticated. The simplest option may consist of two wooden boxes, in which flowers are planted, and two boards built between these boxes. The boards must be planed and well sanded. This structure can be placed directly next to the wall of the dacha. You can attach a couple of the same planed boards to the wall, which will serve as a kind of backrest. Instead of wooden boxes, you can install concrete cabinets, which can last much longer than wooden elements.


It is very simple to build such a structure, and most importantly quickly. As for the boards, you can buy them ready-made or make them to size yourself using untreated boards. But in this case, you will have to work hard, but the bench will not cost anything, and the result will definitely please you. If concrete flowerpots are used, the boards can be secured using metal corners. The only problem is the difficulty of drilling holes in concrete. Under no circumstances should you use a hammer drill, as a flowerpot, even a concrete one, will easily split, especially if it is made independently.


You can not fasten the boards, but instead of the boards put a huge log, which does not need to be fastened if it is installed correctly.

As mentioned above, there are many options, and they are created based on real possibilities, which the owner of the dacha has at his disposal. Alternatively, you can simply install a bench for relaxation away from flowers and green spaces. After all, it’s no secret that various insects hide in flowers and between the leaves of plants, which in no way encourage rest, but, on the contrary, force you to leave behind the worst memories of your holiday.


As a bench, you can use hollow blocks, into the voids of which treated boards are simply inserted, which can serve as seats.


To make sitting comfortable, the sharp corners of the blocks should be rounded. It's good if these blocks turn out to be heavy and large. If the blocks are small, then they can be pinned together into one piece.

Log bench

The site can be decorated in any style, but almost everyone moves away from standard approaches solving the problem. Everyone wants to have something of their own. But not everyone knows that what is new is an improvement on the old. As an option for a new, but somewhat improved old one, this is the option of using a log as a bench. You can use a log as a seat large diameter, sawn lengthwise. A log of smaller diameter, also sawn lengthwise, is used as a backrest. Or a trunk with a smaller diameter, but cut closer to the edge. Narrow sections of logs are used as legs.


Log bench - quick and easy

The legs and seats are connected to each other using metal pins. Holes of slightly smaller diameter are drilled for the pins. The pins must fit into the holes with force. In this case, half of the pin is driven in by hitting the pin, and the other half is driven in by hitting the wood. As a rule, they do not hit the wood itself, since marks from the hammer may remain, but with the help of a wooden point. Such a connection must be reliable, although there are many mounting options.


In the photo just above, you can see another option, in the “ethnic” style. Its organization is associated with the presence of stone, although this option is quite feasible if there is a log. A fairly thick log is used as a seat, and a part of a large diameter log is used as legs. In one and the other part of the deck, grooves are cut out for the seat. An ax or grinder is used as a tool. Alternatively, you can use a chainsaw. These are not post-Soviet “Friendships” or “Urals”, which have significant weight, and are, perhaps, convenient for felling pine trees in Siberia. If you take the Calm chainsaw into service, then with its help you can make even lesser works of art.

It is possible to make a table from logs, which is simply necessary in the country. In the photo you can see the results of such actions. The tabletop is made of boards, and the rest of the ensemble is made of logs of different diameters.


Table with benches made of logs

The next bench, built in this style, has a completely original design. Here, the legs and armrests are made from branches various thicknesses, and the seat is made of processed, high-quality unedged boards.


Another bench is made in the same style. The only difference is that the boards and branches have the opposite direction. The result is a completely different look. As for execution, no special skill is required. The more careless the final result, the more valuable it is. In any case, this is how others perceive this approach. Most likely, people are tired of imaginary perfection and they prefer handicraft and primitivism.


Wicker back - not seen often

Alternatively, you can organize a rest area around the tree and install a bench.


Relaxation area under a tree

This is not at all difficult if you install a swing and a gazebo nearby. It is better to build a pergola, similar to an arch, above the bench itself. All that is missing for a complete relaxation is a pond, fountain or waterfall.

Benches made of metal and wood

As a rule, no one decided to build a bench out of metal. IN summer period they can heat up to such temperatures that it makes no sense to talk about rest at all. In case of cold weather, the picture is the same. The bench becomes so cold that it is impossible to sit on it. But benches using a combination of metal and wood are the most in demand. As a rule, the frame is made of metal, which ensures high reliability of the structure, and the seat and back are made of wood, which provides a certain comfort.


