I ALMOST THREW IT AWAY! Park Bench Restoration. | How to restore a bench.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Be sure to check out my website for other Projects, Blog posts, Plans and Tools I use! Walkersww.com

[@WirelessPaladin]

Just looked up your video since I have one of these in the backyard. Bought the house a year ago and this bench was in the woods rotten. Definitely looking forward to giving it new life.

[@joemata1410]

Love the step by step method used in your project. Looks great!

[@russellmarra8520]

I appreciate the running commentary. Too many of these have no voice over and leave the viewer to guess products, materials, number of coats, etc. Nice job.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@coreylane23]

I know this video is old but I'm glad I found it. My wife and I are restoring an old bench we found for my mother inlaw and we didn't know where to start. It has a cast iron hummingbird design on the back with cast iron sides like this one so hopefully it'll look as good as this one when it's fully restored.

[@poshko41]

Absolutely beautiful. I’m planning to do the same thing to my grandparents’ old cast iron garden bench. It’s been a rotten mess in my parents’ backyard for as long as I can remember. The original wood is probably not salvageable. I’m planning on using cedar planks. I was thinking of staining, but you’ve actually got me leaning toward using a clear coat now. So many good suggestions in this video. I’m gonna go for the stainless steel hardware too.

[@phyllisbrown5402]

That's beautiful! Glad you didn't toss it. I have two to work on this summer.

[@snipe757]

Very cool project, and it turned out so nicely! I would definitely be interested in seeing more restoration videos like this one.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks! I will look around and see what else I can do!

[@ianneedham7821]

This is the first video I came across with an iron design in the backrest like the one I'm planning to do. I'm really excited to get after it, thanks for the great video!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks for watching! Good luck!

[@tortioustom]

Thanks, looks great and showing what you used is most helpful

[@barryroberts6470]

Very nice Restoration of the Bench and very nicely explained as well. Well Done. Barry (ENG)

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks Barry! I appreciate it.

[@ginnywomack5144]

Thank you for a great video. I have been looking for a tutorial to restore our benches and this was the one I needed. I appreciate the step by step instructions w/out spending too much time on mundane details. You covered everything I need. Can't wait to start.

[@kristineconlan6391]

yes I really like the restoration videos!

[@davidsecor4113]

Thanks for the education. I have one almost exactly like yours that I found in the woods of the house I just bought. Lots of rust, so lots of sanding and I used a pressure washer to help get off junk.

[@jamesbarlowjr.3762]

Awesome Job Bud! Looks Amazing! 🤝

[@TheSmapperman]

Nice work. I like the calm, clear directions and comments. Great audio. Looking forward to watching other DIY videos on your channel.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks so much!

[@georgiannburdette1256]

Great video, good explanation of steps required..I appreciate these restoration videos and hope to see more...thanks for posting!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you commenting. This was a little different video for me and I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@Danh-uk9fl]

Where do youbuy the 1-3 red wood at

[@fastfreddy164]

Great video. I tried selling my benches for around $80 . Didn't sell a one so i gave them to all my neighbors. LOL But i enjoyed restoring them.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Haha yea it's hard to sell stuff sometimes for sure.

[@DarylBambic]

What a great video! A neighbour asked me to restore her bench and it's identical to this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@PenaltyBoxWoodshop]

Cool looking bench and awesome restoration!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks man! It’s nice to have it in the backyard finally.

[@thepaintedllama6391]

I really love this. I have a bench that my husband re did and it's in bad shape now. I have been told by several people to use linseed oil only. Your bench is awesome. Keep doing these restorations!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!! I think I will do some more in the future.

[@petermcfadden9426]

Good procedure. I'd never heard of a Forstner drill bit before. Greetings from North Wales, UK.

[@SonOfPatriots]

This was perfect. I have 2 of these I will be restoring this summer. Great work.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks!!

[@larryc1964]

I watched your video and you suggested one by three Cedar. I kind of always thought Cedar was a little soft but I went ahead and used it and can’t be happier thanks so much for the info

[@WalkersWoodworks]

I'm glad! Cedar is soft but does really well outdoors.

