Creating A Wedding Bench: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, especially when it comes to seating. One way to cut costs is to make your own wedding benches. This can be done by cutting fallen trees into sections to use as bench bases and using off-the-shelf lumber for the seats. For a more polished look, you can sand, stain, and seal the wood. You can also add a personal touch by using a wood-burning tool to add initials or signatures. With the right tools and materials, you can create beautiful and cost-effective seating for your special day.

Choosing the right wood

When creating a wedding bench, choosing the right wood is crucial. Not only does the wood need to be aesthetically pleasing, but it also needs to be durable and stable to withstand the weight of multiple people. Here are some factors to consider when selecting wood for your wedding bench:

Type of Wood

Begin by considering the type of wood you want to use. Softwoods, such as pine, are lightweight and easy to work with, making them ideal for beginner woodworkers. However, they may not be as durable as hardwoods for long-term outdoor use. Hardwoods like oak, maple, or cedar are more robust and resistant to wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for furniture that will be used frequently. Cedar, in particular, is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its natural resistance to decay and insects.

Quality of Wood

When selecting your lumber, it is essential to inspect each plank carefully. Choose planks that are straight and free from visible flaws, such as cracks, knots, twists, or decay. These imperfections can weaken the structure of your bench and detract from its overall appearance. Ensure the wood is dry and properly seasoned to prevent warping or cracking over time.

Dimensions and Length

Consider the dimensions and length of the wood you require for your bench. Standard lumber sizes, such as 2x4s and 2x6s, can be easily sourced from most hardware stores or lumberyards. If you plan to cut the wood yourself, ensure your saw can handle the width and thickness of the planks. Purchasing pre-cut wood or opting for custom cuts from a lumberyard can save time and ensure accuracy.

Finishing and Protection

Think about the finish you want to achieve for your bench. Some woods, like pine, can be easily stained or painted to match your desired colour palette. Others, like maple, have a natural beauty that can be enhanced with sanding and a clear coat. Consider using a fast-drying, water-based polyurethane finish to protect the wood from stains and the elements. Additionally, a few coats of outdoor paint or stain can further enhance the appearance and durability of your bench.

Signature-Friendly Surface

If you plan to use your wedding bench as a guest book alternative, ensure the wood is suitable for signatures. While a wood-burning kit might seem like a good idea, it may not be practical for a large number of guests. Instead, opt for a smooth surface that can be signed with permanent markers or pens, allowing the ink to dry thoroughly before applying a clear coat to protect the signatures.

Cutting the wood to size

To make a wedding bench, you'll need to cut the wood to size. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, select high-quality lumber for your project. Look for planks that are straight and free of any visible flaws, such as cracks, knots, twists, or decay. Investing in weather-resistant lumber, like cedar, is a good idea for outdoor benches.

Next, use a miter saw to cut the wood to the desired length. For an 8-foot wedding bench, you'll need:

• Four pieces of 4x4 lumber for the legs, cut to 14 3/8" long with 10-degree angles at both ends.
• Two pieces of 4x4 lumber for the braces, cut to 9 3/8" long, and two more pieces for the remaining braces, cut to 14 1/2" long, with 10-degree angles at both ends.
• One piece of 4x4 lumber for the stretcher, cut to 83" long.
• Two pieces of 2x4 lumber for the supports, cut to 83" long.
• Two pieces of 2x8 lumber for the seat, cut to 96" long.

If you're creating a rustic log bench, you'll need to cut fallen trees into sections. Wear proper protective gear and use a chainsaw to cut the tree trunks into 18-inch sections. Level the top and bottom of each section to ensure the bench doesn't wobble. You can also cut the pine for the bench tops to your desired length; for example, Monica and Jess from East Coast Creative kept their pieces 12 feet long.

If you're creating a simple wedding bench, like the one from Ana White, you can save time by purchasing off-the-shelf stud-length 2x4s and 2x6s that are 92-5/8" long. In that case, you only need to cut the two-end boards and the four leg boards.

Once you've cut all the wood to size, you can move on to assembling the bench. Follow the specific instructions for your chosen design, drilling pocket holes and using screws to secure the pieces together.

