[JohnyFever]

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 ?



Thanks in advance !

 

[Nealtw]

Teak would be a better bet if you have a hardwood supply store.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

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.

 

[chandler48]

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.

 

[SPS-1]

Only 48" long, I agree that the 5/4 cedar would work.

But that teak sure would look nice.

 

[de-nagorg]

Many pallets are made from Oak, and are discarded, or offered for FREE.
And are usually in 48" squares.

Sure it will take working them to fit, but doable.

I have some benches like that that always seem to be in need of refinishing.

I just sand each slat, (after disassembly) and use a finish guaranteed to last, but am disappointed in the durability.

There is one at my vet's office, that they say they bought finished, and has looked new for 20 years, and they claim to not have touched it.

Since this appears to be the place for asking, What kinds of finishes have all y'all used , and what were the results?


ED

As an aside, in every school that I ever attended, subtracting 3 from 5, did not leave 1

 

[lenaitch]

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.

 

[joecaption]

The newer copper treated wood pressure treated wood will destroy the cheap pot metal over time.

 

[Calson]

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.

 

[JohnyFever]

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

 

[chandler48]

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.

 

[Colbyt]

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.


Do it right now and enjoy foe a very long time.

 

[JLawrence08648]

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.