[@fastfreddy164]

I have been restoring these also. I buy them at yard sales for around $20. I also got some for free .People throw them out when the get old and rotted. I use white oak it is a good wood for outside exposure..

[@josephinetorra5253]

Where do you purchase your white oak?

[@Tupacula]

What about red oak?

[@fastfreddy164]

@@Tupacula red oak is not good for outside applications it will rot and split fast

[@Tupacula]

@@fastfreddy164 thank you.

[@sharonmacdonald4163]

Loved it! I’m working on restoring an old bench right now!

[@omardiaz3635]

Wow that came out awesome. I want to do something like this for the front of my home to put on my porch. This gave me a good idea what I’ll be doing. Thank you

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@freshoffthesaw8090]

Recycle reuse! Very green of you!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Lol thanks

[@matthewmulvaney7549]

Nice job , looks great ! Just finished one for my wife , used sepele ,did a patina finish and it turned out beautifully. The only thing I would suggest is to round over the edges of the top and bottom slats , especially the bottom one so it doesn't cut into the back of your legs. Again , great job !

[@pjacks6]

Thinking about doing this. How would you go about rounding those pieces

[@RichRich007]

@@pjacks6 use a router.

[@lisaalbrecht7900]

Loved this video! Thanks! Gorgeous finished bench.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks so much!

[@calvincornick9353]

Great job. This is exactly like my bench. You gave great tips. I am now ready to start today. I was going to refurbish the old slats, but it’s not too big a job to rplace them. I believe the red wood was a good choice. Thanks for the information.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

It's still holding up well! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@liveandletsdive]

Fine job!

[@Highdepthfilms]

That’s an excellent project. Good work.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you

[@miamited69]

Just picked up a bench that I am going to restore. I started to sand blast but quickly decided that was not the way to go. Thanks.

[@lucymccormick1947]

Thanks for the great video. I have the same exact bench in the same original condition. I don't do any woodworking so this will be my first project! I will also have to cut the screws, they are stripped and rusted! I know I will need some new tools for this but looking forward to it. Thanks again this video will help me get it done!

[@terristroh3965]

Excellent! Restoration videos are pretty cool, so I guess I vote for more.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks!!

[@josephgraham1065]

LOL I have the exact same bench was thinking of doing this just yesterday... Guess I know what to expect now.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Haha there you go!

[@donnymcarter]

The bench turned out awesome! Nice work Brandon!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks Donny!

[@bestofluckusa]

Looked like a pretty easy restoration for someone of your obvious capabilities, though personally I can't even change a fuse. The end result was truly beautiful.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great job on the bench restore Brandon! Thank you for sharing the video with us.👌👍😎JP

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks!!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Your very welcome Brandon! Have a wonderful weekend!😎

[@carlmarsteller8649]

I did one of those for a friend, came out so well she found a spot in the house for it. Carl M ... Pa

[@WalkersWoodworks]

That's awesome. It was a fun project for sure.

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

That turned out very nice 👍 👍

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@sunkat76]

Great garden bench refurb. Thank you from UK. This is a lovely clear video and demonstration. Not too long and thanks for being honest on what worked and what you would prefer next time. I just need to get 47 rusted coach bolts from the bench, chair and matching table and I am good to go! ;-)

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@karmatingz5797]

Absolutely love it. Thank you.

[@j.d.1488]

Nice project. Have a Regalia bench. Needs a restore. Cool video.

[@jimstone3951]

That was a great video. Thank you. I have a park just the same size as yours, but mine doesn't have the same backrest as yours. Mine needs what you just did to yours. Restored

[@WalkersWoodworks]

You can do it!

[@TheWardagh]

Great work 👍🏼. Got my hands on one of these today and will be restoring

[@spiritsgal]

Literally working on mine this weekend. Was wondering what to do with all that rust. Thanks for the time save on not using the sand blaster.

[@JordanWoodwerx]

Good job man! I have that same bench, it could use a restoration job too, thanks for sharing!!...Bruce

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching. Better get to rebuilding it! Haha

[@dam7166]

Awesome Job !!! A lot of work…but the finish product looked amazing !!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!!

[@harm285]

Nice bench!

