Repairing Guides

how to repair wooden bench

by Dereck Wilderman Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Take the Seat Off. Visually inspect the bench and decide which pieces need to be replaced. ...
  2. Repair or Replace. If the boards that you have taken off simply need repair and are reusable, then do so now. ...
  3. Attach the Wood. After the boards have been sanded and stained, set them into place on the bench and secure with screws or bolts.
  4. Optional Cushioned Seat. If your bench seat is one of those that has a covered cushion, then you need to take it off before repairing any of the ...

Part of a video titled I ALMOST THREW IT AWAY! Park Bench Restoration.
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This'll bench already had most of the wood taken off of it. So I just started by blowing off all theMoreThis'll bench already had most of the wood taken off of it. So I just started by blowing off all the dirt I could with my air hose. Then I laid all the pieces out on my bench.

How do I fix a rotted wood bench?

You will start by taking your bench apart. You will want to label and put the screws/bolts into separate bags/containers for later. Remove the slates from the bench. Sand the slats down to get any loose paint off the boards. Inspect the boards for rot.

How do you fill cracks in a wood bench?

Fit and glue wedges into all the cracks at the same time and then sand the bench. If possible, use the same species of wood the bench is made from to make the dutchman wedges. It's acceptable to use a small amount of wood putty if you have hairline cracks where the wedge didn't quite fill.

How do you fix a peeling paint job on a bench?

Remove the slates from the bench. Sand the slats down to get any loose paint off the boards. Inspect the boards for rot. If needed, buy new boards to replace any rotten ones (ours were fine).

Can you repair a cracked bench?

If you have a bench around your home you're afraid to sit on because it's cracked, you can repair it. The repair must also stop the crack or split from getting bigger. Benches are often exposed to weather and are prone to cracks. Repair them like a professional by using a technique that involves a dutchman.

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How do you repair an old wooden bench?

0:098:41Garden Bench Restoration - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt was a great project on a beautiful day. The kids used a wire brush to scrub off all the rust onMoreIt was a great project on a beautiful day. The kids used a wire brush to scrub off all the rust on the metal pieces. And then we primed it with a rest stopping primer first.

How do you refurbish an outdoor wooden bench?

How to Restore a Wood Outdoor BenchStep 1: Strip Off the Old Finish. Old, weathered stain or paint can become dull and lifeless, so it's tempting to just cover it. ... Step 2: Sand It. The more thorough you are during the stripping process, the less you'll need to sand. ... Step 3: Stain It. ... Step 4: Apply Sealant.

How do you rebuild a bench?

0:3825:06Rebuilding a Bench using Pallet Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a hacksaw or I've got an inexpensive reciprocating. Saw you're also going to want a dustMoreYou can use a hacksaw or I've got an inexpensive reciprocating. Saw you're also going to want a dust mask and a set of safety goggles.

How do you reinforce a wooden bench?

0:076:05Reinforcing the bench with Gorilla Glue Epoxy & Threaded RodYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this is how i reinforce the bench with some threaded rod and epoxy.MoreSo this is how i reinforce the bench with some threaded rod and epoxy.

How do you restore weathered outdoor wood furniture?

4 Steps To Restore Outdoor Wood FurnitureSand Away Weathered Or Rotted Wood. Your first step is to remove any rot or weathering on the surface of the wood. ... Clean The Furniture Thoroughly. Once you've sanded your wood furniture, clean all the sanding dust off. ... Stain Or Paint The Wood. ... Apply Finish/Sealer.

How do you sand and paint a wooden bench?

How To Refinish A Wood BenchStep 1- Power Washing. The bench was in rough shape. ... Step 2- Sanding Phase 1. You want to start with a low grit sandpaper. ... Step 3- Sanding Phase 2. The second time sanding the bench, I used 100 grit sandpaper. ... Step 4- Sanding Phase 3. ... Step 5- Mineral Spirits. ... Step 6- Paint.

What kind of wood should I use for a bench?

Outdoor benches are most commonly made with pressure treated pine or cedar. The problem with these species is they are soft woods that generally require annual maintenance and application of a water sealer.

How do you brace a wooden bench?

0:471:46How to Stabilize the Bench Balancing a Workbench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what i ended up doing was getting these silicone trivets they're just silicone that you get yourMoreSo what i ended up doing was getting these silicone trivets they're just silicone that you get your kitchen. Store. And i cut them down to shape to be a little larger in the bottom leg.

What wood is used for garden benches?

Hardwood furniture is the most durable. Among the woods commonly used are: teak, courbaril, roble, cumaru, iroko and eucalyptus, all of which contain high levels of natural oils. This makes them weather resistant and able to be left out over winter (if space under cover is at a premium).

How do I stop my bench from sagging?

To prevent sag from occurring, the wood bench needs a support frame under the seat. If we had more composite decking, we could have used that to make the support frame. We didn't, so we ripped a 2×4 down to a 2×2 to use instead.

How do you restore a garden bench?

0:2010:03I ALMOST THREW IT AWAY! Park Bench Restoration. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis'll bench already had most of the wood taken off of it. So I just started by blowing off all theMoreThis'll bench already had most of the wood taken off of it. So I just started by blowing off all the dirt I could with my air hose. Then I laid all the pieces out on my bench. And I used a wire wheel

How do you reinforce wood?

How to make softwood harderClean the wood surface.Mix the Epoxy.Apply Epoxy to the soft wood surface.Drill a hole to harden the wood from the inside.Wait for the Epoxy to dry between layers.Apply more layers.Let the now, hard wood dry and cure.

How do you make weathered wood look new again?

0:502:16How to Restore Severely Weathered Wood with RESTORE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to coverMoreYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to cover more area quickly and it'll make my job a lot easier especially along the deck rail.

How do you upcycle a garden bench?

0:249:27Garden Bench Restoration - Upcycling Old Cast Iron - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst I begin by getting the dimensions off the old bench. I then mark all my two by fours to lengthMoreFirst I begin by getting the dimensions off the old bench. I then mark all my two by fours to length and then cut them on the miter. Saw next I move over to the table saw and rip each piece to wit. I.

How do you prepare a wooden bench for painting?

0:010:42How To Paint Wooden Garden Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need paints paint brushes gloves sandpaper Boris under first Sun the surface to make itMoreYou will need paints paint brushes gloves sandpaper Boris under first Sun the surface to make it easier the paint to adhere remove.

How do you strip a wood bench?

0:021:05How to Strip Old Paint from Your Garden Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a palette knife to get where your brush can't reach then give it a really good wash down to getMoreUse a palette knife to get where your brush can't reach then give it a really good wash down to get rid of any leftover paint and stripper once dry you'll be ready to protect.

Step 1: Renovating Steel Frame

What's left of the bench are the steel supports on either side and the steel rod in between them.

Step 2: Design

The spaces in the steel sides tell me that the back part was built with 3 slats and the bottom sitting part contained 5 slats of wood, each one being 60 to 70 mm in width. The total length of the bench could be altered a bit but I decided to keep the wooden parts around 120 mm in length.

Step 3: Cutting Bench Slats

Since I'm cutting a pattern and decreasing the strength of the wood I chose a dense hardwood plywood of 22mm.

Step 4: Finishing Wood

To finish the slats I used a dark colored wood stain. Two layers were applied which was a bit tricky to get it in all the small crevasses. Once everything is nice and dry I finished it up with two rough layers of clear wood lacquer.

Step 5: Assembling Bench

To assemble everything back together I mainly used m8 bolts and nuts which would already fit in the existing frame. The cuts in the wood line up with the holes in the steel frame.

Step 6: Result and Final Thoughts

And voila, the bench is fixed! It sure was nice to restore the cast iron sides to it's former glory and to try something different with the wooden seating. I don't think the pattern and the look of the seating fits the gracious shapes of the sides too well.

How do I paint a metal bench?

Take the legs of the bench (ours were metal) and sand them down with the sand paper to remove any loose paint. Remove any dirt and grime as well. You want a clean dry surface on the legs for the paint.If your bench legs are metal, consider using a metal appropriate paint (I used Rust-oleum).

Can you assemble bolts once paint has dried?

Once the paint has dried for both you can assemble. Why it’s important to label the bolts (and in case this project happens over many weekends).

How much did it cost to refurbish the bench?

If you bought it new, a garden bench like this one would cost $300 to $400. Our total cost was less than $70. Plus we now have a great story about the bench, so that makes it priceless.

How long does it take to sand a wood bench?

Sanding with a belt sander takes about 5 minutes per board.

How to prevent rust on a bench?

Prevent Rust: To avoid rust on the feet, place the bench on stepping stones or another solid surface instead of grass. Prevent Grime: Prevent grass being thrown on the bench from mowing and leaves falling and accumulating on the slats to help keep moisture, grime, and buildup from deteriorating the legs and seat.

What to use to coat wood slats?

Apply a coat of clear weatherproof spar urethane (outdoor poly) to all sides and ends of the wooden slats.

How long does a bench last?

With proper maintenance, your bench should last for many years.

What to do when iron is finished?

Dust and remove all loose particles from the iron when finished.

How to maintain outdoor furniture?

Of course, the easiest way to maintain outdoor furniture is to store it during the winter months so it won't be exposed to the harsh winter weather. If you don't have a place to store it, you can use covers made especially for outdoor use.

How to refinish wood like a pro?

Refinishing wood may seem simple; just buy the stain and apply -- but take it from the furniture makeover experts of Hometalk, much can be done to enhance the staining process. First, make sure you sand the wood- even if you don't see any sort of finish or top coat.

How to restore wood stain?

Naturally Restore Wood. Before grabbing a store bought wood stain, try a natural ingredient. Coco nut oil not only rehydrates your wood, but also restores your wood's natural color and soft glow.

How to stain wood with vinegar?

To stain wood a darker, yet still more natural color, give vinegar a try! You can use either balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, depending on the color you prefer. If you scrub the vinegar in with a wire brush, it will take this great wood DIY to the next level! 3. Repair Minor Nicks & Scratches.

How to sand wood to get a smooth finish?

First, make sure you sand the wood- even if you don't see any sort of finish or top coat. You must sand with the grain (in the same direction as the wood grain). Start with a coarse-grit, and end with a fine-grit for best results. A nice smooth wood surface will readily accept your stain and it will color evenly.

How long to leave liquid stripper on wood?

To apply liquid stripper, spread it around evenly with a chip brush to create a nice thick layer. Leave the stripper for 30 minutes, then scrape away, following the wood grain. Get the exact step by step tutorial from Finding Silver Pennies on Hometalk. Advertisement.

What is bondo wood filler?

Bondo is an alternative to normal wood fillers preferred by many furniture restorers on Hometalk. Mix up your Bondo, apply to the uneven, damaged section, then sand smooth. After, you can repaint the whole piece for an even look. 5.

How to repair a smashed wedge on a bench?

Sand the smashed wedge off smooth to the surface of the bench with the hand block. Repeat on all other cracks.

How to cut a wedge off a board?

Turn on the saw and push the board forward into the blade. Begin cutting random wedges off the board. They should range from 1/16 to 1/8 inch in front, and taper down to nothing. They should range from 3 to 12 inches in length or longer. Cut at least 20 wedges.

How to make Dutchman wedges?

Place the wedges on the bench. Select a crack. Begin fitting an appropriate wedge into the crack. Don't force it. Find one that best fits the crack. When you find one you like, sand it down to fit even better with a hand block and 100-grit sandpaper. If it's too long, clip it off with diagonal pliers. Continue fitting and sanding until the dutchman wedge is still just a bit too big to fit into the crack.

How to use a band saw with a left hand?

2. Hold the back end of the board with your right hand. Hold the board flat down in front on the band saw table behind the blade with your fingers and thumb on your left hand. The side of your left palm should rest on the band saw fence.

Can you use wood putty on a wedge?

It's acceptable to use a small amount of wood putty if you have hairline cracks where the wedge didn't quite fill.

Can you repair a cracked bench?

If you have a bench around your home you're afraid to sit on because it's cracked, you can repair it. The repair must also stop the crack or split from getting bigger. Benches are often exposed to weather and are prone to cracks. Repair them like a professional by using a technique that involves a dutchman. No, not a man from the Netherlands, but ...

Can Dutchman fix cracks?

No, not a man from the Netherlands, but a small tapered piece of wood inserted into the crack with glue. Woodworkers have been using the dutchman to fix cracks for years.

How long should a deck bench be?

From the pictures you sent, it appears that your bench is four to six feet long, far exceeding that recommendation. Advertisement.

What is the tie on a plastic bench?

In other cases, manufactured plastic-wood benches have legs only on the ends, but they have a subtle, different type of bracing in one or more places mid-span: a metal tie that connects the seat slats to the back of the bench. It’s like the bracing you installed but longer, so the metal bends upward and is also screwed to the back of the bench’s back. This allows the bench back to share whatever load is pressing on the seat. Even if the bench back is also plastic lumber, the boards there are oriented so their widest dimension runs up and down, allowing them to shoulder more weight than the seat boards, which have their skinniest dimension doing the work.

How to increase stiffness of seat?

If necessary, you can dramatically increase the stiffness by doubling up pieces of slotted angle. Align a pair of pieces so one side of each piece butts against one side of the other, and bolt them together.

Can you replace plastic lumber?

And another solution, of course, is to replace the plastic lumber. If you opt for wood, use oak or a hardwood decking type, such as ipe. Cedar and other softwoods are likely to sag over a long span, though not as much as plastic lumber.

Does plastic lumber have the strength of real wood?

Plastic lumber doesn’t have the strength of real wood, and needs support. Skip to main content.

Can you put a third leg on a bench?

Story continues below advertisement. There’s probably no way for you to obtain a third leg to insert in the middle of your bench, but you might be able to adapt the idea of tying the seat to the bench back, using the kind of heavy-duty strapping that builders depend on to tie parts of a structure together.

Do plastic benches have legs?

In other cases, manufactured plastic-wood benches have legs only on the ends, but they have a subtle, different type of bracing in one or more places mid-span: a metal tie that connects the se at slats to the back of the bench .

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