Bench made of profile pipe

If the design is improved and soft armrests, soft seats and backrests are made, as in the photo, then such a design can compete with the most modern options benches for rest. To make the seats, armrests and backrests soft, just cover suitable material furniture foam rubber. In this style it is possible to build a tabletop.

On a note! When using wood, it is advisable to leave gaps of up to 5 mm between individual elements. This is due to the fact that when humidity changes environment, the sizes of the elements also change.


Stylish benches made of metal and wood

In the process of creating a recreation area, care should be taken to ensure that there is no sharp corners, especially in metal structures. This is very important if you have children. All elements of the ensemble, such as benches, tables, garden chairs, are made from round and square pipes, bending them so as to create smooth transitions.


Table and bench made of pipes and boards

The presence of metal allows you to bend structures of any shape, although this cannot be done so easily and you need a special device. The presence of such capabilities allows you to bend structures in one go, without using other tools, such as a grinder and a welding machine. The main thing is to think through the design down to the smallest detail. If wood is used, then only well-processed wood. Wooden elements should not be allowed to have burrs or chips.

Benches made of boards

The most popular option is benches made of boards. There are quite a lot of execution options. There are even designs that look like sofas. If you put them on soft pillows, then you can lie down.


This garden bench is more like a sofa: if it is of sufficient size, you can lie down

Garden furniture designs, based on a modern approach, are assembled simply. As a rule, they consist of rectangles with partitions made of thinner wood, connected together into one whole.

If you stretch your imagination and put it to work, you can build a work of art from an ordinary bench if, for example, you install wooden wheels instead of legs and armrests.


A bench made of boards with a back and wheels instead of sides - looks interesting

One of the simplest designs country bench consists of one board to which legs are attached in the shape of the letter “X”. Our ancestors built similar shops, although they can still be found today.


Traditional bench design

Using wood, you can build a bench in the shape of the letter “P”. In this design it is very important to ensure reliable fastening seat and legs. This option involves the use of a thick board or timber for reliability. As an option, you can install the board “on edge” for greater rigidity, and for greater reliability it is recommended to fasten it using metal corners.

This photo shows an option where the cut is made at 45 degrees. By using special tool it's not difficult to do. If you connect all the parts, you get an angle of 90 degrees. If the board is thick and the seat does not sag, then the bench will last quite a long time.

In the photo below you can see another option interesting solution, which is characterized by increased reliability. Boards of different lengths are used as legs. The difference in length is the thickness of the board: every second board should be shorter. The structure is connected using nails. Moreover, through one board, the nails are driven either into the board for the seat or into the board for the legs.


Modern style bench

Original solutions

Along with classical approach to the process of making benches, there is also an original one, although to solve such a problem the appropriate materials and tools are required.

For example, you can also build a bench from a large stone if you attach an appropriate wooden platform to it.


Bench made of stone and boards

If bamboo is available, a seat is also made from it, which will take on a more exotic look.


From bamboo, and the whole one

Or a stone.


Sitting in winter will be unpleasant, but beautiful...

It all depends on the flight of fancy. A real owner does not have unnecessary things or materials in his dacha. With a reasonable approach, you can attach any thing, and it will not just lie around in the country or lie like a dead weight in the garage or shed.

How to make a bench: photo reports

Naturally, not every owner has a set of tools for making stone benches, but everyone has minimum set tools for working with wood, especially since these are very simple and affordable tools. Therefore, it makes sense to consider wood structures. Everything that is done with one's own hands is ultimately a source of pride.

Bench without back

The design, although simple, has quite spectacular look due to the material used. The legs are made from timber with rounded edges. As a last resort, such a beam can be prepared independently from round logs of small diameter, trimming them on 4 sides. The result will be the same timber. Therefore, there should be no problems with the construction of the bench. The legs of the bench will be made from this material. To do this, you should lay the cut beams flat (horizontally) one on top of the other. It is this design solution that brings a certain exclusivity to the design.


A simple bench looks interesting due to the material

The bench without backrest is 120 cm long, 45 cm wide and 38 cm high. It is permissible to round the edges of the beam in any way. In order not to strain too much, you can already find a ready-made, profiled beam. Although it will cost much more, it is a pleasure to work with it.

