We inherited a pair of inexpensive, imported "park bench" garden benches when we moved in; they had been given a fast coat of white paint, which was deteriorating, and two of the slats on this one broke when Grandma Jo sat down, and she's not a heavyweight!
With a baby shower upcoming, a decision on fix-up had to be made. The oak slats on both benches were in various states of decay; I didn't even realize they were oak until I picked up one that was heavier than the rest, and cut into it. The benches were rickety, and the bolts were rusted and bent; there was a fine green growth on the underside of the slats, and the only sensible option was to make new ones.
Here is the result:
I went to Lowes and bought the least expensive wood, knotty pine sold under the heading "white wood" (pine is fine!). Finish is clear semi-gloss Spar Urethane, and Rust-Oleum black spray enamel. My local contractor's supply was the source for 1/4-inch carriage bolts, nuts and washers. The finish and bolts, of course, were the major side of the overall cost.
With a baby shower upcoming, a decision on fix-up had to be made. The oak slats on both benches were in various states of decay; I didn't even realize they were oak until I picked up one that was heavier than the rest, and cut into it. The benches were rickety, and the bolts were rusted and bent; there was a fine green growth on the underside of the slats, and the only sensible option was to make new ones.
Here is the result:
I went to Lowes and bought the least expensive wood, knotty pine sold under the heading "white wood" (pine is fine!). Finish is clear semi-gloss Spar Urethane, and Rust-Oleum black spray enamel. My local contractor's supply was the source for 1/4-inch carriage bolts, nuts and washers. The finish and bolts, of course, were the major side of the overall cost.
