How to Build an Oak Garden Bench

Watch as I build an oak garden bench from a single sleeper.
/ properdiy

[@MakeSomething]

Beautiful!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you David much appreciated - love your channel!

[@emielhoffer]

Yes! I’d like to see how you did the embossing. Really nice project, Stuart. Keep up the good work!

[@ProperDIY]

Will do

[@simonphilpott741]

@@ProperDIY Looking forward to it!

[@emielhoffer]

Awesome, looking forward!

[@grayscottage]

@@ProperDIY yes how did you carve your logo?

[@Tobybbq]

me too doing almost identical bench and stumbled across this excellent video so any tips would be ace on the embossing ?

[@lilmoneyboy335]

Awesome book that gives you step-by-step photos kzbin.infoUgkxTNB_zFBSnTo_O1PqfVUwgi7ityw0JlKt and directions to make every day project. I can see myself making a few of these projects and giving them as housewarming and holiday gifts!

[@richardslater677]

Nice. I love it that you come across the same problems as me and I have to have a plan d also. Just a thought, I would never wear gloves around spinning tools. The thought of catching a glove in, say, a table saw blade fills me with horror.

[@rodgerq]

Turned out great! Nice and simple design, fits in a garden or in the house. We've probably all been there with the clamps stopping the saw and wondering why it isn't cutting 🤣

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks! 👍

[@eyecatcher1509]

When using a circ saw to cut joints, a better way than using a hammer is to use your chisel vertically in the cut and lever it over. You will find that up to 5 strips will break off at the base and you can remove them in one piece. With a hammer you end up with a load of peaks to chisels off. A tip passed onto me by my dad which I follow.

[@ramibudeiri9975]

Great video. I like how you showed the different iterations of solving the problems as you faced them 👍

[@streaky81]

This is why I like your channel - most youtube DIY channels, particularly around woodworking have every tool under the sun for almost every job, implausibly enormous and powerful industrial planers and table saws that could do all this in one operation and a seemingly endless supply of lumber for making things. This approach is far more down to earth and like how a normal person would approach a task like this, including the mistakes. By the way the issue with your circular saw cuts if you haven't figured it out are the sides aren't parallel - they would need making parallel in a jointer for that to work right (there are ways around this) - which highlights my main point.

[@johnstephen7557]

Hi from Ireland. Such a simple, beautiful bench....I'm inspired to make one for my kitchen.

[@smudgetherealmc]

A couple of tips from me a) the blade on my circular saw also deflects from 90 degrees when cutting sleepers so I measured the angle of deflection and adjusted the base plate accordingly to end up with a pretty accurate 90 degree cut b) I have a hole saw set and found that I had one where the internal diameter matched the size of my forstner bit so I am able make my own wooden plugs from an off cut rather than buy a length of dowel. Great channel by the way 👍

[@adeh503]

Good job Stuart bench looks fabulous, was worried at one point there when you kept trimming the edge that you might end up with a stool instead 😁

[@lucianmorn7273]

Yes please for the carved logo hand router vid

[@gordonlamb6034]

Love the way he shows all the problems with doing a deep cut. Great video as usual

[@brynroebuck9769]

From experience of working with oak sleepers, the width of the wood will shrink by at least 2mm as it slowly dries out, so the legs will become loose in the slots and the screws will also become loose over time. The only way round this is to let the oak dry out (around 4 years) first. Just speaking from my experience.

[@adam20181]

Great vid, I bought a large mitre saw and it nearly cuts through. Just a note the screws should be stainless as the wood tanning eats through steel even coated steel.

[@tahseenashfaq]

Yes need to see show the logo was done, I’m thinking you may invest in a bigger Mitre saw 🤔🤔. Love your channel by the way always look forward to you projects 👊🏼

[@JonahX-ui9tf]

Great job only point I’d make is your supposed to use stainless screws on oak, they look like treated steel ones you used. Over time the oils in the oak corrodes the fasteners and they rust through.

[@christianpetersen1782]

Excellent job. Too good for my garden!! Thanks for showing. I made a similar rustic one from a pine sleeper. I sunk the legs halfway into the depth of the seat and didn’t glue or screw it. It kept in place by its own heavy weight. It lasted years before woodlice and rain rotted the joints away so the glueing and screwing is a great way to keep it sealed and lasting longer (and safer for children). Be very aware that breathing in oak wood dust is carcinogenic and can catch up with you many years after the job and can shorten your life.

[@somewhereelse3813]

Brilliant job, brilliant finish. Again, some great tips to take away to other jobs 😀 The PD logo looks outstanding. Personally not got a router, but would like to see it carved out of interest.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍 Will do

[@davidking6172]

Brilliant, I just got 6 railway sleepers from my neighbours. Roll on summer. Thanks for the video

[@atomicsmith]

Yes, the carving was one of the main things I clicked to see. Please do a video on that. Looks great.