Depending on the size of the bench, it is not difficult to calculate how much timber is required. If you take a beam with a cross-section of 70x70 mm, then with a height of legs of 380 mm, it is enough to place 5 beams on top of each other. We calculate: 45 cm multiplied by 5 pieces. and you get 2.25 m of timber. Since there are 2 legs, there will be 2 times more timber, which means 4.5 meters of timber. A board 40 mm thick and 90 mm wide is used as a seat. Given the width of the bench, you will need 5 boards, 1.5 meters long. If you calculate more accurately, you will need 1.2 m x 5 pcs. = 6 m of board.

At the first stage, boards are cut according to size. In this case, it is necessary to round off all sharp edges. To do this, you can take a plane or just coarse sandpaper and carefully process the boards. In order not to have to do much yourself, there is another option: you can simply negotiate at the sawmill and get a well-processed board, especially since they have all the capabilities for this. All that remains is to take them and coat them with varnish.


Treated boards

After this, they begin to manufacture the legs, for which the beams are cut into identical sections, 45 cm long, after which they are stacked one on top of the other in 5 pieces. The next stage is connecting the legs for stability. In this case, the beams can be fastened with metal pins or using wooden dowels. The distance between the fasteners is 7-10 cm. As a rule, such a connection is made using glue, then the connection is more reliable.


Lines where the pins will be installed

The pin connection requires precise drilling of the holes, otherwise the beams will not be on the same line. For this, it is better to use a template. In addition, the dimensions of the leg elements must be the same, then it will be possible to accurately mark the location for drilling holes. For those who are familiar with drawing, tape measure and pencil, it will not be difficult to do everything correctly.


The pins should be installed in a staggered pattern, so it is necessary to mark with this feature in mind. In the same way, the boards are attached to the legs at the rate of two holes per board.

If you look from a technological point of view, this is not a bad connection option, but it requires some skill and experience in working with wood. The connection stage can be simplified if the bars for the legs are stacked one on top of the other and firmly connected them using a clamp. Then drilling accuracy will be ensured. Alternatively, the beams can be connected using long metal pins and nuts with washers. In this case, it is enough to drill 2-3 holes through.

The seats can be nailed to the legs, which greatly simplifies the entire manufacturing technology of such a bench.


The bench was made by hand. Finishing work remains

When using nails, it is advisable to hide the heads, as they will then rust, which is completely undesirable. To do this, hammer the nails so that the heads are hidden almost 5 mm deep into the wood; for this, you can use a guide. After this, putty is taken, a little sawdust is added to it to match the color, and the recesses are puttied. After complete drying, the areas are thoroughly sanded. sandpaper. So that the place where the nails are driven does not stand out against the general background, they are coated with a suitable varnish.

The technology for varnishing wooden surfaces is quite simple, especially since it is described in detail in the instructions for use.

Bench for a summer house made from broken chairs

If you have two old chairs and don’t have enough imagination to adapt them somewhere, then you can make a bench out of them. Only the same ones and strong enough will do. If they are loose, they will have to be repaired. The chairs are disassembled so that the backs and legs remain. After this, two chairs, or rather what is left of them, are installed side by side and their backs are connected using slats of the appropriate thickness.


Bench made from old chairs

To make the structure rigid, at a height of 20 cm from the floor, the structure is tied with the same slats along the entire perimeter. Subsequently, these slats will serve as a footrest, and if the bottom is sewn up, for example, with plywood, then you can store some things here.


We paint the completed structure

After the structure has been strengthened and sanded, it can be painted. In this case, ordinary paint is suitable, which can hide some flaws in the entire structure and especially in old chairs. All that remains is to cut out a sheet of plywood, lay foam rubber on it and cover it with some fabric. At the same time, one should take into account the fact that the bench will mainly stand outside until the coldest weather. Therefore, it is better to opt for, for example, leatherette. In any case, the material must be moisture resistant.


Finished bench made from strusses

Garden bench chair made from pallets

For a reasonable owner, any material has its own value. Garden furniture can be made from cargo pallets without any problems. Moreover, there is no particular need to disassemble them: the back is made from one pallet, and the seat from the other. All that remains is to think about what to make the armrests and legs from.


This is what should happen

One of the pallets is reinforced with additional bars, which are secured with self-tapping screws.