[@lillynnhalliwill8801]

Gorgeous!!!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@shiftyshamsk]

Nice job. It's helped me bud doing the centre metal section, the one I bought had no wood just the iron parts and it had me scratching my head. I used a wire brush and a hacksaw to remove the bolts. I then used a tin of black hammerite. Two coats of smooth. I used redwood too with boat varnish. Stainless 8mm coach bolt's with washer's.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Nice!!!

[@890mikes]

I just picked up one of these, sadly in the same shape as yours. Thanks for some great ideas.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

It's a fun restoration project.

[@johnhannon]

Nice restoration! My neighbors put out one with a free sign and I grabbed it. Always wanted one for my back yard. I used cedar decking from Lowe's for my bench. It is about 1" thick and it should hold up to weight.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Awesome!

[@placey2612]

Help. Im wondering how the cedar decking held weight? (My bench is 4’ and does not have a center brace)

[@johnhannon]

@@placey2612 Mine held up very well. I did have the center brace but I think it would be OK without it. It is just a metal strap. I had to thickness plane the boards for the back to 3/4" so they will fit the back properly.

[@AereForst]

Good work. What make of ruler is that?

[@maryseifert4750]

Good video...and yes more restore videos would be great. 🙂

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you! I will keep that in mind!

[@KnottHeadCustomSawingFabWorx]

Nice job on the resto Brandon! You should do another one for here at the sawmill so we can sit and drink beer after milling!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Haha I'm sure you have enough awesome chairs around there.

[@michaeld954]

I had to give you a thumbs up to get you off trip 6 aslo great work

[@whatscookinglari]

Beautiful job!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@irisrivera7667]

Awesome video, now I know how to restore it

[@FredMcIntyre]

Nicely done! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@95SLE]

If you do another bench use White Oak. Stronger than Cedar and does well in the elements.

[@maryjomusovich3596]

Awesome 👏

[@ITWorksSoftware]

I used ospho rust converter, then metal primer, then oil based paint.

[@BoosReviews4849]

Thank you this helped me I’m fixing to restore a small one. 😎

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Awesome!

[@johnmellyn2700]

Ton of work but it was worth it in the end,… looks great !

[@Dom-pf8wd]

Great job! Any idea where I can find a center brace?I have the bench ends and though I'm not much of a woodworker I think I can get the slats done, but can't fabricate the center brace.

[@neofactor]

Same for me... Where do you all get a center brace? I was going to just try to use a "Simpson Strong-Tie 36-in 18-Gauge Galvanized Steel Foundation Strap Wood To Wood" since my bench needs it all the way up the entire back side... but I do not know if this is thick enough or even how the odd hole patter would work. I guess I will walk the isles at the big box store looking for some metal strapping.

[@kerrirandle8780]

Thank you. Not quite the answer i need as mine didn't come with the metal back so i made it the size i wanted. Now im having trouble figuring out how to fast bottom slats on square. Still great information.

[@lesleycarr1]

This really helpful. Thank you

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@lpaltageek]

Where can a purchase for find the brace for back support? Love your tutorial!!!

[@hardygirlstudio]

Wow awesome job👍🏽

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks!!

[@tinabranstetter9]

please do add more videos! I have so many restoration projects to do

[@TrainingWheelTrucker]

I'm looking to restore a similar bench but the back has a curved shape to it. Any suggestions on how to duplicate the existing curvature? Thanks in advance.

[@mariobueno1204]

Nice work.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@leey7h]

got to do my seat too. but first I need a workshop and tools

[@luzcornier2406]

Good job

[@ahoudi]

Great job. What's the satin wood finish did you use? Couldn't find it at the MAS. Thank you

[@WalkersWoodworks]

It's an additive to the Bristol.

[@peteypops]

Thin down epoxy or polyurethane and wipe on with cloth pad, gives a great finish. Side braces are a good addition too.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Good tip!

[@MrLawandorderman]

With minimal upkeep white oak will be stronger and last at least as long, you have a lot of sap wood showing and it is even weaker and less root resistant. The best wood is thermally modified wood, with no finish it would last 20 years. Made a some Adirondack chairs a while back and to test I left them out winter and summer, cleaned them this year, no finish, perfect. It’s the best kept secret.

[@GrGrMa]

Nice work

[@deantaylor9311]

I literally did this same project a couple weeks ago. I used redwood as well and it turned out to be too weak. At 3/4 they were cracking and creaking with little weight on the bench. Have you had an issue with the redwood yet? Mine were 2 by 3/4 and 48 inches long. With the same metal brace in the center.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Same size here. I haven’t had an issue at all. I’ve sat on it several times and it feels strong 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@deantaylor9311]

Awesome thanks for the reply I was just curious. The wood I used is pretty old and very dry maybe it’s the age. It looked nice I just don’t trust it haha.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Ah that could be. Plus the finish may be part of it as well.

[@kipwilson3771]

I remember back in the 80's people were building redwood decks. I never used redwood on a deck. My one and only experience with redwood was building a table from a how-to book that recommended using redwood for the project. I may as well have made it out of balsa wood. I never touched redwood again after that and couldn't understand how anyone would trust it for something like a deck. Could be why you never see or hear of redwood decks anymore.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

What finish did you use on it?

[@djslimd5710]

Did you use wet-to-wet way to apply Bristol UV coat?

[@myfairladyj325]

Beautiful!!

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@mikeyevens8207]

What type of metal brace is that? And where can I get one?

[@WalkersWoodworks]

What brace?

[@mikeyevens8207]

The center brace that keeps the wood slats on the seat part from sagging in. Where did you buy that or what’s the name of it so that I can buy a new one for my bench?

[@dpodre]

I need to know this too. I want to restore my bench but the underside brace is broken.

[@loriwoodward2890]

@@dpodre mine too! I can't figure out where to buy this brace! :)

[@robertpautsch5093]

@@mikeyevens8207 Go to Home Depot or any lumber yard and look in the Simpson ties section for metal strips

[@JackieW-w1o]

I’m starting my bench and need to replace all of the wood. What are the dimensions of each piece of wood?

[@craigs66]

v nice job - more vids would be good. thanks.

[@kurtsmusicjourney]

Could you tell me what kind of wood I should buy?

[@WalkersWoodworks]

I used Redwood

[@tyronemccoy3102]

Great job…

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@tristanhunt2758]

Brilliant restoration! Have you ever thought about making a cigar humidor?

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Thanks so much! Someone asked me to before but I would need to research it.

[@michelleahern1772]

The center brace of mine is missing..can I buy it new one or can I use something else to strengthen bench

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Should be able to make your own just from some 10 gauge flat bar.

[@Tupacula]

How thick were the slats?

[@WalkersWoodworks]

3/4"

[@mardigrasqueenofthesouth8847]

i just finish putting one of these together but its wobbly.... :( i am not a pro so not sure if i just need to tighten the nuts or if my wood slats are too thin....

[@giovannad.1794]

Can you tell me where I can find the center brace you used underneath the slats?

[@WalkersWoodworks]

It came with the bench. I'm not sure where you could get them. Sorry.

[@robertpautsch5093]

@@WalkersWoodworks see my reply

[@flyinlo1474]

Great video. I am about to do the same project

[@WalkersWoodworks]

It was a fun one!

[@gailzavian3605]

Curious how long it took you to complete this project. I have a "collection" of Parkland Heritage furniture to restore - one fancy bench, 3 chairs, 4 flat backless benches, and 3 small tables.

[@WalkersWoodworks]

I stretched it out over a couple days.

[@sofiaebarr]

Where do you get the wood for restoring the benches?

[@WalkersWoodworks]

Home depot. It's Redwood.

[@robertpautsch5093]

@@WalkersWoodworks Not in Chicago. Do not know if it is a COVID thing or what but none anywhere to be found

[@Fandroid101]

Hey awesome job! I have the same bench and am trying to restore it. Does pressure treated pine work? Also how wide and thick were your wood slats and what size bolts, screws and drill bits did you use? Awesome job hope I can do it like you

[@WalkersWoodworks]

I just got pre done 1x3 Redwood slats from home depot. I can't remember the exact bolt size unfortunately. I think they were 1/4" I just drilled the counters ink holes to be a little bigger than the head.

[@robertpautsch5093]

@@WalkersWoodworks Try to get redwood here in the Chicago area.

[@mmitche5-bx9ms]

Nice!