A bench and planter combo design concept.
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Make Some Sawdust!
Chief
Sketch of the Day: Waiting Bench #woodworking
I picture this bench concept used in the waiting area of a “roadhouse” style of steakhouse.
Be sure to like Chief’s Shop on Facebook! Prizes are awarded at various levels of “likes”. Free woodworking plans available here and more Sketch of the Day images available here.
Make Some Sawdust!
Chief
Sketch of the Day: Foyer Bench
As its name implies, this bench would be for a foyer or entryway. Good for dropping off bags, jackets, or slipping out of shoes.
Be sure to like Chief’s Shop on Facebook! Prizes are awarded at various levels of “likes”.
Make Some Sawdust!
Chief
Sizing Furniture: Seat Height
You can’t assume that one size fits all when it comes to the seat height of chairs and benches, but most are designed that way.
Typically, seat height is kept at about 18 inches. However, in some applications (a dining chair) that’s a bit high. So, you may find some dining chair seats at roughly 16 inches high.
I’ve designed them with sizes all over the place, mostly because of the look of the project, but partly because of the function. If the project is meant to be used pretty much anywhere, a utility chair or bench, then I may set the seat height at the standard 18 inches. An outdoor bench may get a little lower, even as low as 15 inches. Why? A lower seat seems a bit more comfortable in an outdoor setting. Plus, an outdoor bench is used by a wide range of folks including kids, and a lower seat is easier for them.
Which brings me to another point: It’s rare that I design seating specifically for kids. You’ll see a child’s stool project here and there (I consider stools in a separate category from other seating) which will be a bit shorter. I do this because I look at furniture for children as being temporary, unless a piece is a specialty project passed along to family members. I made a rocker for my nieces that I consider a specialty piece, for example.
My point? Have a little flexibility when designing your own projects, or building from a set of plans. If you need a higher seat (folks with joint issues find a higher seat more comfortable), adjust the plans – not so much that you drastically change the balance of a project – to meet your needs. If you do make a seat much taller, be sure to adjust the depth (and width if necessary) to be in line proportionally. If you want the project to be more universal, drop the seat height down a bit.
Sketch of the Day: Craft Bench
This bench could be put together in less than an hour and would only require a handful of tools. I like the contrast of painted and stained components on projects, but either all of either would look nice as well. The notches cut into the bases and the rails provide details that breaks up the monotonous straight lines, yet keeps the project simple.
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