This bench is an eye-catching piece of outdoor furniture that can comfortably accommodate two people. The design's curves are whimsical, while the seat is slightly dished for comfort. All parts are conveniently made from standard thicknesses of lumber, but for long-term durability, there isn't a nail or screw anywhere. Dowel joinery is used throughout.
One design feature that makes this bench efficient to build is the similar leg and back support assemblies. Each is made of three layers of 1x6 lumber, and each layer is also made of three separate pieces of wood. Why this design? Together they make it easy to form open mortise-and-tenon joints that interlock to create strong joinery.
This loveseat also uses dowels to join parts. You'll need at least six 3/8"-dia. dowel centres on hand to get all of the dowel holes aligned.
Download the illustrated plans for the outdoor loveseat here!
Strength in layers
Prepare cedar for the leg and backrest laminations at the same time. Cut everything you need to length, choosing the nicest-looking boards for the outside faces of the laminations. Spread an even layer of weatherproof glue onto both faces of each course, working the adhesive into the wood a little. Ensure that the end-grain of the uprights is thoroughly wet with glue. As you work, lay the assembly on newspaper. Start laminating by installing clamps one inch in from each edge all the way around. Be careful to put a clamp at each end, squeezing the uprights into the rails and locking them together in a square orientation. You will shape the curves later.
Wait an hour or two for the glue to skin over, then scrape off as much of the squeeze-out as you can. Allow each U-shaped assembly to cure for 24 hours; leave it longer if it's humid. Remove the clamps, clean up any glue squeeze-out you couldn't reach before, then joint the top edges and the sides. Repeat the process for the other two laminated assemblies, then trim the two legs to length on the tablesaw. Leave the backrest assembly long for now.
7 Comments
I really like this bench is the drawings. It would look great at our camper
I really like this bench is the drawings. It would look great at our camper
I'm just new to this, but can't seem to find if this project appeared in any printed edition of the CHW magazine ? Are the plans available for download anywhere?? Looks like a nice project though and would love to give it a try if I could get more details on it like dimensions and material list, etc.
I too would love to build this bench but can't find the plans!!!!! Where are they?????????
OOPPSSS!!!! Never mind found them
Could yoy please help me find the plans Iam just learning how to use a computer Also learning how to type I guess your never to old to learn at 77yrs old
Could you please help me find the plans Iam just learning how to use a computer Also learning how to type I guess your never to old to learn at 77yrs old