Strengthening the corners of the pallet

After this, a beam with dimensions of 100x100 mm and an arbitrary length is taken, after which 4 identical sections are cut, up to 80 cm long. They are attached in those places where the reinforcement bars, placed in advance, are located. As a result, legs 20-25 cm long will be sufficient. Self-tapping screws with a length of at least 150 mm are used for fastening. During the work, you need to make sure that the bars are screwed correctly so that you can install legs of the same length.


Screwing the legs-supports for the armrests

If after these steps it is not possible to obtain a completely flat structure, then the legs can be filed at the end if the bench does not sit level.


The legs are screwed

The second pallet is attached to the rear pillars, and on both sides there are boards for the armrests.


Almost done

If there are no such plans, then you can simply carefully process the wooden elements with sandpaper, after which the bench is simply painted with any paint, any color.


Finished product: pallet chair

Working drawings of wooden benches

garden bench- a beautiful element of landscape architecture. With its help, you can create a recreation area on local area. Such structures are built both in production and with your own hands at home. Different materials are used in production, even in some cases they can be constructed from chairs, logs, and other materials that are found in every summer cottage.

Design Features

Benches, unlike other small architectural forms, must correspond not only to style, but also to ergonomics. Therefore, when choosing them, the level of comfort and a single concept are taken into account landscape design.

Since their first appearance in Ancient Egypt many were invented different types benches - from decoration of personal plots to ordinary ergonomic designs. Their variety is just as wide, and in order to organize this assortment, we will divide the designs into three main types:

  • Street benches– a functional design, which is built from practical, reliable materials. They rarely differ in the beauty of their forms and variety of style.
  • Garden designs– openwork benches with forged elements. They perfectly complement the overall landscape design and create a functional space.
  • Designs for a summer residence- differ in variety of species. They are bright accent when forming a suburban area.
All designs can be divided into:
  • stationary - a static element of landscape design;
  • mobile - you can move and install structures in any part of your garden plot, creating a comfortable recreation area.

Based on their location, they can be divided into:

  • front doors - beautiful structures made of forged elements, wood, stone;
  • dining models are comfortable, placed on terraces, not far from the barbecue. They are built from different types of wood;
  • structures that are located near water: a stream, a pond, a fountain. They are built from moisture-resistant materials. Concrete and stone are used;
  • seasonal - mobile structures. Durable, reliable materials are used.

Material of manufacture

The material from which they are built determines not only their location, but also the characteristics of their operation. Depending on the material they are divided:

Wooden- differ in their special aesthetics. They fit well into almost any style of landscape design. Only rot-resistant wood species are used for production. Walnut, cherry, oak, and coniferous species are used. The wood goes through a number of treatments: the material is impregnated with a composition that increases resistance to moisture, and covered with varnish or special moisture-resistant paint.

Stone structures- These are strong, durable models. They will highlight the beauty of garden crops. Granite, quartz or marble are used in construction. Such models are resistant to moisture, frost, and sunlight. They are stationary, massive and mounted in places with high humidity.

Metal– resistant to various damages, they are reliable. For the garden in vintage style choose forged models decorated with different decorative elements. Modernism is emphasized by cast iron structures. A beautiful, elegant wrought-iron chair will fit well into the country style.

Plastic– often used in the production of mobile structures and those installed near bodies of water. Such models may have different colour, decor.

Combined modelsgood combination several materials, such as stone and wood, metal and wood.

Each model is installed depending on the style of the plot and the special preferences of the owner.

Garden benches: types and features

Each country house has an adjacent territory. It can be functional - even beds, bushes, greenhouses, and other garden attributes. Some prefer english lawn, on which the flower beds are located. But there are people who prefer shady gardens.

Regardless of this, in the summer this area turns into a vacation spot. What makes it comfortable is a garden bench that will look harmonious in the landscape design.

How to choose a bench for the garden?

Designers divide the garden area into three main types according to style:

  • regular gardens - created according to geometric laws: smooth paths, strict forms, every bush and flower bed is in its place;
  • rustic or country style - bright flower beds, wooden fence, trees and beds;
  • landscape areas. When creating a style on the site, the natural beauty of the greenery is preserved. Each element, for example, a snag or a fallen branch, is not removed, but is played up with the help of various decorative elements, including benches.

For each garden, several options for garden benches are suitable.

They are selected depending on:
  • garden size;
  • design mobility;
  • the material from which it is made.

For example, for a small garden in rustic style Structures made of wood will look beautiful. In some cases, you can use benches that combine metal and wood. They will emphasize the refined style and become its pleasant additions. Stone models cannot be installed. They will stand out against the backdrop of beautiful greenery and well-kept beds.

In landscaped areas, for example, near blocks of stones that will be beautifully laid out harmoniously, a stone bench will fit in. This can be a model with or without a backrest. Under a hanging willow branch, you can place a small wooden bench, in which there will be no metal parts.

IN formal gardens You can install stone furniture near a fountain or stone statue. It will complement a single style and add zest to it. . Wooden elements will look inappropriate.

Combined: metal and wood

These designs are universal. They are installed not only on a personal plot, if the style allows it, but also on summer terraces, in the barbecue area. Such models are distinguished by a high aesthetic component.

Choose a form and appearance models depending on the goals. Ideal for some cases simple benches without a back, for others it is better to choose a bench with a back and armrests.

Manufacturing methods and options

Such structures are built in factories. The difficulty is that you need to have the tools to create the desired shapes from metal. It is built as a support. The armrests and legs of the structure are made from it. Wood is used for the seat and backrest. It should be a dense type of wood, which is pre-treated with impregnations that protect against rotting:

  • pinelight wood with beautiful texture and color. She only becomes more attractive with age. Disadvantage - easily damaged mechanically;
  • acacia– dense hardwood. It is reliable and can be used as the main material when building a bench, however, with prolonged contact with a wet surface, the color of the wood may change. Therefore, it is better to use it only for arranging the seat and backrest;
  • cedar- expensive material that absorbs moisture. It is the best for street construction. Since after drying it does not crack or deform;
  • teak– the high price of timber does not allow many to use it in the construction of outdoor furniture. However, it has many properties: it does not absorb moisture, does not dry out and is damaged. Over time it gains even greater strength.

Depending on these parameters, the wood for the benches is selected. However, they also consist of metal. His choice is just as important for creating a high-quality and reliable design. All metal parts of the street structure are treated with anti-corrosion agents. The properties of this material and the methods of its finishing affect the aesthetic component of outdoor furniture.

Therefore, the choice of this material is as important as wood:
  • aluminum– a common option for creating the frame of outdoor furniture. It is easy to process, can be cleaned, and is resistant to corrosion;
  • steel– pipes, angles, channels. It is quite flexible compared to other iron alloys, so furniture made from it is very popular. Stainless steel – durable and reliable material. It is resistant to corrosion and has low weight;
  • cast iron– high-quality, reliable material. It is used to create stationary structures that must have a lot of weight.

Each outdoor furniture can have unique design, which depends not only on the choice of materials, but also on the method of finishing:

  • casting- the most common method of metal processing. When using it, you can achieve the creation of the most different forms, patterns. This method is used only in production;
  • powder finish– gives the metal strength and attractiveness. It is more reliable and beautiful than regular paint and protects surfaces from damage. It is impossible to make such a coating at home;
  • forging- a method through which you can create completely unique drawings and patterns. Forged furniture is considered the most beautiful and reliable.

However, to create outdoor furniture for the garden, you can also use old metal objects, for example, a bed. To build such a piece of furniture, you need to leave the bed frame and use wood to make a backrest and seat. Such models will add comfort and uniqueness to your style.

Transformable benches

Transformer benches are functional structures that are used not only to decorate a personal plot, but also to create a comfortable recreation area in it. These models are distinguished by their mobility, they are practical, easy to use - in just a few seconds, by transforming the bench, it turns into a comfortable table with two benches. It is comfortable to sit at it and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

What designs exist:

  • built from natural wood;
  • made of metal and wood - combined models;
  • assembled from metal.

On personal plots structures made of wood or combined models are used. They are ordinary without decoration, but very practical. You can make such a table and benches with your own hands.

DIY making

Before you start building a transforming bench, you need to prepare the material and tools, and draw up a drawing. It can be done using design and calculation programs. You can find them on the Internet or do the calculation yourself.

Choosing material

For manufacturing you will need timber, boards, the choice of species depends on you. This article describes the pros and cons of wood used for benches. The board must be sanded; it is better to check its moisture content using a moisture meter.

Material calculation according to standard drawing

For assembly you need:

  • 4 beams with a section of 90*45*1445 mm;
  • 5 bars 90*32*1480 mm.

To work, you need to prepare the tools you need. And you will need:

  • screwdriver;
  • drill;
  • level;
  • corner;
  • sandpaper for sanding surfaces.

Can do this job better Sander, but if there is none, you can take paper (320). You will also need screws, bolts, and a saw. You also need to purchase paint and varnish materials.

Manufacturing stages

  • We make the legs of the structure. To do this, you need to take the bars and cut them 70 cm long. You need to make 8 identical legs. You need to make oblique cuts on them on both sides in order to obtain the balance of the structure during further installation.
  • A frame for the structure is made. To do this, you will need boards that need to be cut into four sections of 40 cm and the same number of sections of 170 cm. The corners must be made the same.
  • It is necessary to strengthen the frame, for this you will need to nail a wooden beam in increments of 50 cm. This way, the structure will be separated and the bench will be protected from deformation.
  • The legs are attached to the seats at a distance of 10 cm from the corners. It is important to make connections of high quality and reliable. This is done using bolts.
  • A rectangle of 70*170 cm is created from the timber, which will be connected inside additional material to ensure reliability.
  • All made elements of the transformer are collected. The work is complex and responsible.
  • You need to cut two bars 40 cm long. They are needed for fastening between the bench and the shield.
  • We cut two more beams, 110 cm long. They are used for the back. They are connected with self-tapping screws.
  • The frame is assembled, only then it is sheathed with outside tree.

To protect the material from moisture, you need to cover it with stain and then with a water-repellent varnish. It dries in 36 hours, so after work you can’t use the bench for several days. Such designs with proper care serve for about 20 years. Over time, the frame can be replaced with metal, which will increase its service life.

Custom benches

These structures are installed not only on personal plots, but also inside the house, in gazebos. Not only the design, but also the materials used to assemble the structure depend on the location.

Bench in the bathhouse: features

During the construction of baths, only reliable materials are washed. This is a tree that is under the influence high temperature, humidity will not be subject to deformation and will not change its color. For such models take:

  • linden. It is easy to process, does not crack over time, dries quickly and heats up slowly. Minus - over time the board darkens;
  • aspen- has medicinal properties, but with prolonged use it loses its beauty;
  • abashi. This wood has a porous structure, it does not heat up quickly, and retains its original appearance for a long time.

Benches in the bathhouse are stationary structures. Their location is thought out at the sauna design stage. They must have a certain height and width so that a person can comfortably fit on them.

They are built in several types:
  • L-shaped - for medium-sized steam rooms;
  • straight – mounted in small steam rooms;
  • U-shaped for large rooms.
  • benches are being built in uniform style. If, for example, it is country, then the benches can be built in combination with metal or exclusively from wood. Designs made from old furniture or objects. As a support, you can use wheels from a wheelbarrow or ordinary hemp, beautifully carved. Models with carved elements, decorated with soft pillows in bright colors, look attractive. Artificially aged bars, which are used as seats, will add charm and comfort;
  • rustic style - only wood is used, and it can be aged or use bars that have been standing in the yard for a long time. They will be the best base for benches. Metal and plastic are not welcome in this style. The furniture should be massive and of good quality. Can be applied decorative ornaments as capes;
  • Scandinavian style involves the use of many warm and soft objects. The benches built for the gazebo are large, they are stationary with wide seats and high backs. To make such furniture attractive, soft pillows are added, which are sewn to order to fit the size of the furniture.

Furniture made of stone or iron is rarely installed in gazebos.

In the hallway: a home with a soul

Arranging a hallway is just as important as choosing furniture for other rooms in the house. After all, this room is business card any home.

What to pay attention to:

