Creating Cozy Bench Seating For Your Dream Wedding

Planning a wedding can be expensive, especially when it comes to seating for your guests. If you're looking for a more cost-effective and unique option, why not consider making your own bench seating? This guide will take you through the process of creating rustic and charming bench seating for your big day, ensuring both comfort and style. From sourcing materials like fallen trees or logs to achieving the perfect height, we'll cover it all. So, whether you're tying the knot in a rustic barn or a picturesque backyard, read on to discover how to make bench seating that will impress your guests and keep your budget in check.

Characteristics of DIY Wedding Bench Seating

Use fallen trees and cut them into 18-inch sections

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to create wedding seating, consider using fallen trees. This DIY project will not only save you money but will also add a rustic charm to your wedding decor. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating bench seating using fallen trees:

Step 1: Gather Fallen Trees

Look for fallen trees on your property or reach out to tree removal companies to source them.

Step 2: Cut the Trees into 18-Inch Sections

Put on proper protective gear, including eye and ear protection, and gloves. Using a chainsaw, cut the fallen trees into 18-inch sections. Ensure each section is levelled and stable to prevent wobbling.

Step 3: Prepare the Seat Boards

You can use pine for the seat boards, cutting them to your desired length. For a 12-foot-long bench, you may need three trunk bases. You can stain or paint the boards to match your wedding theme or the surrounding decor.

Step 4: Assemble the Benches

Position the trunk bases where you want your benches to be and place the seat boards on top. Secure the seat boards to the trunk bases using screws. For added stability, you may want to use three trunk bases for a 12-foot-long bench, spacing them evenly.

Step 5: Seal the Benches

To make the benches more durable and protect your guests' clothing from stains, apply a coat of fast-drying water-based polyurethane to the bench tops. This will also ensure that your benches last long after the wedding and can be used for other purposes.

Step 6: Dress Up the Aisle

To enhance the rustic look, you can place galvanized buckets (a mix of vintage and new) alongside the benches and fill them with baby's breath or other flowers of your choice. This will add a charming touch to your wedding aisle.

Creating bench seating from fallen trees is a unique and cost-effective way to seat your wedding guests. With some careful planning and execution, you can have beautiful, rustic log benches that fit perfectly with your wedding theme.

Level the wood with a chainsaw to prevent wobbling

To make rustic log benches for a wedding, you'll need to cut fallen trees into 18-inch sections using a chainsaw. Before cutting, ensure you're wearing the proper protective gear, including safety goggles, a helmet, hearing protection, and appropriate footwear.

After cutting each tree trunk base to size, use the chainsaw to level the top and bottom surfaces to prevent wobbling. Set your chainsaw bit to remove about 1/8" of material, and adjust the speed accordingly if you're working with a large slab. Start on one side of the slab, move the chainsaw across, and then bring it back. Repeat this process until you've covered the entire slab.

Once the slabs are level, you can position them where you'd like your benches to be and lay the pine wood planks on top. Screw the pine into the trunk bases to secure them in place.

Stain or paint pine to your desired colour

If you're making your own wedding benches, you can stain or paint the pine to your desired colour. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sand the Wood

Use 80-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface of the wood and remove any inconsistencies. Then, use 150-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface and get rid of any coarse scratches. Sanding helps open up the pores in the wood, allowing the stain to set in better.

Step 2: Clean the Wood

Use a damp sponge to wipe down the surface of the wood, removing any dust or debris. This step will also help to open up the wood's pores so that the stain can soak in more easily.

Step 3: Apply Pre-Stain Conditioner

Use a sponge brush to apply a pre-stain conditioner to the wood. This step is important as it helps the stain spread evenly and prevents blotches and grain reversal. Make sure to cover all exposed areas of the wood with a thin, even coat of conditioner. Allow the conditioner to soak into the wood for 10-15 minutes, then wipe off any excess with a shop cloth. Leave the wood to dry for up to 2 hours before staining.

Step 4: Stain the Wood

For the most consistent finish, use a gel stain and apply it with a lint-free cloth or sponge brush. Brush the stain onto the wood using circular motions or long back-and-forth strokes. For a light, warm colour, try a golden oak stain. To balance out the natural orange hue of pine, use a grey stain. If you want to darken and complement the wood's natural colour, opt for a walnut or mahogany stain.

Apply a thin coat of stain first and let it dry for 2-5 minutes before wiping off any excess with a clean shop cloth. Continue to add thin layers of stain until you achieve the desired colour. Allow the final coat of stain to dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 5: Seal the Wood (Optional)

To protect your newly stained wood, you can apply a clear coat of polyurethane. Use a bristle brush to apply a thin layer of polyurethane in long, broad strokes, making sure to coat the entire surface of the wood. Allow the first coat to dry completely (usually about 24 hours) before applying a second coat.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

Once the polyurethane is completely dry, use 180-grit sandpaper to lightly sand any imperfections and create a smooth, professional-looking surface. Wipe away any excess dust with a shop cloth, and your bench is complete!

Screw the pine into the tree trunk bases

To screw the pine into the tree trunk bases, follow these steps:

• Position the trunk bases where you want your benches to be, leaving enough space between them to fit the length of your pine bench. For a 12-foot-long bench, you will need three trunk bases - one at each end and one in the middle for added stability.
• Place the pine bench on top of the trunk bases.
• Use a drill to create pilot holes in the pine, marking the spots where you will be screwing into the trunk bases. Carefully plan the number and placement of the holes, as each hole creates a small wound in the tree.
• Choose the right type of screws for drilling into wood. Avoid using screws that will rust over time.
• Drill slowly and consistently to prevent splitting the wood.
• Screw the pine into the trunk bases through the pilot holes. Ensure that the screws are tight and secure.

By following these steps, you will securely attach the pine bench to the tree trunk bases, creating stable and rustic seating for your wedding.

Seal the benches with a fast-drying water-based polyurethane

To seal the benches with a fast-drying water-based polyurethane, start by sanding the wood with 220-grit sandpaper or a sanding block. This will smooth out the surface and prepare it for the sealant. Wear gloves during this process to protect your hands.

Next, open your can of water-based polyurethane. It's important that you stir, rather than shake, the can. Shaking can create air bubbles, which will leave bumps on the surface of your benches. If you notice that the polyurethane is too thick, thin it out with mineral spirits.

Now you're ready to apply the first coat of polyurethane. Using a bristle brush, foam brush, or rag, apply the polyurethane with long, even strokes, following the direction of the wood grain. Make sure your application is thin and even to avoid pooling or dripping. Allow the first coat to dry for 4 to 6 hours.

Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the bench to remove any imperfections. Use a razor to remove any stubborn imperfections, being careful not to scuff the wood. Remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the drying process.

Finally, apply the second coat of polyurethane, following the same process as the first coat. Spread the polyurethane evenly and allow it to dry completely. You may need to apply additional coats, but two coats are usually sufficient for water-based polyurethane.

Allow the final coat to cure for at least 24 hours before using the benches. It can take up to 30 days for the polyurethane to fully cure and reach its most durable finish.

Frequently asked questions