[@BrodaPaul]

Love the flush dowel finish covering the holes. Good stuff 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@harryinhuahin1272]

Nice detailed look at what ought to have been a simple job... I made an oak bookcase when i was in school, and wanted to round off the edges. My teacher said, "No. Oak should be chamfered." I've no idea why but I was reminded of this when you did the same... Incidentally I made the unit with secret, mitred dovetails, and was quite pleased with myself... but of course i was never able to prove it to anyone... lol

[@paulpringle8263]

Hi Stuart. I have found & been advised when useing oak to use stateless steel screws. As any other type will rot the screws

[@carlbussmann7559]

I think you know how to do everything PROPERLY. I haven't missed Any of your videos!

[@keitho77]

Great to see the problems & solutions you ran into left in the video. Projects are not all plain sailing and that is the reality. Well done Stuart.

[@nicowilson]

Great project. Thank you.

[@Quaker521]

Very nice looking bench Stuart, well done. Having just googled it I'm surprised by how much oak sleepers cost locally to me. Very reasonable. Noted! Also, I wouldn't mind seeing your carving technique. Cheers.

[@robdavies9709]

How much?

[@Quaker521]

@@robdavies9709 £44.00 + £6.00 local delivery. £38.00 from a national supplier but I don't know the delivery cost.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@Quaker521]

@@MKRM27 Agreed. I would visit my local supplier who is only a 15 min drive away and select my own. We have timber merchants in town as well but I have not yet looked at those.

[@EireFirst2024]

C'mere the man who never made a mistake - never made ANYTHING 😉😉👍👌

[@sharonmc5192]

There's something about using Oak, the finish is lovely. Nice work Stuart! 👍🏻

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks Sharon

[@brianmoore5238]

Love the no nonsense, honest approach of all of your stuff and the shear range of things you tackle. Also glad to see the use of your glow in the dark gloves for the scale drawing. Some tasks really do need the use of PPE. LOL.

[@philmoran5898]

Yes please do the carving video. Another great video! You’re going to cost me a fortune in timber!!!! 😉

[@ProperDIY]

Will do!

[@merrymick]

Filmed really well showing the problems and the solutions. I love the finished piece

[@deankirk1008]

Yes please, I would also like to see vid on hand carving free hand with router, great vid 👍

[@bluecurlygirl]

Fabulous bench. Aw I felt for your back though at the end. When you started saying about cutting it down to reduce the weight it clicked with me. Such a great build and another great video. Keep up the great work.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@markshaz8691]

This was a brilliant video, thanks great project to keep the missus happy.

[@edwardhammock24]

Great video, yes please to the embossing.

[@janpalmer9622]

Yes please, I would like to see how you routed the logo, I had a similar task of finishing the cut of a large piece of wood, I used a small scrap of wood to be held against the saw blade to ensure it stayed at the correct angle, I thought I would rather have to find another scrap of wood rather than a new finger.

[@OldButHappy]

I bought a Quinetic smart socket and fob and attached the fob to the vacuum's hose with velcro for remote controlling the vacuum.

[@hidingfromu5293]

Turned out a lot better than I thought it was going to be. Good job. And yes I’d like to see the video of the carving.

[@trevordarby467]

Great to watch as a carpenter myself

[@babeksaber2702]

Great Job. Lovely grains Thank you

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@otellogirl]

Great looking 👍

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

Good job Stewart

[@seagreenspiral]

Amazing product, u r very skilled. I love oak, we must cherish the wood and plant the acorn!

[@davidhayward4344]

I've been wanting to make a bench like this for ages and now I feel I can. Would love to see routing out the logo, must add such a lovely, personal touch

[@martinstevenson7462]

Nice job made out of oak it will last forever looking forward to seeing the next one

[@duncanstreet4955]

Great job Stuart - you cant beat oak for its looks - the bench looks stunning - probably to good for outside!

[@TheWardagh]

Really nice build. Especially enjoy the thought process and problem solving. 100% interested in seeing how the carving is done. Thank you 👍🏼

[@ice4142]

I have about 4 Oak sleepers left from a raised bed project (out of 26!) And several off cuts. A bench or two is on the cards in the future. I too used the circular saw from both sides trick and had good success. I now have a bigger mitre saw so will be cutting to length and doing trench cuts with that next time.

[@john3Lee]

I love industrial weathered oak it looks superb inside your house... Far too good for outside furniture !!

[@shanecarroll1989]

So simple and lovely result. This is one of my favorite projects of yours so far.

[@ianhorner9978]

Very nice, you should be extremely proud of that. Yes please to a video on your embossing work.

[@riftcultureuk3729]

Nice job. I learn something every time i watch your videos. Doing a lot of diy lately and done outside socket and fencing inspired by you so thank you very much I noticed you routed the edges of the bench. But didn’t show on the video. I don’t have and never have used a router. But a video on how to use one would be great as interested in getting one.

[@kevinfisher7142]

Yes please for the carving. The bench looks great by the way.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks! Will do!

[@garyhollywell2112]

Brilliant project and 100%ould like to see the Logo carved......well done a great outcome.

