Church Pew Bench

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Years ago my aunt gave me this old church pew for Rick to cut up for birdhouses. I just couldn’t do it - I couldn’t cut up the history or this amazing piece of wood. 

It has sat inside my house, not really being used, mostly because of the size. 

Last year, I brought it outside on my deck, under the roof but it seemed to just become a space for tools to sit. 

This year, I moved things around and it ended up on the uncovered deck, with a patio furniture cover to protect it. 

Good - but it’s not stable and it doesn’t have a backrest on it. 

So … 
1. I hammered two t-rails into the ground (I’d already put 5 in the ground for my gardens so I just kept going!) 
2. Rick found me a 2x6 (?) that really is the perfect length for the bench. 
We haven’t figured out how to best attach it, so, while we wait (and I expect “wait and wait and wait”) I used cording to attach it to the t-rails, through the rail’s holes. It works! When we get a second board, I’ll attach it to the top of the rails. 
3. As for the bench, I have to seal the ends that have been cut, but until then, if I leave the bench out away from the t-rails, I can continue using the tarp to protect it. 
I think some “L-brackets” attaching the legs to the deck should keep it stable and safe. 

It’s close. 
It’s not fancy but it definitely fits with my very-rustic style. 
I’m happy. 

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

16 Comments

Nice capture Debbie. It's always nice to keep some original pieces and put them to use.

Wood is good

That's nice!

-- Soli Deo gloria! ( To God alone be the Glory)

Thanks. 
And .. it is going to be handy during family get-togethers.


Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

We still haven’t figured out how to attach the backrest board to the t-rail post. 

It’s still just tied on. 😳

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

No suggestions on securing- but it looks like a great place to enjoy the outdoors.  And good save on not cutting it up!
Thanks. 
And I agree re: not cutting it up. 

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

Looks like a neat outdoor space with a story attached too!

Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".

Thanks.. my deck isn’t fancy or perfect but it serves the purpose - an outdoor seating for our family gatherings. 

Maybe I’ll do a tour one day. 

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

Nice story and a great save. Could the t-track hold the head of a carriage bolt? If so you could use some short carriage bolts recessed in the face to hole the boards in place. Just a thought.

Main Street to the Mountains

I thought about bolts … but I put the post in with the holes going “east-west”
And the holes through the board would be “north-south”

And my brain stops there … bending and welding of bolts isn’t really an option.

(My fancy-dancy drawing)

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

Try some eye bolts through the holes, then use additional bolts through them and the board. 

Main Street to the Mountains

Thanks.. my deck isn’t fancy or perfect but it serves the purpose - an outdoor seating for our family gatherings. 

And that is exactly what makes it perfect 
Eric!! That’s brilliant. 
Thank you.

Bb1 - yah. It suits us. :) 

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

I haven’t attached the backrest yet .. that will probably be a job for springtime.

But… when checking out my old woodworking, I found this:



This is from when we first received this piece of “firewood” that I just couldn’t destroy. 

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

nice story Deb i love to look at old pews  GR8 JOB :<))))

*TONY ** Reinholds* ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN

Thank-you, Tony

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit