Browse Forums Outdoor Living 1 Oct 13, 2010 1:27 am Hi All, I am posting this question here with regards to a bench seat/day bed I wish to build to hide an ugly retaining wall. I have already posted this question on a woodworking forum, but I am just trying to get as many opinions as possible so I'm posting the question here too Below is the post I made on the other site; --------------------------------------------- I am resurrecting this thread as I am about to attempt my bench/daybed build and need lots of advice and guidance. An updated image of the area we are building the bench on is as follows. The top layer of the concrete retaining wall will be removed; http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy298/mypatio_photos/IMG_2960Medium.jpg An example of the design we hope to end up with can be seen below. We will differ from this a little (ie. probably won't have sloping areas on the bench as seen in far right of image); http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy298/mypatio_photos/Bench4-1.jpg Lastly, I am need of help and advice on how to construct the frame for this beast. I have ideas on how it will go, and have whipped up a quick image in paint to give a basic impression of what I want. This is as follows; http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy298/mypatio_photos/bench-framework.jpg The questions I'd like to start with are; - Is treated pine likely to be OK for the framework? If not, what alternative would you suggest, and could you suggest a place to source it in Perth? - What size post would be best at the front of the bench? - How frequently should I be spacing the posts given the size of those concrete U shaped things are approx 900mm? - What size bearers would be suitable? - I already have Batu decking in the shed to clad the seat. Would you recommend 316 grade stainless 10Gx50mm screws for the decking timber to the frame (as suggested by this thread - Decking Screws)? Any ideas are much appreciated. I'll keep this thread going with progress pics as things progress. Thanks heaps, Chris Re: Advice on building a bench seat 2Oct 20, 2010 11:32 pm OK, I've done a bit of research on this, and I'm not too fond of the idea of treated pine due to the size of the bearers required and also people suggesting that they might warp. What do you think about using steel? Could you use patio tube 90x90mm posts and 76x38mm joists (and maybe bearers...if not, any suggestions)?? If I was to use steel, should I still be looking at the stainless steel screws? Any opinions are much appreciated. Thanks, Chris Re: Advice on building a bench seat 3Oct 21, 2010 6:12 am As long as it's done correctly building the frame in TP will be fine. Some useful links.. http://www.thelogfactory.com.au http://www.thelogfactory.com.au/pergola ... spans.aspx http://www.blocklayer.com/ Re: Advice on building a bench seat 5Oct 28, 2011 2:17 am Laila, I LOVE your optimism! It is now largely underway, but I still have a bit of work to do, and the design changed a little since the last update. My wife has a couple around somewhere, I'll try and get an update and then post more when it is all complete. Re: Advice on building a bench seat 6Nov 15, 2011 12:27 am Hi, Here are the promised progress shots. I'm embarrassed at how long this has taken to get this far. The pics below show the bench/day bed from each end. The gap in the middle is now reserved for a built in BBQ. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ other end; Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ slightly closer up; Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ I'll post more when it's all done Re: Advice on building a bench seat 8Nov 15, 2011 1:19 am Well done chris. you've done an excellent job. Accessible Carpentry & Cabinets accessiblecarpentry@gmail.com accessiblecarpentry.com.au https://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessible-Carpentry-Cabinets/583314911709039 Re: Advice on building a bench seat 9Nov 15, 2011 11:16 am Its looking fantastic! And such a good use on what used to be a retaining wall! I'm going through a back yard renovation myself so understand how progress does not always go as quickly as one likes. Hopefully ours will be ready in time for Christmas.. Re: Advice on building a bench seat 11Nov 15, 2011 11:58 pm Thanks for all the comments, and a special thanks to Chippy for all your input and verification of the design. deb, good luck with your bench. I think it is a useful way to hide the wall and make a useful space as well. I'm looking forward to summer and being able to use the space more often. Hi - thanks for your reply. Yes I think 'Ill go for whitish with very speckly bits rather than pure white something like this. PS was actually 2008 I built the… 2 8671 Building Standards; Getting It Right! These can be easily filled and repaired and it doesn't cost them much to do. Id get the builder to do this first and if the repair is not suitable then a replacement is… 12 29207 Thanks Ardo, they are sort of semi concealed. I think it is only a few millimetres. I see if they can adjust the hinges. 4 2433 |