A Place to Sit Outside - Benches

Slightly off the usual topic of outdoor pursuit but relevant I think. For whatever reason, I seem to make a lot of benches. Benches are great for sitting outside and playing guitar because you have room to maneuver the guitar body and neck away from the arms.

I posted this earlier about the Leopold bench I made from scrap wood because I always wanted to make one. It is a great, simplistic design and I love it for that.

I have made several follow this more traditional design. I've made them in varying lengths, always out of cedar. They seem to hold up well, are comfortable and just "look right."

Another less traditional one is this. Like the Leopold bench, it was made out of scrap wood, 4 X 4's form a swing-set in this case. Another that's in the works is a retaining wall that doubles as a bench. Not quite finished yet. If you see any interesting benches, particularly made out of recycled or reclaimed materials, please share.

Modified Leopold Bench

The other day I picked up some scrap lumber. Actually it was the remnants of a loft bed with a dresser and closet below that I build for a relative's son. It was my favorite piece I've ever done. But it had served it's purpose and was time to go.

So I was faced with a pile of 2 X 6's and 2 X 4's of various sizes covering the floor of the garage. Nothing that quite matched the requirements for the bench plans I posted earlier. I figured I could make it work. And it does.

It's a pretty laid-back bench, perfect for watching sunsets and deer in the field across the road. Using a 2 X 6 instead of the plans called for 2 X 8 actually opens it up some making it even better for playing guitar.

If you'd like the dimensions I ended up with, leave a comment. I have more pictures as well.