[@patmcdonagh8939]

A great project, and a real pleasure watching that bench come to life, many thanks

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Bjeenie]

really, i love it! i truly love it! the chamfer and all, its amazing! only thing i would do different is go halfway through the top to place in the legs so it has more stability, however with the screws i don't think they will go anywhere anymore ;-) Great work!

[@awantamta]

A magnificent bench. It does go well inside.

[@Bjeenie]

i love it when other people also struggle with the circular saw ;-)

[@frazerrennie1340]

Nice video, yes I'd like to see how you did your embossed bit. I'm delighted to see you've only stained one side of the fence 😉. Cheers for your content ✨️

[@richardphillips3303]

That is really impressive what you created from an oak sleeper, a really good looking piece of garden furniture. I may even try it myself. Please do share the embossing as that personalisation is great 👍 👌 🙂

[@aurangzaibkhan644]

Stuart for the Deepest cuts you should use an Circular Saw Attatchment called "PRAZI BEAM CUTTER". It will help a lot in Deepest Cuts that you make in Future also.

[@kevinmorton2520]

Absolutely fantastic, I for one would love to see a video on carving the logo !

[@FusionFixings]

Lovely bench and looks great. Simple elegant appraoch

[@Ralfst3r]

True craftsmanship, came out beautiful 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you liked it

[@griffenb]

Your mock up looked fine. Rustic, unpretentious. Job done, meet you at the pub

[@deanstephens6131]

You need a Makita HS600/2 - goes all the way through a 4" sleeper. Bought one for a sleeper project in the garden recently. Pay attention when using it, though - when it kicks back it's hard enough to snap wrists.

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Beautiful job. Very impressive

[@marklendonml]

Great job as always. I fancy doing one of those for my hallway.

[@anwolfs9804]

I agree, it's too good for the garden, leave it inside! You'll have to make another one for the garden! And yes, I'd love to see how you made that Logo-carving. Looks really nice! Well done!

[@ProperDIY]

Will do!

[@SteveMonk1956]

Lovely job Stuart, thank you.

[@freedmirza3919]

I can't wait to try this out

[@phelliprd6659]

Good work, nice and simple. Greetings to you and your family and God bless

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much!

[@runningpanda6570]

Ecellent work...love the dowels!

[@PaulBakewell]

Great video thanks Stuart. Made me think about the £150 I just spent on buying one from Coltman Bros near me.

[@owencurran4733]

Another great video, keep them coming including the engraving 👍🏼👍🏼

[@paddyboy6155]

Great job, thank you. Be good to see how you do the carving too.

[@adamlawonphotography5219]

Another slick, and thoroughly entertaining video.....more!!!!!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Nice job!

[@douglasgoddard7579]

Love your DIV. Please do a video on the carving

[@williamwales6619]

A masterclass in oak Build. Thanks for Vid.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cdodsworth]

Another great video as per usual. Luckily I have a massive Bosch mitre saw so it might make the cut but it’s the weight of it on the bench as you found out is the problem so back to hand tools ! Personally I think it looks good where it is , bit of Osmo or oil on there and it will be lovely . Oh and yes please to the logo carving video especially if it is a video of you getting covered in sawdust and pulling a grumpy face . Nice

[@kevinsyd2012]

I've now got a lot more respect for all those who built Henry VIII 's oak ships, using just hand tools and primitive measuring techniques

[@dailysleaze]

Definitely keep it in the kitchen!

[@Tattysnuc]

+1 for the embossed logo. Great video. looking forward to the next one :)

[@JohnJones-wo1bc]

Beautiful job. Agree with your missus- looks too good for the garden!

[@ProperDIY]

So nice of you

[@martinsmead4173]

Great job! Carving demo would be very helpful.

[@johnhealy9231]

My wife asked for the same a simple garden bench ,me being me I rushed over picked up two breeze blocks and stood them on end placed two lengths of pallet wood on top ,and run like hell. (Ps I did build her a proper one )

[@Boatlife1964]

Another excellent video. Nice simple design beautifully crafted.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@craigpeel5995]

Yes please Stuart

[@wirelad1]

Great job Stuart and some real nice camera close ups, we like close ups... well I do! x

[@MohammedAli-hw2zq]

Fantastic job Stuart, always getting the fine details! I would love to see how you engraved the logo into the bench.

[@Gprince2121]

Legend! Thanks a lot mate

[@imtinyem]

Well done Stuart, it looks great!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it

[@paulwestlake4278]

You can buy oak dowelling, at 18 mm diameter it round make a suitable tree nail to do the job of the screws and look identical.

[@paulp96275]

Stuart fanbloodytastic great bench ,I like the way you teased us with how am I going to make the dowels fit 😂👍👨🏻‍🏭

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks Paul

[@markirish7599]

Definitely wanna see the making of the logo .Great video as usual top quality workmanship . Editing. 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@cornwallkid100]

Great little project mate 👍

[@richardlock5839]

Lovely piece great video - yes I would like to see how you did it 🙌👏

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Will do!