Are you looking for a unique and sturdy addition to your outdoor space?
A railway sleeper bench might be exactly what you need to spice up the garden space! Railway sleepers, traditionally used to support train tracks, are made from thick pieces of timber that can be repurposed to create beautiful and rustic furniture.
In this blog we will be exploring the trend of railway sleepers, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a bench out of railway sleepers.
Step 1: Choose Your Railway Sleepers
The first step is to choose the railway sleeper that is right for your garden to build a bench that fits your garden.
Frank key Nottingham has all the sleepers in stock you need, our sleepers are available online from our website including, new softwood sleepers, oak sleepers and re-claimed sleepers. Depending on your preference, you can choose from treated or untreated wood.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Sleepers
Using a tape measure, measure the length you want your bench to be. When doing this it's important to consider the number of people you plan to get on the bench as well as the area you want to place the bench.
Mark the sleepers where you want to cut them using a pencil or chalk. Use a circular saw to get a clean cut on the sleepers with the desired length. Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, such as eye protection and gloves.
Step 3: Assemble the Base of the Bench
Next, Lay two of the sawn sleepers parallel to each other, with the cut ends facing up. Drill screws through the ends of both sleepers to secure them together. then, take the other two cut sleepers and place them perpendicular to the first two, with the cut ends facing down.
Drill screws through the ends of these sleepers to secure them to the first two. This creates the base of your bench.
Step 4: Sand the Bench Using Sandpaper
To get a great final finish on the bench sand down the entire edge of the sleepers to remove any rough-looking edges or splinters.
Sand both the top and bottom of the bench to ensure a great-looking smooth finish. Be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling dangerous sawdust created by the sanding process.
Step 5: Stain the Bench
This step involves applying a solution to the wood to ensure protection of the wood from the weather. by applying a wood stain solution external wood surface using a brush.
Apply a thick generous coat of stain, making sure to cover all the exposed wood surfaces. Then, allow the stain to dry completely before using the bench.
Step 6: Enjoy Your New Bench
Once the stain has dried, your new railway sleeper bench is ready to use! This sturdy and rustic piece of furniture is perfect for any big outdoor gathering such as barbeque or just as a place to sit and enjoy your garden by yourself.
Conclusion
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a fun DIY project that'll add some serious charm to your outdoor space! Using just a handful of basic tools and materials, you can craft a sturdy and stylish bench out of old railroad sleepers.
Don't be intimidated - this is an easy and rewarding endeavour that'll leave you with a gorgeous new piece of furniture to admire and enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Get to work and create the perfect spot to relax and unwind in your backyard oasis!