A garden bench is an asset to any garden as it is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Placed in a secluded corner or under your favourite tree, it can be a focal point or a peaceful place where you can relax.

Follow these easy steps and assemble, weatherproof and colour wash a bench from this handy bench kit supplied by Gardena.

Assembling the bench

The kit comes complete with wood glue, screws, bolts and extra dowels.

? It is easiest to start with the seat frame of the bench. This is made up of five pieces of pine that are attached together using dowel connections and screws.

Remember to apply wood glue to all the dowel connections. Let a few drops of glue sink into each dowel hole.

Use a 50mm screw to secure each of the four corners of the frame (see the graphic).

? The next step is to attach the arms and legs of the bench together. This is done using the dowel connections and small 30mm screws.

This structure is then attached to the seat frames using longer 55mm screws

? Then attach the side struts to the backrest using dowels (remember the wood glue) and 50mm screws.

? This piece then slots between the arm rests and the seat frame and is bolted into place using both 65mm bolts for the base (attach to the back legs) and 70mm bolt (attached to the back of the arm rest).

? The final step is to place the readymade seat into place.

The structure is now complete.

The bench kit, supplied by Gardena, ready to be assembled. Apply wood glue to all the dowel connections. Once the glue is applied to the dowel connections, join them firmly. Once the arms and legs are attached together, join them to the frame. The side struts and backrest slot between the arm rests and seat frame and are bolted into place.

Weather protection

? Sand the bench to ensure a smooth finish and make sure that it is free of dust and dirt.

? Using a clear or coloured wood sealer, paint the entire bench to protect it against the elements.

Apply the first coat liberally to achieve an evenly wet finish that remains wet for at least 10 minutes.

Re-wet any dull spots.

? Once the first coat is thoroughly dry, sand lightly with steel wool to key the surface.

? Apply the second and third coats in the same way.

Paint wash finish

To apply a colour wash showing the wood grain, follow these steps:

? Use an enamel paint mixed with scumble glaze and turpentine - the mixture being 1: 1: 1.

Using a sponge or cloth, colour wash the bench, either using circular or horizontal movements .

? Finally, varnish the bench for a matt or gloss finish.


Colour wash the bench using a mixture of one part enamel, one part scumble glaze and one part turpentine.
1. Attach the side struts to the backrest using dowels and 50mm screws.

2. Sand the bench lightly.

Protect the bench from the elements by applying a wood sealant.