For this room, models made from different materials are purchased:
  • plastic- models are combined with other materials: wood, chipboard or fiberboard. They are rarely used to build furniture for hallways, only if the interior allows it to fit into it. Plastic can have different colors and shapes. Plastic benches are easy to clean and transport;
  • tree– durable, reliable designs. Due to its dense structure, wood does not absorb moisture, under the influence solar radiation does not dry out. Wood is used to make furniture coniferous species, aspen, alder, oak. Such models may have carved drawing on legs, armrests or headboard. The wood is painted with tinting varnish to preserve the texture of the material;
  • MDF and chipboard– used in the construction of furniture. Such designs are equipped drawers or it may occupy the entire space under the product. This material is used for the construction of furniture for the living room and bedroom. It can have different colors and is covered with a laminated film, which increases moisture resistance;
  • forged– not suitable for all hallways. So that it does not overload this room, such structures are built small. They perform only their main function - you can sit comfortably on it. Furniture can have a backrest or be built with beautiful patterned armrests;
  • wickerbeautiful models. They are inferior in strength to their counterparts, but their beauty minimizes this drawback. Such structures are built both with and without a box for small items;
  • combined– wood and metal are used. Such designs are practical and reliable. The frame of the structure is built from metal, and the parts on which people sit or support their back are made of wood.

When choosing benches for a room, you don’t have to be so strict about the material and its ability to withstand sudden temperature changes.

Children's

Children's furniture is built taking into account the standards set by our government. Therefore, the choice of material and paint is subject to high requirements, prescribed in SPIPs. Used for the construction of benches natural materials or plastic that does not contain harmful impurities.

Types of children's benches depending on their location:

for the street - wood and metal are used. The legs are made of steel, which is processed to improve its properties and resistance to moisture. Such designs do not have a back; rare models may have armrests. Top part It is built from wood, and all parts of the metal frame are covered with it to cover all sharp corners. Such models are decorated with multi-colored paint, which covers all components of the product;

benches made of wood are installed for kindergartens and playgrounds. Such designs are most suitable for children. They do not contain harmful substances, there are no sharp corners or joints that could injure a child. Benches may be installed in locker rooms, the height of which does not reach half a meter. They are mobile and easily move around the room;

plastic structures are installed for private playgrounds. They are distinguished by a variety of patterns and colors. They can be made in the shape of your favorite animals or cartoon characters. The benches are light and reliable. The back can be made in the shape of the sun, caterpillar, butterfly. An integral component is the variety of colors.

Often such structures can be combined with a table or canopy. If a bench is being made for a children's public playground, you need to take into account all the rules established by the government. To build a children's structure in a private house, you can use plastic models.

Corner bench for garden, home, kitchen

Benches are built from different materials: stone, metal, plastic, wood. Among the variety of shapes and types of benches, they look especially interesting corner models. They are compact, but more spacious and beautiful. You can design many types of corner benches:

  • transformable corner bench - this model consists of straight sections small size, which, if necessary, can be rearranged, while adjusting the structure to the conditions of another space;
  • In your garden plot you can find many places that can be used to create a comfortable place to relax. A simple corner bench placed against the wall is easy to install and does not require the use of calculation programs. To assemble it, you need to prepare a frame, a tree that will serve as a seat. It is installed near a free wall, which is covered with clapboard;
  • corner benches made of natural stone. Such structures are installed on personal plots. They are reliable, distinguished by the absence of a back and decor. Such models are manufactured in factories;
  • corner bench with table. The design has benches located between the table. It may be a little larger and taller, or have a different color. This will only give the composition a unique look.

Such models are built from wood, rarely when steel can be used as a frame. For beauty, they are decorated with various decorative elements. If this wooden structures, then the decor can be carved elements made on the legs of the models, the headboard.

Garden benches are the most popular small architectural forms. They can be made in any size and design, but in addition to their direct purpose, benches also perform a decorative function. You can make a garden bench for yourself using our drawings and photographs.

How to make a bench from waste materials

If the design is combined, then beautiful forging is done; it can be done on the back or armrests.

The first option is trees, poles and stumps from your own site or a nearby forest plantation, in which sanitary felling is carried out.

The easiest way is to make a bench out of wood. This is a traditional material for garden furniture, affordable and easy to process. But even in this case, you can save money by choosing as the main material the one that literally lies under your feet.

In this example, the bench is already more comfortable - in addition to the seat, it also has a backrest. The model is a little more complicated, since you will have to find a higher part of the trunk and process it in two steps - first make a profile cut with a “ledge”, and then split the workpiece into two halves.

And to assemble the next bench, you will need:

  • two short logs of the same diameter for the base;
  • two medium-thick poles for back support;
  • one long log, sawn into two halves (for the seat and back).

In short logs, you need to choose a groove so that the long log fits into it. Then the seat is secured in the grooves, and each pole is fixed at two points - to the base and to the seat. For fastening, it is better to choose powerful self-tapping wood bolts.

