Creating Wedding Benches: A Guide To Seating Arrangements

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, especially when it comes to seating arrangements. If you're handy with tools and fancy yourself as a bit of a DIY enthusiast, building your own benches for your wedding could be a fun and cost-effective solution. This introduction will cover the basics of creating your own wedding benches, from selecting the right materials to the construction process, as well as some creative ways to make your benches unique.

Using tree trunks for a rustic look

Step 1: Cut the Tree Trunks

Don the proper protective gear and use a chainsaw to cut the tree trunks into 18-inch sections. Level the top and bottom surfaces of each section to ensure the benches won't wobble.

Step 2: Prepare the Seat Planks

Monica and Jess, the creators of this DIY project, chose to keep the seat planks for their benches 12 feet long. You can adjust the length to suit your needs using a chop saw. Stain or paint the planks to achieve your desired colour. Monica and Jess chose a medium wood tone to match the double doors at their ceremony site.

Step 3: Assemble the Benches

Position the tree trunk bases where you want your benches to be and place the planks on top. For a 12-foot bench, use three trunk bases, spacing them evenly at both ends and one in the middle for added stability. Screw the planks into the tops of the tree trunk bases.

Step 4: Seal the Benches

Seal the bench tops with a fast-drying, water-based polyurethane finish. This will protect the wood and prevent guests' clothes from getting stained.

Step 5: Dress Up the Aisle

To enhance the rustic look, place galvanized buckets (a mix of vintage and new) alongside the benches and fill them with baby's breath. Monica and Jess found that a florist provided larger, healthier-looking bundles for a similar price to the grocery store.

Selecting and cutting lumber

When selecting lumber for your wedding benches, it is important to choose planks that are straight and without any visible flaws, such as cracks, knots, twists, or decay. Consider investing in cedar or other weather-resistant lumber to ensure the benches are durable and long-lasting.

For an 8-foot wedding bench, you will need the following lumber:

• Four pieces of 4x4 lumber, each 14 3/8" long for the legs
• Two pieces of 4x4 lumber, 9 3/8" long, and two pieces, 14 1/2" long for the braces
• One piece of 4x4 lumber, 83" long for the stretcher
• Two pieces of 2x4 lumber, 83" long for the supports
• Two pieces of 2x8 lumber, 96" long for the seat

Additionally, you will need wood glue and stain or paint to finish the bench.

If you are creating a rustic log bench, you can use fallen trees cut into 18-inch sections for the base, and pine for the bench top. The length of the pine can be adjusted to your preference, but Monica and Jess from East Coast Creative Blog chose to keep their pieces 12 feet long.

When cutting the lumber, use a miter saw to make precise cuts. For the legs of the 8-foot bench, cut both ends of the 4x4 lumber at a 10-degree angle. Drill pocket holes at one end of the legs, as well as at both ends of the braces. This will allow you to secure the braces to the legs using 2 1/2" screws.

For the rustic log benches, use a chainsaw to cut the tree trunks to size, ensuring the tops and bottoms are level to prevent wobbling. If desired, you can cut the pine to a shorter length using a chop saw.

Always wear proper protective gear when using power tools and cutting lumber.

Attaching legs to a live edge slab

Planning and Preparation:

Before beginning the assembly, it is essential to plan the placement of the legs. For a wedding bench, the legs should be positioned to provide stability and comfort for guests. Mark the mounting holes with the legs in place, ensuring they are centred and aligned correctly.

Drilling and Inserting:

After marking the mounting holes, remove the legs and drill holes for threaded inserts. Install the threaded inserts with a small amount of glue for lubrication. Furniture bolts or screws can then be used to attach the legs to the slab. It is important not to overtighten the bolts to allow for seasonal wood movement.

Reinforcement and Stability:

To enhance the stability of the bench, consider adding reinforcement to the underside of the slab. This can be achieved by gluing blocks or plywood to the underside and then attaching the legs to these reinforcements. This technique provides more depth for the leg screws and helps distribute the weight more evenly, reducing the risk of the slab cracking or splitting.

Finishing and Adjustments:

Once the legs are attached, check the stability of the bench by placing it on a flat surface to ensure it does not rock or wobble. If necessary, use thin shims to adjust the legs until the bench is stable. Finally, polish or finish the slab and legs to your desired aesthetic.

By following these steps, you can create sturdy and attractive wedding benches by attaching legs to live edge slabs. This process ensures both functionality and visual appeal, making it a wonderful addition to your wedding décor.

Using screws and glue to assemble

Step 1: Gather Materials and Cut Wood

Before beginning assembly, ensure you have all the necessary materials, including wood planks, screws, a drill or screwdriver, wood glue, and a saw. Cut the wood to the desired length and width for your benches, taking into account the size of your wedding party and the space available at the venue.

Step 2: Prepare the Wood

Sand the wood to smooth out any rough surfaces and create a uniform finish. Use a belt sander and a random orbit sander with increasing grit levels to achieve a smooth, even surface. This step is crucial for both the aesthetic appeal and comfort of your benches.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Construct the frame of the bench by joining the legs to the top seat. Use wood glue along the joints for added strength and stability. Drill pilot holes at the ends of the legs and top seat components, taking care to align the edges and square the corners. Then, reinforce the joints by driving galvanized screws into the pilot holes.

Step 4: Secure the Braces and Supports

Attach braces and supports to the legs and top seat for added stability. Cut the braces and supports to the appropriate length, drill pocket holes, and secure them with wood glue and screws. Ensure the corners remain square during this process for a professional finish.

Step 5: Finish the Benches

Fill any visible screw holes with wood putty and sand the surface again to create a smooth finish. Apply a stain of your choice to enhance the appearance and protect the wood from the elements. Consider using a fast-drying, water-based polyurethane sealant to prevent guests' clothes from staining.

By following these steps and allowing adequate time for assembly and finishing, you can create beautiful and functional wooden benches for your wedding using screws and glue. Remember to plan ahead, measure twice, and always prioritize safety when working with power tools and wood.

Sanding and finishing the wood

Sanding is an important step in the process of making wooden benches for a wedding. It helps to smooth out the surface of the wood and create a professional, finished look. Here is a step-by-step guide to sanding and finishing the wood for your wedding benches:

• Select the right sandpaper grit: The grit of the sandpaper refers to the size of the abrasive particles on the paper. For wooden benches, it is recommended to start with a lower grit, such as 120-220, and gradually move to a higher grit, such as 400, for a smoother finish.
• Sand the wood: Use a belt sander or a random orbit sander to sand the surface of the wood. Start with the lower grit sandpaper and work your way up to the higher grit. Pay extra attention to the edges and legs of the bench to ensure they are smooth and free of splinters.
• Clean the wood: After sanding, use a tack cloth or a damp cloth to remove any sawdust or debris from the wood. This will ensure that the finish adheres properly to the surface.
• Apply a wood stain: Choose a wood stain that complements the wedding theme and colours. Follow the instructions on the stain, and apply it evenly to the wood with a brush or cloth. Allow the stain to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
• Seal the wood: To protect the wood and add a layer of durability, apply a clear sealant or topcoat. You can use a water-based polyurethane sealant or a product specifically recommended for outdoor use if the benches will be used outside. Follow the instructions on the product, and apply several thin coats for the best results.
• Add personalised touches: If you wish to personalise the benches, you can use a wood burning tool to etch designs or messages into the wood. Alternatively, you can use a sharpie or pen to write on the benches, allowing several days for the ink to dry before applying the final coat of sealant.

By following these steps, you will create beautiful, smooth, and finished wooden benches that will be a perfect addition to your wedding ceremony and a lasting keepsake for the future.

Frequently asked questions