Hello Everyone, I'm looking for some suggestions on where to find some wood slats to rebuild a couple of cast-iron benches. I would prefer to not spend hundreds of dollars on the wood if possible - I priced out teak and it just doesn't make sense.
The current dimensions of the wood slats are 48" long, 3/4" thick, and 2.25" wide. I believe I have some room to modify this a bit.
I was considering using the 5/4 Cedar Decking that's available everywhere, it would a 1/4" thicker but I believe it would work. I would welcome other ideas ?
I like the thicker lumber for that length of bench and for the cost it could be re-done a few times for the cost of some of the exotic species. The only caveat i can determine at the moment with thicker lumber would possibly be bolt length if the plan is to use the original bolts but there are workarounds with that plan.
I like to re-furbish benches and the only time i can remember actually dumpster diving was the day I pulled a love seat out. GAWD that thing was heavy and awkward. There was enough good white oak remaining I made this chair of it and our daughter had her name on it before the paint dried.
We would sure like to see the end result when you've completed.
I used common 5/4 PT lumber on mine, ripping it to a manageable dimension to match the holes in the frame. I'll try to get a picture of it and post it later today.
I have re-done two and used Ash for both. They are mostly 'lawn art; they are hardly ever sat on. The first one I used an oil which didn't last well for horizontal surfaces than spend part of the year covered in snow. The 2nd one was finished with a semi-transparent deck stain and seems to be standing up. I have no idea what are built with originally - it probably depends on where they are manufactured.
For public benches a Trex type board is used. A 1x6 16 ft is $30 at Home Depot. Much easier to find Ipe than teak at builders supply places and it works as well if not better with its high oil content.
Definitely appreciate the suggestions ! Never thought about trying to find pallet wood - I've actually seen people selling or giving it away on Craigslist; not sure if it's pine or oak though.
Depending upon availability - I might use the 5/4 cedar. I have some of it lying around as I just recently rebuilt my deck
Pallets are 40" x 48" so they can go side by side in an 8' trailer, but I'm nitpicking ya. Spanning 4' with common trex won't work, as we can barely span 16" on decks.
When I rebuilt mine after only a few years. I ripped down 5/4 deck boards, rounded the edges and rabbit cut the ends to fit through the slots. Under the seat I added one front to back board at the center point which connected all the slats.
That was 25 years ago though I did feel the need to paint it after maybe 7-8 years.
I've done 3 and it's been a few years. I ripped pressure treated 2x4s, rounded the edges, used stainless machine screws. I also used 2 pieces of angle iron underneath for support.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could
be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
DIY Home Improvement Forum
A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Helping You to Do It Yourself!