Outdoor Folding Bench

Most outdoor benches are big and heavy. And as a result, they stay outdoors, in one place, year round, suffering through whatever the weather dishes out. But this bench was made to be light, yet sturdy. With just a quick pull on the handle in the back of the seat, the bench folds up, so you can easily pick it up and move it. And when the bench is folded, it’s easier to store when the season is over. Even though the bench can be folded and stored out of the weather, it’s likely it will still spend considerable time outdoors. So it makes sense to use materials that will hold up. That’s why I chose cedar for my bench. (All the pieces are cut from regular “two-by” and “one-by” dimensional lumber.) Plus cedar is a light wood. That reduces the weight of the bench, making it easier to carry. I also chose hardware that would endure the weather. The fasteners are all stainless steel. A project like this needs an outdoor finish, so I used an exterior penetrating oil. And to keep the finish fresh and the wood protected, I plan to wipe on an additional coat each spring when I get the bench out. One of the great things about the design of this bench is how easily it can be adapted to become a chair. If you’d like to build a couple of these, the plan also includes drawings and dimensions to create that option.

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