Another budget material for a country bench is pallets (wooden pallets). But not just any pallet is suitable for making garden furniture. Ideally, you need a good edged board, a so-called Euro pallet, which can be identified by the EUR marking.

In principle, the standard width of a Euro pallet is somewhat large for a seat - 80 cm. You can shorten it to 67 cm by cutting it along the contour of the central bar. But you don’t have to do this. Here are some examples of simple designs with different base and seat options:

1. A bench made of four pallets, uncut to width. Three serve as the base, and the fourth serves as the back. You will have to remove some of the support bars from the pallet for the backrest, and ensure the rigidity of the bench using wooden slats.

2. In this case, four pallets are also used, but already trimmed. Three ropes woven with a braid are used to secure the backrest, and wallpaper nails are used for decoration.

3. This bench is made from just two pallets. One is whole, and the second is cut and, as it were, bent at an angle - it serves as both a seat and a backrest. The design is good for its mobility - there are small wheels as legs.

Perhaps the only inconvenience of using Euro pallets as a source material is the standard dimensions of 80x120 cm. They to some extent limit the possibilities for creativity. The use of ordinary lumber (boards, beams and beams) allows you to make a garden bench to suit every taste.

Board and block

It’s worth saying right away that any bench drawing can be adjusted for specific conditions. The only limitation is that the thickness of the board and the cross-section of the beam are sufficient to provide load-bearing properties.

Below is a drawing of a bench, which is made of only three “paired” elements:

  • seat and back;
  • a short support (back leg) made of a trapezoid-shaped board;
  • long support (front leg).

1- front leg; 2 - rear leg; 3 - seat; 4 - back; 5 - front view; 6 - side view

The result is a stable structure with a triangle at the base and two transverse stiffeners.

This is what this bench looks like in real life.

This drawing shows the bench in a more complex design. To make it, you need a 40x140 mm board (supports, back and seat), a 40x70 mm block (short bundles of supports) and a 20 mm board (long bundle between the sidewalls).

And this is the same design, but using a board and a block 75 mm thick. Small differences in the base and attachment of the ligaments are not fundamental.

In principle, there is only one condition - the boards in the seat are fastened with a small gap, sufficient to compensate for the expansion of the wood under high humidity.

Large forms

Wooden benches in a “large format” look original.

For example, here is a “thick” unedged board across the entire width of the log. Covered with transparent varnish, it conveys the natural beauty of wood with all its color transitions.

From rounded logs you can build not only a cottage or a bathhouse, but also a garden bench like this.

And from timber you can assemble an original chair that can serve not only under a canopy, but also in the open air - removable cushions can be easily brought into the house in bad weather.

Stone and wood

Stone, like wood, also fits organically into the landscape of a suburban area. Of course, a smooth slab is practically never found in nature, but you can use sawn stone.

The next option is easier to implement - the bench is made of small blocks of wild stone. And since such a surface is not only cold, but also uneven, you can’t do without pillows.

Pillows add comfort, but you have to constantly bring them in and out. That is why wood is used for seats on garden benches, regardless of the base material. This is how this original bench uses a gabion (a mesh cage filled with stone, crushed stone or pebbles) at the base.

Concrete is no less popular for making the base of a bench. But it’s difficult to make a form with a complex contour for pouring at once, but small formwork is simple. And even a “cold seam” when poured in two steps will not affect the strength of the structure (such as in this photo).

Another option for artificial stone is hollow concrete building blocks. It is enough to fasten them together with good masonry glue, and lay a beam in the cavity, and the bench is ready.

Metal and wood

The simplest benches on a metal frame use a square profile.

You can weld two sidewalls in the shape of the letter “H” from a profile pipe, and a solid wooden seat will also serve as a “stiffener.”

The following example also uses solid wood as a stiffening element, but the supports are made in the form of a square with a cross member for attaching the seat.

And this is the simplest self-supporting structure made of a square profile, the strength and rigidity of the welded base is sufficient for the seat to be made from a wooden block.

The following photo shows a factory-made bench.

But if you have a pipe bender in your home workshop (and it’s easy to make one yourself), then bending two types of arches and a “wave” from a round pipe is easy. Then the metal blanks must be welded, plastic plugs must be placed on the legs (sold for any profile and pipe size) and the bars must be secured to the “wave”.