Attaching the legs

Before attaching the legs, it is essential to prepare the wood surface, ensuring it is smooth and level. In the case of live edge slabs, this may involve using a combination of tools such as a router, belt sander, and random orbit sander to achieve a flat and even surface. This step is crucial, as it ensures the legs will be attached securely and levelly.

For a standard wooden wedding bench, the first step in attaching the legs is to cut the wood to the desired length. Use a miter saw to make 10-degree cuts at both ends of the legs. This angled cut will enhance the stability of the bench and create a more refined appearance. Drill pocket holes at one end of the legs, following the diagram provided in the plans.

Next, you will attach the A-frame braces to the legs. Cut the braces from 4x4 lumber, making 10-degree cuts at both ends to match the angle of the legs. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the braces. Secure the braces to the legs using 2 1/2" screws. This step will reinforce the structure and ensure the legs are firmly connected.

Now, you can assemble the A-frames. Cut the bench supports from 4x4 lumber and attach them to the top of the legs using 2 1/2" screws. This step will provide additional stability and ensure the legs can bear weight effectively.

Finally, you can attach the legs to the bench frame. Position the legs inside the outer frame, and use screws to secure them in place. Angle screw a few of the screws to help keep the legs from wobbling. For added stability, consider adding a tie-in board at the bottom to secure the two legs together, leaving a small space of about 3" below the board.

By following these steps and taking your time, you can ensure that the legs of your wedding bench are attached securely and that your bench will be sturdy and durable for many years to come.

Sanding and finishing the wood

Sanding is an important step in the process of building a wedding bench, as it ensures the wood is smooth and free of any imperfections. It is recommended to use a combination of a belt sander and a random orbit sander for the best results. Start with a low grit sandpaper and work your way up to a higher grit for a smooth finish. It is important to sand the wood before applying any finish, as this will help the finish adhere better and create a more polished look.

When sanding, pay particular attention to the areas that will come into contact with guests, such as the seat and backrest. These areas should be sanded thoroughly to ensure comfort and smoothness. Additionally, the areas where the legs attach to the bench should also be levelled and sanded to ensure stability and prevent wobbling.

Once the sanding is complete, you can move on to finishing the wood. There are several options for finishing, including stain, paint, or a clear coat. If you choose to stain the wood, select a colour that complements the wedding theme and apply it evenly to the sanded surface. Allow the stain to dry completely before adding any additional coats or sealants. You can also opt to paint the bench, especially if you want to match a specific colour scheme.

To protect the wood and ensure its longevity, consider applying a top coat or sealant. A poly coat, such as Varathane Triple Thick, can be applied over the stain to add durability and shine. Alternatively, you can use a fast-drying water-based polyurethane sealant, which will also help prevent staining on guests' clothing. This step is crucial, especially for outdoor benches that will be exposed to the elements.

Finally, you can add personal touches to your wedding bench, such as burning the initials of the couple or adding signatures from guests. Just be sure to allow any writing to dry completely before applying the final sealant to avoid smudging. With these sanding and finishing techniques, your wedding bench will not only look beautiful but also withstand the test of time.

Decorating the bench

Once you've built your wedding bench, it's time to decorate it! Here are some ideas to make it look beautiful and fit your wedding theme:

Stain or Paint

You can stain or paint the bench to match your wedding colour palette or the surrounding environment. For example, you could use a medium wood tone to match double doors at the back of the ceremony site. A rich, dark, neutral brown stain can give the bench a high-end but rustic look.

Sealing

To make the bench more durable and protect your guests' clothes, seal the bench with a fast-drying, water-based polyurethane. You can also add a poly coat, such as Triple Thick by Varathane, over the stain for extra protection.

Flowers and Greenery

To dress up the aisle, place buckets or garlands of flowers or greenery alongside the bench. For example, galvanized buckets filled with baby's breath can add a rustic touch. Alternatively, hanging wisteria garlands can be a beautiful decoration for your wedding bench.

Guest Book

Instead of a traditional guest book, the wedding bench can be used as a unique alternative. Guests can sign their names and messages on the bench, creating a special keepsake for the couple. Just be sure to give the signatures a few days to dry before applying any finish coats.

Additional Decorations

You can also add other decorations to the bench, such as personalised touches like a wood-burned heart with the couple's initials or other decorations that fit your wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions