This photograph shows my second rustic cedar bench. The bench design has a little history,
at two levels.
This photograph shows my second rustic cedar bench. The bench design has a little history,
at two levels.
First level: My first bench was for our homeowner's association, for our local cemetery. In North Carolina many new communities are built on old farmland. Most rural farms had a family plot "outback". As such land was developed the "family" plots were usually left as is. This was the case in our development. Some 6 years ago I was commissioned to make a rustic cedar bench, from local Eastern Red Cedar tree trunks, for the cemetery. I tried to construct sometime that I think might have been in this family plot circa 1890. In our cemetery the remaining headstones date from 1890 to 1913 and show only two family names. There are cedar tree trunk fence posts still standing. Based on the headstone dates, I estimate the posts at over 100 years old.
Second level: Ever since my first rustic bench, my wife has often mentioned, "Why don't we have a bench like that in our backyard?" Well, two months ago I finally got to make another bench! The photo above shows the bench.
The "design" is more a set of photos showing components. My second bench used a simplified design from the first bench. The initial bench is set in a public area and made to withstand possible abuse. It also has hollow leg bottoms with connecting bolts that attach to anchors set into poured concrete footings. I didn't think these features were needed for a bench in a private backyard.
For the bench I used Eastern Red Cedar tree trunks. Other species of cedar would be appropriate as well. I really don't know of any commercial sources of such wood. During home site clearing here I was always on the look out for dead cedar trees. All you really want is the red heartwood, with that beautiful smell. Over a few years I collected a fair amount but our development is now fully developed.
For a small bench, the seating area is comfortable for two at about 44" wide, you need the following type wood:
If my method to split logs for the seat and back slats appears too complex or dangerous, commercial Western Cedar boards could be used.
I use a small chain saw to cut the legs, arms, braces, seat and back supports. For the seat and back pieces I split the smaller diameter wood with a circular saw that has a maximum cut depth of 2 1/4". I use a handsaw and chisels for making the notches and also to finish the splitting, if necessary. Finally, one back support needs a tenon and mortise fit that I constructed using hole saws and a good hand drill. So some of the work is ugly in comparison to my usual woodworking efforts. But that is one of the things that make it "fun" to construct.
The rough plan drawings and photos have comments that give you some indication of how I constructed the bench. However, the information is more a guide then a detailed plan. Since each raw log is different and you want to preserve any unique trunk character, there is no right or wrong way to cut the wood. Look closely at the left arm piece in the photo above, it had some wonderful dimples that I preserved and positioned so that you can feel that area as you sit on the bench.
To download the plan files and photos use the link Free Rustic Cedar Bench Plans zip file This is a zip file (about 2.3 Megs) containing a Word Document and numerous jpg files. The word doc should be looked at first as it lists the photos as well as describes the building of a rustic bench. When you click on this link a download window should open to let you control where the file will be stored on your computer.
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Page last modified April 14, 2007
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